Zambia Rewires Its Power System to Anchor Southern Africa’s Energy Trade
28th January 2026 Zambia is undertaking a comprehensive reform of its power sector aimed at addressing domestic electricity shortages while positioning the country as a strategic power hub in Southern Africa. This approach combines large-scale generation expansion, diversification of energy sources, grid modernization, and deeper regional power integration. A central element of this strategy is […]
Growing Chinese Exports to Africa Push Trade Gap to Record US$102 Billion Despite U.S. Pressure
27th January 2026 Since its introduction, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between South Africa and the United Kingdom has delivered measurable trade benefits, enabling South African exporters to avoid tariffs on goods valued at approximately R50 billion in 2024 alone. These savings have supported export-led growth, employment, and the strengthening of bilateral trade relations. […]
Sierra Leone Marks AfCFTA Milestone, President Bio Seeks Investment
27th January 2026 President Julius Maada Bio has positioned Sierra Leone as a leading example of AfCFTA implementation, announcing that the country has become the first to complete and gazette its National AfCFTA Readiness Assessment and Schedule of Commitments. Speaking at the Forum Friends of the AfCFTA Breakfast Meeting during the World Economic Forum […]
European Union and Mercosur Sign Landmark Free Trade Agreement
26th January 2026 After more than 25 years of negotiations, the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries have formally signed a landmark free trade agreement, marking a major step toward deeper economic integration between the two regions. The agreement, signed in Asunción, Paraguay, still requires ratification by the European Parliament […]
West Africa Industrial Summit to focus on turning trade gains into manufacturing growth
26th January 2026. West Africa’s expanding intra-African trade and renewed emphasis on industrial development are expected to feature prominently at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition (West Africa IMT 2026), scheduled to take place in Lagos from March 3 to 5. The event comes against a backdrop of growing regional […]
AfCFTA SG: Infrastructure, Transport, and Logistics Costs Remain High
26th January 2026 The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has highlighted persistently high costs related to infrastructure, transport, logistics, and trade finance as major constraints to Africa’s ability to benefit from the emerging “new economy.” Speaking at a World Economic Forum session in Davos on unlocking new sources […]