Some multinational brands have exited parts of Africa in recent years. However, this does not automatically mean the continent is unprofitable. It reflects a period of transition. Many of those companies were structured for mature Western markets with heavy infrastructure , import-dependent systems, and slower adaptation cycles. Africa’s current business environment rewards different models.

Thailand’s gross domestic product surpassed forecasts in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven primarily by strong performance in the industrial and retail sectors. The briefing notes that full-year economic growth reached 2.4%, supported by investment momentum and targeted electric vehicle incentives. Government stimulus measures and rising exports also contributed to the stronger-than-expected performance. The data reflect a broader recovery pattern, with industrial output and domestic consumption playing central roles. Export growth and state-led economic stimulus were key pillars underpinning the expansion.

Investment momentum and EV incentives shape economic recovery

Thailand’s economy ended 2025 stronger than expected, boosting confidence in the new government. Data from the NESDC showed GDP grew 2.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, up from 1.2% in Q3 and above market forecasts. Investment drove the late-year rebound, jumping 8.1% in the fourth quarter, the fastest pace since 2016 and up from 1.4% in Q3. Private investment rose 6.5%, led by spending on industrial machinery and office equipment as business confidence improved. The government’s EV 3.0 incentive scheme also spurred demand, with consumers rushing to buy electric vehicles before subsidies expired, lifting durable goods spending 12.2%. Overall household consumption grew 3.3%, supported by low inflation and loose monetary policy despite high household debt.

Demographic shift towards an ageing society pressures labour and welfare systems

Thailand’s population growth has slowed to 0.42% , the lowest rate since the census began, according to preliminary results from the National Statistical Office’s 2025 population and household census. The 12th population census and sixth household census recorded 70.3 million people and 26.3 million households. While the population is still rising, growth is slowing sharply, with annual births significantly down compared with previous years.

Security operations intensify along the northern and eastern borders

Smuggling syndicates along the Malaysia–Thailand border in Kelantan have shifted tactics, using sea routes and landing along the Kelantan River after tighter security at the Golok River. PGA Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said syndicates are now bringing illegal immigrants by boat through tributaries to remote villages away from monitoring posts. Between Jan 1 and February 13, the PGA arrested 84 illegal immigrants (75 men, nine women). The largest group were Myanmar nationals (31), followed by Bangladeshis (19), Thais (17), Nepalis (10), Indians (4), Indonesians (2), and one Nigerian.

Government sets 2026 export targets

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is aiming for Bt142bn in exports in 2026 through about 700 initiatives. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij said the plan could support over 294,500 Thai businesses. Measures include online promotion via thaitrade.com, trade fairs, business matching, overseas outreach, and franchise support. A US trade mission will run from February 24–28, with firms such as Otis McAllister Inc. joining talks on boosting Thai exports. In March, the Thailand’s Best Friend Project will honour around 20 major global importers, while the Special Task Force Project will target new markets including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, plus Africa and Latin America.

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the country’s growing economic influence after presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, noting India contributes about 17 % of global GDP growth, second only to China and ahead of the United States , based on IMF-projected data shared by Elon Musk. She said this reflects India’s resilience and structural strength amid global headwinds, including trade uncertainty and geopolitical risk, urging critics to acknowledge this shift. Sitharaman argued that continued reforms, infrastructure investment and productivity expansion will help close the gap with China. The remarks also served a domestic political message to the opposition, underscoring growth as a point of national pride.

Telangana’s KTR slams Congress after SIT questioning of former CM

In Telangana, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) accused the Congress-led state government of political vendetta and diversionary tactics after his father and former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) was questioned for hours by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in an alleged phone-tapping case. KTR described the government’s actions as an attempt to distract from administrative failures ahead of the upcoming local elections. He claimed the SIT did not follow legal norms and urged the media not to rely on unofficial leaks, emphasising that KCR cooperated out of respect for the law. BRS leaders framed the probe as politically motivated rather than a genuine investigation, heightening tensions in state politics.

Assam poll battle takes shape amid polarisation and fractured opposition

In the poll-bound state of Assam, political analysts say Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is leveraging polarisation, especially around fears about “Miya” Muslims of Bengali origin, to strengthen the ruling BJP’s electoral base. The Congress and other opposition parties remain divided and struggle to present a cohesive alternative, even as welfare schemes and infrastructure development play in Sarma’s favour. Critics argue this early polarising tone might entrench social divisions around ethnicity and religion rather than focus solely on policy. Allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls have also surfaced, adding to the contested political context.

Rare BJP–Congress local front reshapes Malegaon civic politics

Ahead of the mayoral and deputy mayoral election in Malegaon Municipal Corporation (Maharashtra), corporators from traditional rivals the BJP and Congress formed an independent group called Bharatiya Vikas Aghadi to influence the civic body where no party has a clear majority. The largest party in the corporation, the ISLAM (Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra) Party, holds 35 seats but needs allies to secure power. The unexpected cooperation between BJP and Congress councillors could tilt the power dynamics in the 84-member body and affect who becomes mayor. This unusual alliance highlights evolving local political strategies.

Sunetra Pawar faces party leadership challenge after Ajit Pawar’s death

In Maharashtra national politics, opinion columnists note that Sunetra Pawar, following the sudden death of her husband Ajit Pawar (a senior leader in the Nationalist Congress Party), faces significant tests in holding the party together amid a competitive political environment. Analysts argue that beyond the symbolic moment of her elevation, the real challenge lies in how male party figures and rival alliances respond within the state’s complex power landscape. These dynamics come as regional parties adjust strategies ahead of future elections .

They aim to address two pressures at once: rapid demographic ageing and the need to boost domestic demand as economic growth slows.

At the centre of the plan is an expansion of elderly care services beyond traditional nursing homes. Authorities want care providers to scale up home-based services through chain operations that can be replicated across communities.

To support this, e-commerce platforms and large retailers are being urged to better match supply and demand for elderly care services, making them easier to access both online and offline.

The measures also seek to create new ways for seniors to spend. Community facilities such as county-level care platforms and senior activity centres will double as spaces to display, rent and sell age-friendly products.

Elderly care services have also been folded into China’s “15-minute convenient life circle” scheme, which aims to ensure essential services are within walking distance of residential areas.

By mid-2025, nearly 6,300 pilot life-circle zones had been established nationwide, benefiting around 129 million people , according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Authorities are also promoting the development of senior-friendly shopping streets, designed to combine retail with social, cultural and leisure activities.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said it will prioritise the use of health monitors, rehabilitation aids and humanoid robots in homes, communities and care institutions.

To boost online participation, platforms are being required to optimise “senior modes” and launch dedicated silver-economy shopping channels.

More than 10 major e-commerce platforms have already been adapted to improve accessibility for older users.

Additional steps include senior discounts and themed shopping campaigns, aimed at encouraging more frequent consumer spending.

For Chinese officials, these measures signal a long-term shift, as the country prepares for the silver economy to become a permanent pillar of growth rather than a niche sector.

These nations include China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, Russia, Mexico, Ethiopia, Japan, the Philippines, and Egypt, an eclectic mix of economic powerhouses, emerging markets, and developing nations that collectively influence global decisions on trade, climate, security, and migration.

India and China alone account for over one-third of all humans, but their demographic paths are diverging rapidly. India has officially surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation, a milestone confirmed in the UN’s 2023 World Population Prospects.

India’s median age is just 28, compared to China’s 39, giving it a much larger working-age population and potentially shifting economic influence in Asia.

Economists, including analysts at the International Monetary Fund, note that this workforce advantage could help India accelerate industrial growth if job creation and education keep pace.

Africa’s largest populations, Nigeria and Ethiopia, are expected to grow dramatically over the next three decades. Nigeria alone could surpass 375 million people by 2050 to become the world’s third most populous nation . The World Bank warns that rapid growth without matching investment in infrastructure, food systems, and education could strain resources, but it also points to Africa’s youth as an engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in a world facing labour shortages elsewhere.

On the other side of the spectrum are countries like Japan and Russia, where populations are shrinking. Japan’s fertility rate remains one of the lowest in the world, and its population is ageing faster than any other major economy .

Russia faces a similar demographic decline, further impacted by migration and the consequences of the war in Ukraine. Both countries illustrate the serious economic and social challenges tied to shrinking labour forces, from reduced productivity to increasing pressure on healthcare and pension systems.

These demographic realities are shaping today’s global news. At recent G20, UN, and COP28 meetings, leaders acknowledged that population trends directly affect climate negotiations, energy planning, and economic cooperation.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), India is expected to grow at 6.7% in the fiscal year ending March 2026, driven by robust domestic demand, rising rural incomes and a vibrant services sector.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts India’s real GDP growth at about 6.5% for 2025 and 2026, positioning it ahead of most large economies globally.

In nominal GDP terms, some global databases list India’s output at roughly US$3.9 trillion, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy behind the U.S., China, Germany and Japan.

There are multiple factors behind India’s leap. First, domestic consumption remains strong: in the April-to-June quarter of fiscal 2025to 2026, India’s GDP reportedly grew by 7.8% year-on-year, fuelled by a 7% rise in private consumption and a 13.9% surge in fast-moving consumer goods volumes.

Secondly, favourable demographics and a large rural economy are pushing upward momentum. This, ADB cites, is driven by growing rural incomes and the services sector.

Third, global re-shoring trends and India’s strategic push on reforms and infrastructure are helping. The country is increasingly viewed as an alternative manufacturing and services hub for international firms.

This is supported by S&P Global's 2025 study titled India Forward: Transformative Perspectives.

"Manufacturing value added accounts for a modest 17.2% of India’s real GDP (latest government estimate for fiscal 2024-25), against the government target of 25%. India’s share in global manufacturing exports has remained largely flat over the past decade, reaching only 1.8% in 2024," part of the report read.

For international businesses, this is a signal to take India seriously, not just as a growth market but as a global hub.

Hermès reported consolidated revenue of €15.2 billion for 2024, a 15 % increase at constant exchange rates and 13 % at current rates. The French house also recorded a recurring operating income of €6.2 billion, representing 40.5 % of sales, and a net profit of €4.6 billion (about 30.3 % of sales).

Meanwhile, Ferrari logged net revenues of €6.677 billion in 2024, up 11.8 % from the previous year (or 13.4 % at constant currency). The Italian marque also earned an operating profit of €1.888 billion (28.3 % margin) and delivered 13,752 vehicles — modest growth in volume, but strategic strength in model mix and personalisation.

Hermès ’ performance highlights the enduring power of artisanal excellence and brand heritage. Growth spans all geographic areas, with the Americas in particular showing strong momentum.

On the other hand, Ferrari’s ascent reflects its dual identity as a luxury brand and an automotive innovator. The company attributes its growth to a richer product mix, increased personalisation, and strong brand desirability, despite global headwinds in volume markets.

The luxury sector overall faced disruptions in 2024: economic slowdowns, shifting consumer patterns, weaker demand in China, and inflationary pressures. Remarkably, both Hermès and Ferrari navigated these challenges successfully.

These results also tie into bigger global themes of the luxury market is becoming increasingly segmented. Brands that can offer uniqueness, exclusivity and emotional appeal may fare better than those relying purely on scale. Consumers are more discerning, and as luxury becomes more globalised, brands must maintain authenticity while expanding reach.

During the meeting, Xi acknowledged differences between the two powers, saying it was “normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then,” but added that Beijing and Washington “are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together.” 

Trump, in turn, described Xi as “a great leader of a great country” and said he believed the two sides would “have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time.”

The exchange came amid renewed tensions between Washington and Beijing, as Trump’s administration threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, following China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth metals. 

The two sides have also clashed over the future of TikTok’s US operations, though officials have hinted at a “preliminary consensus” for a broader trade deal.

Trump ignored questions from reporters about his new nuclear weapons policy as the media were ushered out of the room. Earlier, he had posted online that the US would “start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” with other countries, calling the move a reluctant but necessary step.

Xi, meanwhile, praised Trump’s “great contribution” to recent peace efforts, including the Gaza ceasefire and the resolution of border disputes in Southeast Asia . 

“China and the US can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries,” Xi said, calling for cooperation to “accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world.”

These nations came together with a simple but powerful goal to build peace, stability, and economic growth in a region that had seen its share of conflict.

Over the years, more countries joined the club. Brunei joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995. Then Laos and Myanmar joined in 1997, and Cambodia completed the ten-member group in 1999.

Fast forward to 2025, and Timor-Leste (East Timor) officially becomes ASEAN’s newest and youngest member .

Today, ASEAN represents over 700 million people and is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. But what makes this expansion so interesting isn’t just the numbers but what they mean.

For a small country like Timor-Leste, joining ASEAN means access to bigger markets, stronger partnerships, and a seat at the table in regional decision-making. For the older members, it’s a sign that ASEAN is still growing, adapting, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. The region faces big challenges from economic inequality to political tensions and competition between global powers like the U.S. and China .

As Reuters has already reported , ASEAN’s new economic integration plan aims to strengthen unity and make the region more competitive, but balancing national interests will always be tricky.

According to Goldman Sachs’ long-term projections , the world’s largest economies will no longer be dominated by Western powers. Instead, countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria are expected to lead a multipolar global order defined by demographic strength, industrial expansion, and technological adoption.

Goldman Sachs’ “Path to 2075” report forecasts that China will remain the world’s largest economy with a projected GDP of about $57 trillion, followed by India at $52.5 trillion, and the United States at $51.5 trillion.

Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan are also set to break into the top ranks, overtaking traditional Western powers like Germany and the United Kingdom. The rest of the top ten includes Egypt, Brazil, Germany, and Mexico, underscoring a powerful geographic shift toward the Global South.

The report highlights that while global growth is likely to slow from 3.2% before the pandemic to about 2.8% in the coming decades, emerging markets will continue to close the gap. This “convergence” is driven by improving productivity, capital investment, and favourable demographics.

In contrast, advanced economies face ageing populations, slowing innovation, and reduced labour force growth. Goldman Sachs notes that U.S. economic dominance, which shaped much of the twentieth century, is unlikely to repeat in the twenty-first.

In practical terms, this means the next 50 years will see a gradual eastward and southward shift in global influence. As emerging economies mature, global inequality between countries is projected to shrink, even as inequality within countries may rise.

The new economic leaders will need to balance rapid industrialisation with sustainable development, good governance, and investment in education and infrastructure to sustain growth.

Current global developments already hint at this transformation. The IMF recently raised India’s growth forecast for 2025–26 to 6.6%, reaffirming its position as the fastest-growing major economy despite trade frictions with the U.S.

At the same time, economists suggest China may have reached its economic peak, as ageing demographics and waning productivity start to weigh on growth. Meanwhile, the IMF’s latest global outlook forecasts world GDP growth at 3.2% for 2025, citing easing tariffs but warning of renewed U.S.-China trade tensions.

For Africa, the inclusion of Nigeria as the world’s fifth-largest economy by 2075 signals a remarkable opportunity. With its youthful population and growing digital economy, Nigeria and, by extension, the wider continent, could become a major engine of global growth.

For Ghana and other regional economies, aligning with this momentum through investment in intra-African trade, infrastructure, and innovation could unlock unprecedented economic potential.

South Sudan is staging a comeback, with its oil sector fuelling recovery. Guinea is booming, powered by rich deposits of bauxite and iron ore and a surge in energy projects.

In Ethiopia, growth remains strong, driven by construction, agriculture, and energy expansion.

Rwanda continues to attract attention through its vibrant tech start-up ecosystem and thriving tourism industry, while Uganda is positioning itself for an economic boost from new oil production and robust coffee exports.

The IMF attributes these successes to smart policy reforms and improved debt management, which are enabling these economies to stay steady even as global demand weakens.

Omani women continue to thrive under laws and policies that ensure equality and empowerment across sectors. The government has implemented initiatives promoting women’s participation in leadership, business, and education, reflecting Oman’s commitment to gender equity. On Omani Women’s Day, officials reaffirmed that women now occupy key positions in government, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship, a testament to decades of progress and policy reform.

Oman and the UK explore new avenues for economic cooperation

Oman and the United Kingdom are deepening economic and trade relations by exploring new areas of collaboration. Discussions have focused on green energy, infrastructure, technology, and financial services as both nations seek to expand mutual investments. The partnership aims to enhance Oman’s economic diversification goals under Vision 2040 while providing British businesses with strategic access to Gulf and Asian markets.

Oman to host new World Bank Group office

The World Bank Group announced that it will establish a new regional office in Oman, a move that underscores the Sultanate’s growing importance as an economic and financial hub in the Gulf. The office will serve as a base for cooperation on development initiatives, sustainable finance, and capacity-building projects across the Middle East and North Africa. Omani officials hailed this as a milestone that strengthens international confidence in the nation’s governance and fiscal reforms.

Agreements inked to localise projects in Khazaen Economic City worth over $718.9 million

Oman signed several agreements to localise major industrial and logistical projects in Khazaen Economic City, with investments exceeding OMR 276 million ($718.9 million). These projects span manufacturing, food processing, and logistics, aiming to create thousands of jobs for Omanis and boost local value chains. The initiative aligns with the national strategy to reduce import dependence, support SMEs, and transform Khazaen into a central node for regional commerce.

China and Oman join hands to promote the development of women’s causes

China and Oman have pledged to cooperate in advancing women’s development and empowerment. The collaboration includes sharing expertise in education, entrepreneurship, and community programs that enhance women’s participation in national development. Both countries highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and policy coordination to ensure that gender equality remains central to sustainable progress.