American Airlines said it plans to resume flights to Venezuela as early as April 30, potentially becoming the first US carrier to return after a seven-year suspension of services. The airline received approval from the US Department of Transportation in early March and is now working with authorities in both countries to finalise security and regulatory requirements. If cleared, the carrier will operate daily nonstop flights between Miami and Caracas using Embraer 175 aircraft, with services run by its regional subsidiary Envoy. The move follows a major shift in US–Venezuela relations after the January 3 operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, which prompted Washington to lift a long-standing ban on commercial flights imposed in 2019 over safety concerns.

Venezuela opens mining sector to private investors after oil overhaul

Venezuela has approved sweeping reforms to open its mineral sector to private and foreign investors, just weeks after easing state control over oil, as part of a US-backed economic shift. The new law introduces long-term concessions, legal protections and international arbitration to attract investment into a sector long dominated by the state and plagued by illegal mining. The move follows the January removal of Nicolás Maduro and the rise of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, who is pushing market-oriented reforms to revive the economy. Despite vast reserves of gold, diamonds and other minerals, much of the sector remains underdeveloped and controlled by illicit networks, raising doubts about how effectively the reforms can be enforced.

Venezuela’s scrapped plan to acquire Iranian ballistic missiles

In 2020, Venezuela’s defence ministry under Nicolás Maduro set aside more than $400 million to acquire a ballistic missile system from Iran, according to internal documents cited by officials familiar with the plan. The proposal was part of broader discussions between Tehran and Caracas over transferring long-range missile capabilities, raising concerns in Washington that such weapons could threaten US territory. US officials at the time pushed back strongly, warning that any transfer would not be tolerated. The deal was ultimately abandoned under American pressure, and no missiles were delivered, though evidence suggests negotiations had advanced further than publicly acknowledged.

Venezuelan police block wage and pension protesters in Caracas

Workers and retirees in Caracas marched towards the presidential palace, demanding higher wages and decent pensions, but were blocked by police, highlighting deepening anger over incomes of about $160 a month in the public sector and $237 in the private sector, far below the cost of living. The protest came a day after interim President Delcy Rodríguez urged patience while promising a cautious wage increase. Still, demonstrators pushed past initial barricades before being stopped roughly 2 kilometres from the Miraflores palace, underscoring growing frustration with years of stagnant pay and limited purchasing power.

Delcy Rodríguez stays on as Venezuela’s acting president beyond the 90-day limit

Delcy Rodríguez has remained Venezuela’s acting president beyond the 90-day constitutional limit set after Nicolás Maduro’s capture, with lawmakers yet to formally extend her mandate, leaving her tenure legally uncertain. A court ruling still recognises Maduro as president, describing his absence as “forced”, while the constitution allows an interim leader for 90 days, extendable once by the National Assembly, which has not held a vote. Analysts say the situation reflects a familiar pattern of legal manoeuvring to maintain power amid ongoing political uncertainty.

Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture is facing growing scrutiny after reportedly deciding to withhold updated national crop production estimates , a move that has sparked debate among farmers, economists and policy observers. Crop forecasts are a critical indicator for Malawi’s food security planning and market stability, particularly in a country where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy. Analysts say limited transparency around production data could affect planning for imports, food reserves and agricultural policy. Agriculture contributes significantly to Malawi’s GDP and employs a majority of the population, making any uncertainty around crop performance a matter of national concern.

Mining company under question over sector role

Malawi’s emerging mining sector has also come under the spotlight after questions were raised regarding the role and operations of a mining company active in the country. The scrutiny reflects broader concerns over transparency, regulatory oversight, and the economic impact of mining projects, as Malawi increasingly looks to mineral extraction as a driver of economic growth. Officials and analysts have stressed the need for stronger governance in the sector to ensure mining revenues contribute to national development.

Former MBC chief arrested

In another major development, Malawi Police arrested former Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) chief Aubrey Kasakula, marking a significant legal development involving one of the country’s most recognisable figures in public broadcasting. Authorities have not released full details surrounding the arrest, but the case has drawn widespread attention due to Kasakula’s long-standing role in the national broadcaster. The arrest forms part of a broader trend of heightened law enforcement actions involving former public officials and executives.

Business leadership transition

Meanwhile, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) is set for a l eadership transitio n after its president, Wisely Phiri, declined to seek a second term. Phiri’s decision opens the race for new leadership within one of Malawi’s most influential business organisations, which represents the interests of the private sector and plays a key role in policy dialogue with the government. Business leaders say the transition comes at a crucial time as Malawi seeks to strengthen economic recovery and attract investment.

JCM Power donates a K383 million school

In a development highlighting corporate social investment, JCM Power handed over a school worth K383 million to a local community. The project is expected to improve access to education in the area and forms part of broader initiatives by private sector actors to support community development alongside energy and infrastructure projects. Education advocates say partnerships between companies and communities can play an important role in improving learning infrastructure in rural areas.

Mexico produced approximately 185 million ounces of silver in 2024, maintaining its lead over China and Peru. The country has ranked as the world ’s largest silver producer for more than a decade.

Mexico’s Servicio Geológico Mexicano (SGM) attributes the country’s strong output to its extensive polymetallic deposits, particularly in states such as Zacatecas, Durango and Chihuahua. Many of Mexico’s silver mines also produce lead, zinc and gold as by-products, helping sustain output even amid price volatility.

China ranked second, producing just over 110 million ounces, according to USGS and Metals Focus estimates. Much of China’s silver output is generated as a by-product of base metal mining.

Peru followed closely with production slightly above 108 million ounces. The Andean nation has long been a major silver producer .

Latin American countries continue to play an outsized role in global silver production. Bolivia and Chile produced approximately 48 million and 43 million ounces, respectively, in 2024, according to industry data.

Argentina also featured among the top ten producers with nearly 25 million ounces, while the United States produced roughly 36 million ounces, based on USGS figures.

Poland, Russia and Australia each produced between 38 million and 43 million ounces, according to the World Silver Survey 2024. Canada, while not shown among the very top producers, remains an important contributor to global output, with Natural Resources Canada reporting steady silver production from mines in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.

India and Kazakhstan also ranked among the leading producers, while Sweden and Indonesia contributed smaller but significant volumes.

Total global silver mine production in 2024 reached approximately 820 million ounces, according to Metals Focus estimates cited in the Silver Institute’s annual survey. That figure represents a modest recovery compared with recent years affected by pandemic disruptions and operational slowdowns.

The USGS similarly estimates global silver mine production at around 820–830 million ounces for 2024, reflecting stabilisation in major producing regions.

The Silver Institute has reported sustained industrial demand for silver , particularly from the photovoltaic (solar panel) sector, electronics manufacturing and the automotive industry. Analysts at Metals Focus note that the energy transition continues to underpin structural demand growth.

At the same time, investment demand has fluctuated in response to global interest rate expectations and currency movements. Silver prices have remained sensitive to U.S. monetary policy signals, as the metal is often viewed as both an industrial input and a store of value.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains its position at the top of Africa’s copper hierarchy. With roughly 30,000 tonnes of identified reserves, the DRC remains the continent’s largest exporter of copper, with China and the UAE among its biggest destinations.

Exports to China alone are valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, underscoring the critical role Congolese copper plays in global manufacturing and clean energy supply chains.

The importance of the DRC’s copper sector is more than anecdotal. According to broader market research, the country accounted for around $19.8 billion in copper exports in recent years, more than double that of its nearest African competitor, Zambia, and serves as a linchpin for key global markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Zambia follows closely as Africa’s second most significant copper exporter, with around 20,000 tonnes of reserves. Major consumers for Zambian copper include Switzerland and China, reflecting deep integration into European and Asian metal markets.

Copper is central to Zambia’s economy, making up about 70% of total export earnings and fuelling broader economic activity at home. Mines such as Kansanshi and Lumwana have been long-standing pillars of production in the region, supporting both local industry and foreign trade.

South Africa and Namibia round out the list of Africa’s key copper exporters, with 13,000 and 11,000 tonnes of reserves, respectively. India and China are among South Africa’s principal export markets, while Belgium and Germany figure prominently in Namibia’s trade mix.

Though smaller in volume than the DRC or Zambia, both countries contribute significantly to regional supply chains and are positioning themselves for future growth through exploration and mining partnerships.

Copper is not ordinary but an essential in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, telecommunications and industrial infrastructure, sectors that are expected to drive demand for decades. Africa’s copper reserves, particularly in the DRC and Zambia, sit along the great African Copperbelt, a mineral belt that runs from the Copperbelt Province of Zambia into the mineral-rich regions of southeastern DRC.

The African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), established by the African Union to implement the Africa Mining Vision, frames this resource wealth not just as a source of export earnings but as a foundation for industrial transformation. The Centre’s mandate encourages policies that promote value addition, responsible mining, and the strategic use of revenues to support sustainable development across the continent.

“Unlike most minerals, gold combines deep liquidity, transparent pricing, and rapid monetisation,” the report notes, adding that this allows countries to convert domestic production directly into reserves instead of depending on “volatile external inflows.”

Despite its vast deposits, gold accounts for only about $70 billion, roughly 15%, of Africa’s total foreign exchange reserves. The AFC argues that stronger institutions, better oversight and more local refining could unlock greater benefits.

“The strategic value of Africa’s minerals lies in how they can be leveraged to deepen domestic value addition and support regional integration,” the report says.

Ghana is cited as an example. After establishing a Gold Board in 2025 to formalise artisanal production and reduce smuggling, the country has begun to rebuild its reserves, and its currency is beginning to stabilise.

The AFC concludes that “these dynamics are becoming increasingly relevant as central banks re-anchor reserves in gold,” offering Africa a potential pathway to stronger financial stability.

Gold prices have doubled over the past twelve months, reaching around five thousand dollars per troy ounce. Silver's climb has been even more dramatic. It rose from around $35 an ounce at the start of the year to a peak of $120 in January, before falling back to around $80. Even after that drop, silver is still up more than 250 percent over the year, outperforming almost every other asset.

What's going on?

The current surge began with central banks. After Russia was cut off from the global financial system following its invasion of Ukraine, many countries recognised a vulnerability. The US dollar dominates global reserves and trade, which makes it convenient but also exposes countries to political pressure. Nations including China, Turkey, India and several in the Middle East began looking for alternatives that could not be controlled by any single government. Gold became the obvious choice.

At the same time, the world experienced the sharpest inflation spike in decades. Supply chain disruptions, the energy crisis in Europe and lingering effects of the pandemic undermined confidence in currencies. Historically, these are the conditions in which gold performs well. When trust in money weakens, investors turn to something tangible.

Gold and silver are also not just stores of value. They are essential materials for modern technology. Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and data centres all depend on them. Demand has risen quickly, but mining supply has not kept pace. Environmental concerns, rising costs and the long time it takes to develop new mines mean production cannot respond quickly to price signals.

Finally, there is a psychological element. As prices rise, fear of missing out draws in more investors. Media attention pulls in ordinary savers alongside hedge funds and central banks, pushing prices even higher.

Ghana and gold

Ghana’s relationship with gold stretches back over a thousand years. Long before modern states existed, gold from the region travelled across the Sahara. European traders later named the area the Gold Coast, a name that captured how central the metal was to the economy.

After independence, gold mining was nationalised, but mismanagement led to decline. Reforms in the 1980s revived the sector, and today gold is once again the backbone of the economy. In 2025, gold accounted for around 64 percent of export earnings, bringing in roughly $11.5 billion. Mining contributes more than a third of government revenue and supports millions of jobs, both formal and informal.

The recent price boom has brought visible benefits. Foreign reserves have stabilised, and the cedi has strengthened significantly against the dollar. This has helped reduce imported inflation, especially for fuel and food, which have been politically sensitive after years of economic hardship. For many Ghanaians, higher gold prices feel like a long-awaited breathing space .

But the boom has also intensified existing challenges. Informal and illegal mining has expanded, driven by the incentive of higher prices. Rivers have been polluted and landscapes damaged. In response, the government has created a Gold Board to tighten controls, capture value leaking out through smuggling and improve environmental enforcement. Special river guards have been trained, arrests have been made and monitoring has increased. Results so far are mixed, but there is recognition that without stronger regulation, the long-term costs could outweigh the short-term gains.

Bolivia and silver

Bolivia’s history with silver is inseparable from Potosí and the Cerro Rico mountain, which for centuries helped finance the Spanish Empire at immense human cost. After five hundred years of mining, the mountain itself is now at physical risk, with collapses a constant threat.

Bolivia remains a significant silver producer. In 2024, it produced around 1,300 metric tonnes and exported roughly $1.2 billion worth of silver ores and concentrates. Mining today is dominated by cooperatives that operate in a grey zone between formal and informal activity. These groups wield considerable political power and are central to ongoing debates about safety, environmental damage and state oversight.

Rising silver prices have brought mixed reactions. Higher incomes help mining communities survive, especially in regions like Potosí where alternatives are scarce. At the same time, weak regulation and limited enforcement capacity raise concerns about environmental degradation and labour conditions. Proposals have been floated to formalise cooperatives through financial incentives tied to environmental standards, but whether these reforms will be fully implemented remains uncertain.

For a country facing a severe foreign currency shortage and fuel crisis, silver offers potential relief. Studies suggest significant revenue gains are possible if the sector is better regulated, but this depends on political will and institutional capacity.

A temporary boom or lasting change?

Both Ghana and Bolivia are benefiting from high prices, but both face the same underlying question. Commodity booms rarely last forever. Prices will likely fall at some point. The real issue is whether today’s windfall can be converted into lasting economic stability, stronger institutions and environmental protection.

In Ghana, higher gold prices have helped stabilise the economy and given the government room to manoeuvre after a difficult period. In Bolivia, silver offers a chance to ease immediate pressures but also exposes long-standing structural problems.

The opportunity is real in both countries. So is the risk. Whether this moment becomes a turning point or just another chapter in the familiar boom-and-bust cycle depends on how governments act while prices are high.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

The (mal)governance of raw materials such as these even led to the resources being seen as a ‘curse’. In the present day, the scramble for critical minerals has many of the same features – imperial powers seeking to take control of the resources for their own benefit. History seems to be repeating itself.

The US’s new proposed trading club for critical minerals, in conjunction with its more domestically-oriented Project Vault, albeit designed to protect technologies for AI, manufacturing and defence rather than green industries, is but the latest example of an imperial-centred approach.  Such an approach could reinstate previous and reinforce existing power structures instead of recalibrating or even dismantling these structures for a socially-just global transformation that does not mainly serve the interests of the US.

If the world is to undergo a green transition, how might it do so without repeating the colonial and imperial global structures of the past? In short, what might a Green New International Economic Order (GNIEO) look like and how might it come about?

As a first step, greater agency and voice for the Global South are a prerequisite. Notwithstanding the uneven global distribution of critical minerals, many of them are found in the countries of the Global South (for example, China and Brazil alone have over 70% of known rare earth reserves).

If they are to be extracted and used to meet progressive social, political, economic and ecological goals, then countries of the Global South will need to have control over their resources and have access to the technologies which will allow them to use these resources for their own industrial advancement. Ownership of resources and access to technology and finance were, in fact, key aspects of the Global South’s proposals for a New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the 1970s. 

The NIEO was a brave attempt to see an alternative future for global economic governance but it failed to deliver as countries in the Global North, especially the US under Kissinger, sought to divide the countries of the Global South by exploiting the differences of interests between oil exporting and oil importing countries while maintaining Northern unity as much as possible, and as the Global South’s agenda unravelled as a result of the underlying tensions in its goals.

If a GNIEO were to be forged now, it would face many of the same problems. The unity of the Global North might be strained, however, as the US under Trump alienates friend and foe alike. Notwithstanding this, many of the current global governance institutions designed to regulate extractive processes, such as the World Bank’s Climate Smart Mining Initiative and the OECD’s Responsible Business Conduct, are dominated by Northern countries.

A coherent Global South response would require two major features. Firstly, it would need to manage the inherent tensions between resource nationalism and collective action. Secondly, and relatedly, it would need China to be a powerful leader given its global dominance in the extraction and processing of critical minerals.

Resource nationalism - and its associated policy instruments such as industrial policy, the support of State-Owned Enterprises, local content regulations and export bans - has resurfaced in the Global South over the past decade or so. Many countries feel the pull of resource nationalism as a way to protect and secure their own economic destinies in the face of predatory external threats.

Of course, this has often led local elites to engage in predatory behaviour themselves as part of the global structures of extraction and accumulation. Resource nationalism – in the sense of sovereign control over resources - is a necessary but insufficient condition for progressive change. One of the problems, from a global perspective, is how resource nationalism can be made compatible with collective action by the Global South, that is, which parts of nationalism can be reasonably ceded for the greater power offered by the prospect of cooperation with other Global South countries.

This dilemma is especially acute for China in the case of critical minerals. It is faced with geopolitical and geoeconomic threats from the US, is blocked by many Northern countries from investing in key sectors and from purchasing some key technologies. China’s response, perhaps unsurprisingly, has been overwhelmingly nationalist.

An examination of resource policy documents reveals a strong emphasis on domestic regulation covering issues such as environmental mitigation, work safety, export quotas and industrial restructuring and upgrading. There are specific provisions for international cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative, for example, and in some bilateral agreements (with Russia, for example).

But there is conspicuously little which speaks to the global level, at how global governance structures could be forged to advance the interests of the Global South despite China’s insistence that it sees itself as a key member and supporter of the Global South. 

At present, we are therefore left with critical minerals, essential to the future well-being of the global population and planetary health, being governed by the anarchic interactions of rival powers. A Green New International Economic Order is needed urgently. 

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

About the authors

Paul Bowles is Professor Emeritus at the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada. He has published widely on development, globalisation, and extractivism.

Nathan Andrews is an Associate Professor of International Relations at McMaster University whose research focuses on the global political economy/ecology of natural resource extraction and development.

Jing Vivian Zhan is a Professor in the School of Governance and Policy Science at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research focuses on comparative political economy, local governance, and natural resource management, especially in the Chinese context.

This opinion piece draws upon the analysis set forth in Nathan Andrews, Paul Bowles and Jing Vivian Zhan, “ Transforming Global Critical Minerals Governance: Is a Green New International Economic Order Possible?”, Third World Quarterly , 18 January 2026 (online first), DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2025.2608840. For extended analysis, see also Paul Bowles and Nathan Andrews (eds.), Extractive Bargains: Natural Resources and the State-Society Nexus , London: Routledge, 2024.

While artificial intelligence and semiconductors are still driving market momentum, some of the biggest gains are coming from companies many investors once considered mature, or even left behind.

Leading the list is Western Digital (WDC), up more than 260% so far this year, followed closely by Robinhood Markets (HOOD) and Seagate Technology (STX). The common thread tying many of these winners together is not hype alone, but a sharp rebound in earnings expectations, renewed demand for data infrastructure , and a global surge in AI-related investment.

According to Bankrate , which compiled the performance data shown in the image, storage and memory companies have been among the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom. As cloud providers, AI developers, and data centres race to expand capacity, demand for hard drives and memory chips has surged after a prolonged industry downturn.

This trend is reinforced by Micron Technology (MU), up nearly 180%, and Lam Research (LRCX), a key supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Industry analysts note that AI models require enormous amounts of high-bandwidth memory and advanced chips, reigniting capital expenditure across the semiconductor supply chain.

Beyond tech hardware, the chart also highlights companies riding broader structural shifts. Palantir Technologies (PLTR) has continued its rally as governments and corporations expand spending on data analytics, defence technology, and AI-enabled decision systems.

Meanwhile, Newmont (NEM), the world’s largest gold miner , reflects renewed investor interest in hard assets amid geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation risks, and ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Even more striking is the presence of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Robinhood, whose strong gains point to shifting sentiment rather than pure fundamentals. Robinhood has benefited from increased retail trading activity and crypto-linked revenue growth, as digital assets rebound in 2025 following regulatory clarity in major markets such as the US and EU.

All of this is unfolding against a backdrop of strong equity market performance. The S&P 500 has reached repeated record highs in 2025, driven by easing inflation pressures, expectations of eventual interest-rate cuts, and continued optimism around productivity gains from AI.

The measures are contained in Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025, formally titled the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment (Foreign Participation in Reserved Sectors) Regulations, 2025. They establish a phased but accelerated localisation regime, compelling affected firms to divest at least 25% of their equity each year, beginning immediately.

From the date of gazetting, foreign-owned companies operating in the reserved sectors have 30 days to submit regularisation plans, setting out how they will comply with the new ownership requirements.

At the heart of the regulations is Zimbabwe’s attempt to reserve select industries for its citizens — most of which have long been dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, but which have increasingly been taken over by foreign operators in recent years.

The sectors now fully reserved for indigenous citizens include:

Passenger transport services such as taxis and commuter buses, along with estate agencies, clearing and customs services, are also effectively restricted, though with limited exceptions.

In three sectors, foreign participation is permitted only where the business operates under a recognised international brand or franchise. These include passenger transport, estate agencies, and clearing and customs services.

For other sectors, foreign investors are not banned outright but face steep entry barriers designed to restrict participation to large-scale operations. Regulations set explicit minimum investment and employment thresholds :

Penalties

Existing foreign-owned businesses operating in reserved sectors are given three years to comply with the localisation timetable.

The regulations explicitly criminalise attempts to circumvent the law, including the use of fronting arrangements or nominee shareholders. Authorities are empowered to suspend or cancel operating licences for companies that fail to regularise their ownership structures within the stipulated period.

State media reports say enforcement will be strict, particularly in sectors such as artisanal mining, where the government has for years struggled to curb illegal operations and foreign syndicates, many of them involving Chinese nationals extracting gold, chrome and lithium.

Unaffected sectors

The government has been keen to stress that the regulations do not apply across the entire economy. Strategic and capital-intensive sectors — including banking, large-scale mining and other major industries — remain open to foreign ownership under existing laws.

Officials argue that the policy is a corrective measure rather than a reversal of Zimbabwe’s broader investment strategy, aimed at protecting informal and small-scale sectors from foreign encroachment.

While authorities frame the regulations as a long-overdue empowerment drive designed to restore economic agency to ordinary Zimbabweans, analysts warn that the abrupt scope and scale of the changes could unsettle investors and disrupt supply chains.

Forced divestments, tight deadlines and criminal penalties risk deepening perceptions of policy unpredictability in a country already grappling with capital shortages and fragile investor confidence.

Still, the message from Harare is unequivocal: in much of Zimbabwe’s day-to-day economy, local ownership is no longer optional — it is now mandatory.

Citing data from the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), Marvey said ArcelorMittal Liberia generated US$1.21bn between 2009 and 2022, yet the government received only US$138m, about 11% of total earnings. He added that unprocessed iron ore continues to be shipped out of the country and that gold and diamonds uncovered during operations are often exported without proper reporting.

“Foreign companies are eating Liberia alive,” he said. “It is the responsibility of lawyers to help close loopholes that allow this exploitation to continue,” Daily Observer quotes.

Marvey pointed to Yekepa, once envisioned as a model mining community, as evidence of the sector’s failures. Despite more than 20 years of operations, the town remains largely abandoned, housing blocks have collapsed, water systems no longer function, and key infrastructure, including parts of the Mount Tokadeh rail line, is deteriorating. 

Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal is reported to have increased production, using longer, heavier trains, raising concerns that government losses may be rising, not falling.

Marvey said Liberia’s legal framework allows multinational companies wide latitude. Concession agreements often lack enforcement mechanisms, and agencies tasked with monitoring mining operations remain under-resourced.

He also described the emerging carbon credit sector as “poorly regulated.” Liberia has no dedicated law governing carbon trading, and only 10% of carbon revenue is required to be paid into state coffers.

Marvey urged the legal community to take a more active role in safeguarding Liberia’s resources, saying the country needs stronger laws, tighter oversight and more consistent enforcement.

To achieve this transformation, the country estimates a required investment of $23.2 million. The priority areas for intervention include transitioning to low-carbon mining operations, replacing diesel-powered machinery with renewable energy , limiting deforestation, improving land management, enhancing water conservation, and building infrastructure that can withstand climate-related shocks.

The rehabilitation efforts will focus on refilling abandoned pits and restoring vegetation with native tree species to reduce erosion, improve stormwater absorption, and support biodiversity. Flood-impact assessments will be mandatory to ensure rehabilitated areas remain free of pollutants during extreme weather events.

The government aims for 90% of mining operations to integrate climate-compatible practices, such as water-efficient processing techniques and dry-stack tailings systems, by 2030.

Rwamagana District, located in the Eastern Province, has been identified as a priority site for restoration. During Mining Week, observed from 2 to 5 December under the theme "Minerals for a Smarter and Green Future", environment al organisation Save Environment Initiative partnered with MMB Mining Company to plant 3,650 tree seedlings.

Tree species planted included Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Umuhumuro, Umusave, and Iminyinya.

"Mining continues to play a vital role in Rwanda's development, but unsustainable practices have caused serious environmental degradation – from soil erosion and water contamination to biodiversity loss," said Concorde Kubwimana, CEO of Save Environment Initiative. He noted that damaged wetlands and unstable landscapes are an increasing threat to both ecosystems and communities.

Rwanda remains a significant global producer of tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3Ts), while also exporting gold, gemstones, rare earth elements, and lithium. 

The sector has become Rwanda’s top export revenue source , surpassing tourism. Export revenues grew from $373 million in 2017 to $1.75 billion in 2024, with a target of $2.17 billion by 2029.

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva expressed the government's continued support for a responsible mining sector that aligns with international standards and contributes to local communities.

"Mining is not only about the extraction of resources; it is about creating opportunities for growth, innovation and shared prosperity," he said.

The sector currently employs around 92,000 people, according to the Prime Minister.

Tanzania has cancelled its 9 December Independence Day celebrations following calls for nationwide protests over mass killings linked to the disputed 29 October general election. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced the decision on 24 November, saying funds would instead be used to rebuild infrastructure damaged during last month’s unrest. Opposition parties have urged citizens to use the holiday to protest the government’s handling of the election, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote — a result they dismissed as fabricated. Key opposition figures were either detained or barred from running, including Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, who has been held on treason charges since April. Thousands protested the results, with rights groups condemning the security crackdown as violent and repressive. While the government has yet to release a death toll, it has formed a commission of inquiry that opposition leaders fear lacks independence. Nchemba urged Tanzanians to avoid violence and embrace dialogue, saying the country must not “return to what we went through.”

Government accelerates mining reforms for economic transformation

The Ministry of Minerals has launched an initiative to implement directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to transform the mining sector into a driver of national economic growth and prosperity. Speaking at a management workshop in Dodoma from 24–25 November, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the President expects Tanzania’s mineral wealth to be managed in ways that generate tangible benefits for citizens and support development priorities. The directives — drawn from national addresses, the ruling party’s 2025–2030 manifesto, and the government’s early-term commitments — focus on boosting production, increasing value addition, and improving sector efficiency. Mavunde emphasised the need for innovation, discipline, and speed across the ministry and its agencies to meet these goals.

Energy ministry calls for stronger fuel systems and youth opportunities

Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba has directed the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) to improve the efficiency of fuel transportation networks to address recurring national fuel shortages. During a working session with EWURA officials in Dodoma, she underscored the importance of expanding fuel storage capacity to safeguard supply and encouraged the regulator to explore ways to reduce the cost of household electrical installation materials to accelerate rural electrification. Makamba also highlighted the need to create more opportunities for young people in the energy sector. EWURA Director General Dr James Andilile reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to ensuring service quality, safety, efficiency, and good governance while implementing presidential directives.

AfDB approves $24.6 million loan to boost Tanzania’s agro-industrial growth

The African Development Bank Group has approved a $24.6 million senior corporate loan to Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MeTL) to modernise and expand the country’s agro-industrial production. The investment will rehabilitate ageing tea estates, convert more than 1,000 hectares into organic plantations, and upgrade processing factories to double production capacity. It will also establish 15,000 hectares of sisal plantations and a new 200-hectare macadamia farm, while improving rural infrastructure and strengthening value chains connecting smallholder farmers to global markets. The project is expected to create over 1,400 jobs, generate more than $10 million in new annual export earnings, and contribute approximately $36 million in fiscal revenues. AfDB officials say the initiative strengthens Tanzania’s agricultural resilience and supports inclusive growth, particularly for women farmers. The funding forms part of a broader $74.7 million programme co-financed by ILX B.V. and MeTL equity.

Construction of long-delayed Bagamoyo port to begin in December

Tanzania will begin construction of the long-awaited Bagamoyo port in December, ending more than a decade of delays caused by disputes over earlier contract terms with foreign developers. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said the port — part of a larger special economic zone project that includes industrial parks and transport links — will initially begin with 14 berths, eventually expanding to 28. The deep-water port, located 75 km north of Dar es Salaam, is designed to accommodate larger vessels than any other port in East Africa, with a planned depth of 20 meters. Tanzania originally signed a framework agreement with China Merchants Holdings International and Oman’s State General Reserve Fund in 2013, but the project stalled after the government rejected unfavourable terms. President Samia Suluhu Hassan revived negotiations after taking office in 2021, positioning the $10 billion project as key to boosting trade capacity and regional maritime influence. The port’s revival comes as Tanzania faces economic pressures and strained regional trade relations following a contentious and widely criticised election period.

Recent figures show the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) maintaining an overwhelming lead in global cobalt output, producing 220,000 metric tonnes in 2024. No other nation comes close; Indonesia follows with 28,000 tonnes, while countries such as Russia, Canada, the Philippines, Australia, Cuba, Papua New Guinea, Turkey, and Madagascar contribute significantly smaller volumes.

The Global Critical Minerals Outlook Report 2024 reinforces this picture. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the DRC provides over 70% of all mined cobalt worldwide. At the same time, global demand has nearly doubled in the past decade, fuelled largely by the surge in electric vehicles.

The IEA projects that cobalt demand for clean energy technologies could rise by up to 60% by 2030, depending on how rapidly EVs and battery storage systems are adopted. Although battery developers continue exploring lower-cobalt chemistries, cobalt remains crucial for delivering the stability, safety, and performance required in many advanced battery designs.

Growing demand from the United States and European Union coincides with efforts by both regions to reduce reliance on single-country supply chains. Meanwhile, China retains a dominant role in cobalt refining, adding another layer of strategic complexity.

Indonesia’s rise as the world’s second-largest producer stems from rapid investment in its nickel and cobalt industries , which support its burgeoning battery manufacturing sector. At the same time, countries such as Australia, Canada, and the Philippines are positioning themselves as stable, regulation-friendly alternatives for manufacturers seeking diversified supply sources.

Ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, sanctions involving Russia, and evolving mining regulations across parts of Africa are also influencing supply dynamics and reshaping investor strategies.

“We have no other occupations apart from the mining site,” she explains. “Going to the fields currently puts our lives at risk because of the ADF rebels,” she told Viory.

Armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have intensified attacks across eastern DRC, driving thousands from their homes. Local officials warn of daily displacement due to the worsening security crisis. “Mining is what keeps this population alive,” said Monga Mabanga Julio, the governor’s delegate in Njiapanda-Manguredjipa.

According to Oxfam , for every 3kg of Congolese cobalt, Tesla may generate over $3,000 in profit, while the Congolese government earns under $10 in royalties, and miners like Josephine receive barely $7.

Local leaders argue the mineral wealth could still rebuild the nation if managed properly.

“These reserves will allow the Congolese state to finance roads, hospitals, and schools ,” said Katembo Lughala Josue, a mining official.

Despite holding over 70% of the world ’s cobalt supply, the DRC’s mining industry remains plagued by insecurity, poverty, and exploitation.

BMI , a Fitch Solutions research firm, is projecting growth of 5.4% in 2025 and a dramatic jump to 7.4% in 2026, easily outpacing many of Zambia’s regional peers.

Inflation, which peaked at 16.8% in February, has eased to 12.3% by September, boosting household purchasing power.

Meanwhile, agriculture continues to recover strongly and hydroelectric production is improving the electricity supply, a long-standing pain point for businesses. But the single most important driver is copper, Zambia’s flagship export. Major mine expansions and foreign-backed investments are expected to push copper production up 10% next year, compared to a 6% rise this year.

“With copper prices climbing and production ramping up, Zambia is well positioned to ride a powerful commodity wave,” BMI analysts noted.

BMI forecasts a 150 basis point cut to the policy rate, down to 13% by year-end, as inflation stabilises within the 6 - 8% target range.

Cheaper credit would encourage household consumption and enable private sector investment, helping spread the benefits of growth beyond the mining belt.

Beyond steel , manganese is vital in nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-manganese oxide (LMO) batteries, technologies central to China’s EV sector. Ensuring steady, high-grade supplies has therefore become essential to Beijing’s industrial strategy.

Gabon is the world’s second-largest producer of manganese, with reserves estimated at 250 million tonnes, concentrated in the Moanda region. Its ore, often exceeding 46% manganese content, is among the highest quality globally.

Until now, Gabon largely exported raw ore, with limited local processing. But that model is changing as Libreville has announced a ban on raw manganese exports from 2029, requiring foreign companies to invest in domestic processing. Mines Minister Gilles Nembé has described the policy as a step to make Gabon “a competitive industrial hub in the mining sector.”

In September, a delegation of seven Chinese firms met Gabonese authorities to propose building an integrated industrial zone for manganese processing. Companies such as Inner Mongolia Xinchuan Metallurgy pledged to transfer smelting technology and establish facilities for alloys and battery-grade products. This approach goes beyond mining, embedding China deeper into Gabon’s value chain.

China’s push comes amid rising competition from Japanese investors, who also signalled plans in July 2025 to invest in Gabon’s processing industry, seeking to secure supplies for steelmaking and EV technologies while diversifying away from Chinese dominance.

For Gabon, these rival bids offer leverage with foreign competition accelerating investment, expanding job creation, and boosting value-added industries. For China, securing processed manganese in Gabon reduces reliance on volatile global markets while tightening control over critical mineral supply chains.

As the 2029 export ban nears, Gabon’s manganese could become a flashpoint in the global race for battery metals, shaping Africa ’s role in the green energy transition and testing how far China’s industrial strategy can reach.

The Chadian government has finalised an agreement with the Comité Diffa Al-Watan de Miski, a group representing local interests in the Miski region. This deal is seen as a significant step toward stabilising the resource-rich area, which has faced tensions over mining rights and local autonomy. Analysts suggest that the agreement could bring greater government oversight to artisanal gold mining operations, while also addressing long-standing community grievances about marginalisation and environmental degradation.

Weapons cache displayed in Goz-Beïda

Authorities in the Sila region showcased a large cache of war weapons to the press in Goz-Beïda. The arms, reportedly seized during recent security operations, are believed to have originated from cross-border smuggling networks operating near Sudan. The public display underscores Chad’s ongoing security challenges in its eastern regions, where porous borders have allowed weapons trafficking to fuel instability and armed group activity.

New coordination committee for women’s economic empowerment

In an important development for gender equality, Chad has launched a national coordination committee aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment. The initiative seeks to harmonise efforts across government ministries, NGOs, and international partners to expand women’s access to credit, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Observers see this as aligning with Chad’s broader goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 to boost inclusive growth and women’s participation in the economy.

Agreement with Miski stakeholders seen as conflict prevention

Political commentators are highlighting the Miski agreement as more than just a local settlement, framing it as a tool for conflict prevention in a historically restive region. By formalising cooperation with local committees, the government hopes to integrate community leaders into national governance structures, thereby reducing the likelihood of violent flare-ups over land and mining disputes.

Sila Region Security Crackdown Highlights Regional Risks

The recent weapons seizure in Sila also illustrates the fragile security environment in Chad’s borderlands. Experts warn that instability in neighbouring Sudan and the presence of transnational armed groups pose risks that require sustained government vigilance. The crackdown is part of a broader campaign to secure Chad’s borders ahead of upcoming local elections, ensuring that political processes are not disrupted by violence.

Mass protests were sparked in Indonesia after reports that MPs receive a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (US$3,000) per month, on top of their salaries. Tensions escalated when a police vehicle killed a motorcycle taxi driver, fueling unrest that left five dead, financial markets reeling, and state buildings, including MPs’ residences, vandalised. President Prabowo conceded to revoking perks, while condemning protesters as “treasonous.”

Lawmakers’ allowances revoked

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has moved to defuse public anger by revoking lawmakers’ housing and travel allowances following violent protests across the country. Demonstrations initially broke out in Jakarta after it emerged that all 580 members of parliament were receiving monthly housing allowances of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) in addition to their salaries. The protests escalated after a police tactical vehicle struck and killed a motorcycle taxi driver, leading to days of unrest that saw several regional parliament buildings set ablaze.

Crackdown on illegal mining

Indonesia's forestry task force has launched a major operation targeting illegal mining across 4.27 million hectares of forest. While criminal prosecutions may follow, the immediate priority is reclaiming profits from exploiters and handing operations over to state agencies under government management. The crackdown derives from President Prabowo Subianto’s earlier pledge in his first state-of-the-nation address, where he revealed that 5 million hectares of palm plantations and forest land were under scrutiny for unauthorised conversion and failure to secure permits.

Largest-ever multinational drill

Indonesia is hosting Super Garuda Shield 2025, its largest-ever joint military exercise involving 6,500 troops from 13 countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. The 11-day dril l features live-fire exercises, amphibious landings, and joint airborne operations. For the first time, U.S. forces conducted a live-fire Stinger missile exercise on Indonesian soil, highlighting closer security cooperation between Washington and Jakarta.

President cancels china visit

President Prabowo Subianto has cancelled his slated trip to China as nationwide protests over MPs’ housing allowances intensified. Demonstrations, which began over the controversial ₱50 million/month housing perks, escalated after a police vehicle fatally struck a motorcycle driver. Protesters have since vandalised several regional parliament buildings, prompting the president to stay home and summon social media platforms like TikTok and Meta to rein in misinformation.

Chile leads with about 5.3 million tonnes of copper mined in 2024 and 2025, more than any other country. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has rocketed into second place with roughly 3.3 million tonnes, while Peru follows at 2.6 million tonnes, trailed by China and Indonesia (1.8 million and 1.1 million tonnes, respectively).

These figures align with production estimates compiled by the United States Geological Survey .

According to the USGS’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025 , Chile holds 190 metric tonnes in reserves , making it a cornerstone of global supply. The DRC's reserves are also estimated at 80 metric tonnes, underpinning its long‑term potential.

Peru mined 2.6 metric tonnes of copper and holds 100 metric tonnes in reserves. China , meanwhile, produced about 1.8 metric tonnes and maintains 41 metric tonnes of reserves. China’s domestic production has increased by 277 % over three decades.

The USGS estimates world copper reserves at about 980 million tonnes, with mine production reaching ~23 million tonnes in 2024. Identified resources contain 1.5 billion tonnes of unextracted copper, and undiscovered resources could hold another 3.5 billion tonnes.

These numbers highlight both the abundance of copper and the challenges of extracting it economically.

Copper demand is accelerating due to growth in electric vehicles, renewable‑energy installations and data-centre infrastructure . While Chile and Peru still account for roughly one‑third of global output, the DRC’s surge underscores how shifting investment patterns and geopolitical factors can rapidly reshape supply chains.

With world copper reserves concentrated in a few countries and production often vulnerable to social and environmental disruptions, analysts warn that supply bottlenecks could emerge during the energy transition.

In 2024, global gold production reached approximately 3,661 metric tonnes, setting a new record amid surging demand from central banks and investors worldwide. But which nations are driving this output, and how do they rank on the global stage?

China

China remains the world’s largest gold producer, responsible for approximately 380 metric tonnes in 2024, around 10–11% of global production. Much of this comes from state-owned companies that dominate the mining sector, alongside global exploration projects tied to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Russia

Russia retained its position as the second-largest producer, yielding roughly 310 metric tonnes in 2024. Despite geopolitical challenges and sanctions, the country’s mining sector remains robust, with gold exports forming an important part of its resource-driven economy.

Australia

Australia ranked third globally with 290–300 metric tonnes of gold mined last year. The country’s prolific reserves in Western Australia continue to sustain its role as one of the world’s gold mining hubs, supported by a mature regulatory and industrial environment.

Canada

Canada produced around 200 metric tonnes in 2024, keeping its place among the top five gold producers. Most of its output comes from mining centres in Ontario and Quebec, where leading firms like Agnico Eagle and Newmont operate major projects.

United States

The United States rounds out the top five with about 160 metric tonnes of production in 2024. The majority comes from Nevada, home to Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Newmont, alongside additional production from Alaska.

Together, these five countries account for nearly half of all newly mined gold worldwide. Their output not only underpins global jewellery and technology industries but also shapes financial markets, where gold remains a hedge against inflation and instability.

At the corporate level, mining giants like Newmont (6.7 million ounces in 2024) and Barrick Gold (3.9 million ounces) dominate production and investment flows, reinforcing the global concentration of gold supply.

On August 20, 2025, President Daniel Noboa signed Decree No. 109 extending the state of emergency to La Maná (Cotopaxi) and Las Naves and Echeandía (Bolívar), citing rising violence from armed groups using these areas as strategic hubs. The measure authorises inspections, raids, seizures, and surveillance of communications to combat organised crime and protect public order.

Massive support for cannabis regulation

The Network of Cannabis Organisations of Ecuador (REDCAN) submitted 20,000 signatures to the National Assembly to push a bill regulating cannabis use. Admitted by the CNE in January 2025, the initiative requires 35,000 signatures—15,000 more are expected to be collected by October.

Anti-mining protests

Indigenous, peasant, and worker leaders in Azuay announced protests in September against mining in Quimsacocha, demanding the government revoke the Loma Larga project’s license. FOA president Lauro Sigcha warned of an 'indefinite uprising' starting September 23 if demands are unmet, including roadblocks and strikes. Demonstrations begin September 16 in Cuenca, alongside legal actions citing flaws in prior consultation.

Government launches National Public Health Committee

On August 21, the government held the first session of the National Public Health Committee (Consap), created by President Daniel Noboa days earlier. Authorities announced a nationwide bulk purchase of medicines and supplies and set a roadmap to strengthen hospitals and health centres. The meeting, led by Health Minister Jimmy Martin with Vice President María José Pinto and other officials, confirmed $200 million had been allocated, of which $100 million was already spent. Officials pledged to combat corruption, ensure transparency, and guarantee supply across the health network.

Guayas and Manabí: epicentres of criminal violence in Ecuador

Ecuador’s coastal provinces face worsening violence, led by Guayas and Manabí, long considered strategic hubs for drug trafficking. Both are under a state of emergency amid rising crime and over 5,000 homicides nationwide in the first seven months of 2025—double or triple 2021 levels. Guayas alone saw more than 2,500 murders, while Manabí recorded nearly 700. Los Ríos and El Oro also remain under emergency, with homicide rates sharply up since 2021.

According to the latest figures from World Visualised, combined with data from the  Silver Institute  and Mining Data Online, five countries dominate global silver production: Mexico, China, Peru, Chile, and Bolivia.

Based on the latest estimates, the leading silver-producing countries are:

The Silver Institute’s 2024 report notes that global mine production slightly contracted in recent years but is stabilising. Increases from Chile and Bolivia offset declines in other regions, while Mexico remains the bedrock of supply. Importantly, about 70–80% of silver is produced as a byproduct of mining other metals, linking its output to broader industrial demand.

South Africa’s High Court has ordered the release of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s body to enable repatriation to Zambia for a state funeral. The ruling directs family members to surrender the remains to Zambian government representatives. A month earlier, IOL reported that Zambia had pledged to respect the South African courts’ decision amid a tense burial dispute.

Zambia protests US visa bond policy

The Zambian government has voiced strong opposition to a new United States visa policy requiring some of its citizens to pay refundable bonds of up to $15,000. The measure, originally enacted under the Trump administration, also affects Malawi and targets specific visa categories to deter overstays. Zambia’s statement, issued on Friday, August 8, warned that the bonds would place an unnecessary financial burden on travellers.

Zambia and Malawi sign agricultural trade pact

Zambia and Malawi have signed a mutual recognition agreement to boost trade in agricultural commodities, including maize, sorghum, rice, soybeans, beans, and groundnuts. Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri said on Monday, August 11, that the agreement will enhance trade flows and contribute to economic growth in both countries.

Japan praised for health sector support

The Zambian government has expressed gratitude to Japan for its sustained support in combating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria through the Global Fund. Health Minister Elijah Muchima, meeting Japanese parliamentarians in Lusaka, noted Zambia’s surpassing of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV targets, a decline in TB cases from 391 per 100,000 in 2015 to 283 in 2023, and a reduction in TB-related deaths from 115 per 100,000 in 2013 to 24 in 2024.

US issues health alert over toxic mine spill

The U.S. embassy in Zambia has warned personnel to avoid the area around the Chinese-owned Sino Metals Leach Mine near Kitwe, citing “hazardous and carcinogenic substances” released in a February 18 dam spill. The embassy’s August 6 alert warned of widespread contamination from toxic heavy metals in water and soil. Critics allege the Zambian government’s inaction is linked to the country’s $4 billion debt to Chinese lenders.

Below is a list of leading diamond economies:

While Russia and Botswana dominate the market, Canada and Angola are tied in third place, each producing $1.5 billion in diamonds annually. Namibia also joins the elite with over a billion dollars in annual output, showcasing southern Africa's continued prominence in the industry.

Southern Africa is especially significant in the global diamond economy. The region is home to five of the world’s top producers , with Botswana, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe contributing billions in combined value.

Botswana’s economic stability and infrastructure are closely tied to the diamond trade, accounting for over 80% of its export revenue . Similarly, Namibia’s off-shore diamond mining efforts and Angola’s post-conflict industry revival reflect how deeply embedded diamonds are in regional development.

Though Africa leads in volume and value, Canada stands out as the only top producer outside of the Eastern Hemisphere, leveraging arctic mining operations in territories like Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Meanwhile, Brazil and Australia also contribute to the global diamond market but at significantly lower levels—$25 million and $65 million, respectively.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to acquire a two-thirds stake in a New York property near Central Park for approximately US$200 million . The investment pertains to a site where Related plans to build a 366-metre tower on 625 Madison Ave. with strong ties between PIF and Related dating back to prior investments. This move highlights the significant interest of Saudi investors in global real estate, particularly in prime locations.

Saudi Arabia Tops Global Cybersecurity Rankings in 2025

Saudi Arabia has retained its top spot in global cybersecurity rankings, according to the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. Officials credit strong leadership from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Kingdom’s national digital transformation strategy. Saudi Arabia’s long-term approach balances security with economic and tech growth. It was also named a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the UN’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.

Saudi project removes mines in Yemen

The Saudi project has successfully cleared 1,559 mines in Yemen , contributing to safety improvements and clearance initiatives in war-affected areas. The consistent efforts to mitigate risks associated with unexploded ordnance are essential for restoring normalcy and safety for civilians, enabling better living conditions and facilitating potential redevelopment efforts in the region.

Elite gamers compete for $70M at Saudi Esports World Cup

As Riyadh hosts the Esports World Cup with a prize pool of $70 million, elite gamers from around the globe are set to compete, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leading hub in the esports industry. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Kingdom's presence in the digital economy and attract international attention to Saudi Arabia as a destination for gaming and digital entertainment.

The Federal Justice Party (PJ) approved an 18-month travel ban on former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who is under investigation for money laundering related to illicit campaign financing in 2016. The decision follows a request from the Attorney General’s Office for a 36-month restriction after Kuczynski attempted to travel to the United States on Saturday night. The judge ruled that Kuczynski's presence in Peru is necessary to complete the investigation and noted that he could potentially flee to avoid prosecution.

Peru reinstates the Nazca Lines protected zone after mining threat

The Peruvian Government has reinstated the original 5,600 km² protected zone surrounding the Nazca Lines in southern Peru, reversing an earlier decision to reduce it, according to a Reuters report. The reversal follows concerns that the reduced area left the ancient geoglyphs vulnerable to informal mining activities. The Nazca Lines, located approximately 400 km south of Lima, contain over 800 pre-Hispanic geoglyphs

Thirteen miners executed amid illegal mining conflict

On April 26, 2025, 13 workers from the artisanal mining company R&R, contracted by Minera Poderosa, were reportedly kidnapped in Pataz, northern Peru. One week later, their bodies were found bound, unclothed, tortured, and executed inside a mine tunnel. A recovery team from Minera Poderosa attributed the killings to illegal miners linked to organised crime. This is the second such attack targeting the company; in December 2023, nine workers were also kidnapped and killed.

Peru backs Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara

Peru’s Congress has called on the government to support Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, aligning with the position increasingly adopted by major international powers.

Peru to join high seas biodiversity pact at UN Ocean Conference

President Dina Boluarte reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to ocean sustainability during the plenary session of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held Monday in Nice, France. She announced that Peru will sign the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions, aligning the country with international efforts to protect biodiversity in the high seas.

South African firm Grindrod will invest $80 million over two years to expand the Matola Coal Terminal at Maputo Port from 8 million to 12 million tonnes annually. President Daniel Chapo, at the launch of new administrative facilities, emphasised prioritising rail over road to boost efficiency and regional competitiveness. The investment aims to create 800 direct jobs by 2027 and enhance sustainable development through integrated logistics.

Jihadist attacks in Mozambique as Total plans gas project restart

Islamic State-linked militants have renewed attacks in northern Mozambique, including deadly raids on military posts and a wildlife reserve, as TotalEnergies prepares to restart its major gas project. Analysts link the violence to recent announcements, including $4.7 billion in new funding from the US.

Mozambique keeps key interest rate steady at 18% in June

Mozambique’s benchmark interest rate for credit will remain at 18% in June, according to the Mozambican Banking Association (AMB). The rate has fallen steadily from 24.1% in January 2024, with a 0.5 percentage point cut in May and earlier in March. The AMB kept it steady at 19% in February and April. This decline follows reductions in the central bank’s monetary policy interest rate (MIMO rate), which dropped from 12.25% in January to 11.75% in March, reflecting continued low inflation expectations despite fiscal risks. Meanwhile, credit to the economy rose slightly in March to nearly 285 billion meticais (€3.99 billion), after a notable drop in February.

Government settles all unpaid debt service from 2024

Mozambique fully cleared its 2024 external debt arrears in Q1 2025 , paying $210.34 million (€185.6 million) in principal and interest, according to a Ministry of Finance report. Over half of the €47.3 million in unpaid debt was owed to Portugal. Payment delays had been blamed on post-election unrest and budget shortfalls. The report warns of added fiscal pressure in 2025 due to residual obligations and debt management system limitations.

Chapo wants fewer trucks, more trains to the port of Maputo

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has called the growing use of road transport for coal and magnetite to the Matola Coal Terminal “unacceptable,” urging a return to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Speaking at the inauguration of Grindrod’s new office and the launch of an $80 million expansion, Chapo stressed that Matola’s infrastructure was built for rail. He also highlighted the $160 million container terminal project and the broader port expansion under the 25-year extension of the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) concession, which includes $600 million in planned investments. MPDC aims to modernise facilities, reduce logistics costs, and create new jobs, reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a logistics hub in southern Africa.

Yoaso Mototio, a geologist at South Sudan’s Ministry of Mining, acknowledged the widespread presence of unregulated mining operations. He stated that the ministry lacks the capacity to properly oversee the sector due to missing geological mapping and the country’s porous borders.

“The ministry, of course, knows there is illicit mining going on… But our biggest challenge is that our minerals or the natural resources are not geologically mapped,” Mototio is quoted by Radio Tamazuj .

South Sudan’s 2012 Mining Act allows the government to hold an optional equity of up to 15% in large-scale mining projects. However, Mototio estimates that as much as 40 tons of gold are exported from the country each year without government monitoring or benefit to the state.

According to the report, the Mining Act and accompanying regulations introduced in 2015 have not been effectively enforced. As a result, the benefits of mining continue to bypass local communities.

The World Bank estimates that about 92% of South Sudan’s population of 11 million people live in poverty. CSCNR chairperson James Boboya emphasised the disconnect between gold extraction and community welfare.

“Gold is being taken out, and money is being made — but the communities remain poor,” Boboya said.

He also highlighted the risks faced by artisanal miners, many of whom work under hazardous and unregulated conditions , often returning without earnings and facing food insecurity.

With 93% of its land covered by rainforest, the country is planning to start oil production from recently discovered offshore reserves.

Although this exercise threatens the carbon-negative status of the country, President Chan Santokhi claims the status will stay the same.

"The oil production can go hand in hand with the carbon negative status because we have also implemented, in addition to the oil and gas, our solar energy program. We will increase the solar energy, which will have a positive impact on our carbon-negative status. We will protect our forests," he told AFP.

This echoes his pledge at COP28 in Dubai in 2023.

“Let’s be very clear. Suriname will maintain its carbon negative status even when the offshore oil and gas industry is developed,” President Chan Santokhi said during his speech at the High-Level Segment of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP).

Chinese telecom giant Huawei has unveiled a cloud-enhanced AI solution in Zambia aimed at delivering seamless, personalised education to underserved rural areas. Speaking at a digital inclusion summit, Huawei VP Lei Yang said the technology will enable real-time access to learning content, support language translation, and tailor education to diverse learning needs. According to Xinhua , Zambia’s Ministry of Education praised Huawei’s two-decade partnership, highlighting the role of smart classrooms in closing the country’s digital divide.

Vedanta's Zambia copper unit seeks RMB support for debt financing

Vedanta Resources Ltd.’s Zambian unit has appointed Rand Merchant Bank to help secure up to $1 billion in debt financing to expand Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), according to sources. The move comes 10 months after Vedanta regained 80% control of KCM following a settlement with the Zambian government, which included a $1 billion investment pledge. So far, $330 million has been invested, primarily to settle debts. KCM aims to boost copper output from 40,000 tons in 2023 to 300,000 tons annually, as global miners anticipate long-term demand despite short-term market pressures, NDTV reports.

AfDB approves guarantee for Zambeef expansion to boost Zambia’s agriculture

The African Development Bank has approved a Kwacha-denominated Risk Sharing Credit Guarantee to support Zambeef’s $100 million expansion in Zambia. The five-year project aims to double production, enhance efficiency, and strengthen food security across Southern Africa. It is expected to create nearly 1,400 direct jobs and benefit over 86,000 farmers and small businesses. Zambia’s largest cold-chain food producer, Zambeef, currently contributes about 1% to the nation’s GDP. The move aligns with Zambia’s national development goals and AfDB’s "Feed Africa" strategy.

Zambia opens upgraded Nakonde Lab to boost food security after drought

Zambia has commissioned a refurbished Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (PQPS) lab at the Nakonde border with Tanzania to boost maize import screening and protect food security after the country’s worst drought in 40 years. According to Africa.com , the lab, upgraded with UK funding and TradeMark Africa support, features advanced equipment to detect crop diseases like Maize Lethal Necrosis. With nearly half the population facing food insecurity, officials say the lab is critical as Zambia imports maize from neighbouring countries.

Keith Mweemba defeats Kamanga to become new Zambia FA president

Keith Mweemba has been elected President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), winning 45 votes at the reconvened AGM in Kabwe on May 9, 2025. He replaces Andrew Kamanga, who led FAZ for nine years. The election, delayed by a court injunction in March, was supervised by FIFA, CAF, and COSAFA to ensure transparency. A vice-presidential run-off is pending, while Col. Priscilla Katoba was re-elected unopposed as Women’s Representative, marking continued progress for female leadership in Zambian football, myjoyonline reports.

Carnegie, founder of risk management firm Thouwd, paints a grim picture where the U.S., Turkey, China and others are competing for agricultural and mineral wealth without regard to the people whose livelihoods those goods represent.

“It's a bit like if you go back to 150, 200 years to the 1860s and that sort of land grab for Africa. And that causes friction and tension … with the countries where are rich in minerals or commodities that people need,” he observes, warning that powerful nations are not looking for sustainable relationships," he told GSW.

“You have the various different countries that are looking to get into some of these Africa, Middle East , wider areas, Central Asia. They compete against each other. You've got the Turks, Turkish, Chinese, you know, American, European and It's essentially the influence that China can have in terms of repaying or paying national debts, taking stakes in land, and they know that some of these countries will never be able to pay that debt back,” he added.

This new form of colonialism may have apparent upsides - Donald Trump ’s US administration is brokering peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to gain access to mineral deposits in the conflict zone - but the long term damage will persist for years if states sign away the future revenues they need to develop.

Several African countries, including South Africa , are enforcing much stricter rules on foreign businesses in a bid to keep wealth onshore. Mali’s foreign minister, Adboulaye Diop, explained to GSW that his country was also implementing tough rules to stop miners from draining all their profits to foreign shareholders.

And Carnegie sees mutual mistrust being one of the key threats to businesses operating in Africa.

“The perception will be that this foreign company will want to come in and take their mineral assets and their perception is it will go back to that sort of colonialism, that period where they come in, take the land, take everything out of it and leave them with nothing."

“And the perception of the investor will be when we go into this country. We're going to be met with hostility, we're gonna be met with bureaucracy, we've got to be met with corruption, we got to be met, you know, and the list goes on." 

“If you were to take a step back and look at that and manage that perception from the outset. I think it would be a very different picture.”

Carnegie, a former senior British soldier, points out that the United Arab Emirates, where he is based, is trying to take a more collaborative approach with its investments to avoid tensions and future crises.“They look at it very much from a collaborative approach, where essentially they can go in and work with governments, rather than trying to take advantage of a disadvantaged situation to their long-term gain, so it destabilises,” he says.

Under the new law , all existing licenses issued by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) or the ministry responsible for mines to non-large-scale entities have been revoked. Going forward, only GoldBod and its officially licensed aggregators or service providers will be authorised to purchase or export ASM gold.

To ease the transition, GoldBod has granted a grace period until April 30 for currently licensed buyers to fulfil existing contractual obligations.

“All foreigners are hereby notified to exit the local gold trading market not later than April 30, 2025,” the official statement reads. “A foreigner may, however, apply to the GoldBod to buy or off-take gold directly from the GoldBod,” it added.

After this deadline, foreign nationals will be barred from participating in local gold trading activities, although they may still apply to become authorised off-takers of GoldBod through a formal licensing process beginning April 22, 2025.

The move comes amid Ghana’s efforts to curb rampant gold smuggling, which has cost the country hundreds of millions in lost revenue, and to gain greater control over one of its most lucrative industries. Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer and recently became the sixth-largest gold producer in the world , following a 53% surge in gold exports last year.

With gold prices up over 23% in 2025 amid global economic uncertainty and trade tensions, the government sees an opportunity to maximise earnings by consolidating and regulating ASM gold flows through a centralised system.

According to the report , the worldwide production of REEs in 2024 was approximately 300,000 metric tons of rare-earth-oxide (REO) equivalent. The leading producers were China, the United States, Myanmar, and Australia. ​

Global reserves of REEs are substantial, with China holding the largest share, followed by countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, and Russia . These reserves are measured in millions of metric tons of REO equivalent, indicating a significant supply to meet future demand.

The top ten countries with the largest REE reserves are as follows:

These figures highlight that Brazil and Australia also possess significant reserves, positioning them as key players in the rare earth market. The United States , while holding a smaller share, continues to explore and develop its REE resources to reduce reliance on imports. ​

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said 17 of the deposits are large, 43 are medium, and 50 are small.

The findings came from a government project that began in 2017 to study the region’s mineral resources and create a detailed geological map.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Quy Kien said the northwest region is important for Vietnam’s economy , environment, and security.

He urged local authorities to use the geological data to plan for economic growth and attract investment.

"This is a great opportunity for the region, but we need to ensure that mining is sustainable," he was quoted by Tuoitre News .

The survey also identified seven areas with deep mineral potential and predicted 15 zones with valuable rocks. It included detailed studies on geothermal energy in Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Son La provinces.

Despite the discoveries, Vietnam faces challenges in using its mineral resources effectively. Authorities want to make sure mining benefits the region without harming the environment.

Local media Desk Eco reports that the bulk of the DRC’s tin exports came from industrial operations, which accounted for 63% of the total export volume. Industrial producers shipped 27,100 tons of cassiterite (tin ore), valued at approximately $350 million.

The artisanal or small-scale mining sector contributed 15,852 tons worth $162.8 million.

Market dominance remains firmly with Alphamin Bisie, a major mining firm responsible for 99% of all industrial tin exports from the DRC in 2024. The company alone exported 26,932 tons, generating $348.6 million.

Tin, which is primarily used for soldering in electronics and as a corrosion-resistant coating in food packaging (tinplate), has seen a sharp increase in global market prices. Disruptions in supply, including temporary export halts, helped drive the metal’s price from $25,175 per ton at the end of 2023 to $32,640 per ton by December 2024. As of now, tin is trading at approximately $35,000 per ton.

In 2023, DRC was rated as one of the top five biggest suppliers of tin on international markets, along with Australia, Nigeria, and Rwanda. 

These resources not only underpin key sectors of Ukraine’s economy but also represent critical components for global industries, including energy, metallurgy, defence, and green technologies.

Ukraine’s subsoil is home to over 20,000 mineral deposits and occurrences, with around 8,000 deposits officially registered. These include:

1. Metallic Minerals

Iron Ore: Ukraine ranks among the world’s top producers of iron ore, particularly from the Kryvyi Rih Basin, which contains some of the largest reserves (6500 metric tonnes) in Europe.

Titanium: The country holds Europe's largest titanium ore deposits, vital for aerospace, defence, and medical technologies.

Manganese: The Nikopol Manganese Basin is one of the richest (140 metric tonnes) in the world, critical for steel production.

Uranium: Ukraine has significant uranium ore reserves, a key component for nuclear energy.

Lithium: Ukraine is now focusing on strategic minerals essential for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy systems.

2. Non-Metallic Minerals

Kaolin and Graphite: Ukraine is a leading global supplier of high-grade graphite and kaolin, used in ceramics, paints, and electronics.

Rock Salt: Major deposits in Artemivsk and Soledar contribute significantly to domestic and regional supply.

Construction Materials: Rich deposits of granite, limestone, gypsum, and clay support Ukraine’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

3. Energy Resources

Coal : Ukraine has substantial coal reserves, particularly in the Donbas Basin.

Natural Gas and Oil: Though underutilised, Ukraine has significant hydrocarbon potential, especially in the Dnieper-Donets Basin and Black Sea shelf.

Shale Gas: Exploratory studies indicate the presence of shale gas reserves, which could bolster energy independence.

Ukraine’s mineral resources have gained increased attention in recent years due to their strategic relevance—especially in the context of the global energy transition and the growing demand for critical raw materials. The European Union has identified Ukraine as a key partner for securing the supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) necessary for battery production, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies.

Moreover, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and war, control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth has become a point of strategic significance. Russia’s aggression has disrupted access to several key mining regions, further underscoring the importance of resource security and sustainable exploitation.

Companies are digging up and processing lead waste, spreading toxic dust across communities.

This has lingered as a result of the issuing of mining licenses by the government, even though the law says unsafe mining should not be allowed.

Lead is a dangerous metal which causes brain damage, memory loss and even death, especially for children.  Pregnant women exposed to lead risk miscarriages and other complications.

Health experts say that almost all children living near the old mine in Kabwe have unsafe levels of lead in their blood.

Many need urgent medical treatment, but help is limited.

Mining in Kabwe dates back to British colonial rule. The mine was closed in 1994, but it left behind millions of tons of lead waste.

Since then, about 200,000 people have been exposed to contamination.

Families live close to piles of toxic waste, and children often play in these areas, unaware of the danger. Some small-scale miners even bring their children to work with them because they have no other way to make a living.

In recent years, businesses from South Africa , China, and Zambia have started mining in the lead-contaminated areas.

They have moved large amounts of waste and left new piles of toxic material near homes and workplaces. Satellite images show that by early 2024, at least nine waste piles had been dumped around Kabwe.

The Zambian government has the power to stop unsafe mining but is yet to take action, according to the Human Rights Watch . The law allows it to suspend operations or punish companies that break environmental rules. However, mining continues raising concerns.

In 2020, lawyers filed a case against the British company Anglo American, which ran the mine for decades. They wanted compensation for victims and a plan to clean up the area. The court dismissed the case, but the fight for justice is not over.

The government has promised to clean up Kabwe, but little has been done. A World Bank project has tried to reduce pollution, but the source of contamination remains. President Hakainde Hichilema has twice announced a government committee to address the problem, but no committee has been formed, according to the Human Rights Watch .

The government says this is part of a plan to develop new mineral resources, Barrons reports.

This makes Niger one of the countries that produces copper, a metal used in making electronics, construction materials, and other everyday items.

The new mine is expected to produce about 2,700 tonnes of copper every year for ten years. Officials say this could create around 300 jobs and bring in millions of dollars for the country. Copper is currently selling for about $9,000 per tonne.

Alongside the copper project, the government has also approved a small-scale lithium mining operation. The permit has been given to a Nigerien company, Compagnie Miniere de Recherche et d’Exploitation (Comirex SA), in the Agadez region. Production is expected to reach 300 tonnes per year for five years.

The Nigerien state owns 25 percent of the copper mining company and 40 percent of the lithium mining company.

This move is part of the military government’s push to take more control of the country’s natural resources since coming to power in July 2023.

In another major decision , the government has taken back a lithium mining permit from the French company Orano, which had been in Niger for 50 years.

Orano was working at the Imouraren site, which is said to have 200,000 tonnes of uranium. The company has criticised the government’s decision, saying it was forced out.

Niger already produces uranium, gold, and oil. The new copper and lithium projects are part of its effort to increase mining activities and bring in more money for the country.

Why are thousands of Indians dipping themselves in freezing river water?

Thousands of Indians participated in the Maha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival that involves taking a holy dip in the confluence of sacred rivers. This event, held every 12 years, is believed to absolve participants of their sins and grant them salvation from the cycle of life and death. Read more here .

Malaysia PM denies hiding document on ex-premier Najib's home detention

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government did not conceal any document relating to jailed former premier Najib Razak's home detention. Read more here .

Indonesia plans minimum age for social media use

Indonesia plans to issue a regulation to set a minimum age for users of social media, a move aimed at protecting children. The plans follows Australia's decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media, with fines for tech giants from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta to TikTok if they failed to prevent children from accessing their platforms. Read more here .

Africa

South Africa pulls 36 corpses from illegal mine, arrests 82 survivors

South African rescuers pulled out 36 dead bodies and 82 survivors from a gold mine deep underground in two days of operations, police said on January 14, adding that the survivors would all face illegal mining and immigration charges. Read more here .

Celebrations in Sudan's Wad Madani as army takes over strategic city

Civilians and soldiers celebrated in Wad Madani, the capital of Sudan's El Gezira state, after it was recaptured by the Sudanese army from the paramilitary Rapid Support Services, marking a possible turning point in a devastating near two-year civil war. Read more here .

Benin festival seeks to dispel voodoo stereotypes

The festival Vodun Days was held to draw tourists and worshippers to the small Atlantic coast town of Ouidah, offering a varied programme of ceremonies, concerts and exhibitions. This year, visitors could marvel at the spectacle of the so-called guardians of the night - performers dressed head-to-toe in dyed straw, who whirl and dance in an elaborate ritual. Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil announces Nigeria's acceptance as BRICS partner country

Brazil's government announced on January 18, Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in the multinational bloc of nations known as BRICS. Brazil, which holds the bloc's presidency in 2025, said in a statement that the African country has been actively "strengthening cooperation in the Global South and reforming global governance", which has been a priority to Brazil. Read more here .

Mexican firefighters prepare to do battle with LA fires

A contingent of 72 Mexican firefighters received a briefing from U.S. fire officials on January 13, alongside their American counterparts before heading out to help fight the wildfires plaguing Southern California. The group was made up of military specialists, including doctors, engineers and search and r rescue personnel, as well as a group of firefighters from Mexico's equivalent of the U.S. Forest Service. Read more here .

Cuba calls US removal from Terror List 'positive' but 'limited'

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has called the United States' decision to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism a "step in the right direction." However, he emphasised that the move is "limited." "One of the consequences of President Biden’s decision... is that the list of countries that sponsor terrorism has been dismantled. It no longer exists," he stated in a press conference. Read more here .

The rescue operation began after reports surfaced of illegal miners trapped deep within the mine. Throughout the mission, 246 survivors were successfully brought to the surface.

The miners, who had been underground for months, faced dire conditions, including starvation and dehydration.

Illegal mining is a pervasive issue in South Africa, where abandoned mines often become sites for unregulated and dangerous mining activities. The miners, driven by economic desperation, risk their lives in search of valuable minerals left behind in these disused mines.

Efforts to rescue survivors and retrieve bodies began on Monday after local residents raised concerns that more than 100 people may have perished in the mine. So far, 246 people have been brought out alive, while 78 bodies have been recovered. The operation, which involved specialised machinery to lift miners and bodies from the 2.6-kilometre-deep shaft, is expected to conclude on Thursday.

The illegal miners, known locally as "zama zamas," or "those who try" in Zulu, often include migrants from neighbouring countries and are accused by residents of engaging in criminal activities. Months of tension between the miners and authorities escalated after police attempted to cut off food and water supplies in an effort to force the miners out.

The police strategy has faced criticism, with some accusing authorities of indirectly causing the deaths of miners. However, police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe rejected the allegations. "No one blocked any shaft. No one blocked anyone from getting out," she told the AFP. "But by providing food, water, and necessities to these illegal miners, it would be the police entertaining and allowing criminality to thrive."

During Wednesday's operations, all 84 miners who were rescued were immediately arrested, according to police.

Of the miners rescued so far, only five were South African, while the majority were migrants: 128 Mozambicans, 80 from Lesotho, and 33 Zimbabweans, according to Northwest Provincial Police Chief Patrick Asaneng.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II convened in Cairo, focusing on critical regional challenges and the reinforcement of bilateral relations. Their discussions prominently featured the ongoing situation in the Palestinian territories, advocating for an immediate ceasefire alongside unrestricted humanitarian assistance. Dailynews reports that the leaders underscored their solidarity in pursuing a two-state solution that aligns with the boundaries set forth on June 4, 1967, as well as expressing a unified stance on maintaining Syria's territorial integrity and fostering an inclusive political resolution that represents all societal segments. Furthermore, they addressed Lebanon's security landscape, underscoring the necessity to adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, thus reflecting a concerted commitment to fortify cooperation between Egypt and Jordan across a spectrum of sectors.

Lumber imports

In the realm of economic indicators, September 2024 witnessed a 3% decline in the average price of lumber imports into Egypt, juxtaposed with a notable 23% increase in the volume of these imports, Lesprom indicates. This presents a significant trend in the construction and building materials sector, warranting further examination of the implications for domestic markets and international supply chains.

D-8 summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is slated to represent Iran at the D-8 summit scheduled in Egypt. Jpost reports. This gathering comprises eight leading Muslim developing nations and serves as a platform to discuss collaborative approaches and shared interests amongst member states, reflecting the geopolitical dynamics at play within the region.

Asylum Law

Human Rights Watch has raised substantial concerns regarding Egypt's newly drafted asylum law, which reportedly threatens the rights of refugees and asylum seekers by potentially contravening international standards. According to Human Rights Watch , the legislation, which was passed by parliament on November 19, 2024, proceeded without sufficient engagement with the UN Refugee Agency or input from civil society, casting doubt on its compliance with international law. The law is critiqued for its ambiguous stipulations that may arbitrarily deny asylum and criminalise informal assistance, alongside transferring authority from the UNHCR to a nascent national body with overly broad exclusionary criteria. It does outline some rights for acknowledged refugees, yet it inadequately safeguards asylum seekers' rights, lacking essential procedural protections. Human Rights Watch has urged President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to reconsider the bill, advocating for revisions that align with established international norms.

Industrial and mining sectors

In further developments, Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly engaged in discussions with Saudi Minister Bandar Alkhorayef, centring on the enhancement of bilateral cooperation, particularly within the industrial and mining sectors. Prime Minister Madbouly articulated Egypt's commitment to assisting Saudi Arabia in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, aiming to foster participation from Egyptian enterprises. Additionally, he emphasised the prospective increase in Saudi investments in Egypt through collaborative mechanisms facilitated by the Egyptian-Saudi Higher Coordination Council. The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for elevated cooperation in mineral exploration, as well as extending invitations to Saudi investors in the oil, gas, and petrochemical realms, underlining the government’s dedication to mitigating investor challenges. Minister Alkhorayef reciprocated the enthusiasm for collaboration, commending measures to address the concerns of Saudi investors, and thereby reinforcing the mutual interests in industrial integration across diverse sectors. According to the Dailynewsegypt , the meeting epitomised a pivotal step in fortifying strategic cooperation and expanding bilateral trade between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan is strengthening trade ties with Uzbekistan as part of its broader investment strategy in Central Asia. Recently, officials from both nations discussed enhancing business opportunities, following a $1 billion trade agreement signed in February 2023. The Pakistani Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, praised Uzbekistan's infrastructure, particularly its railway system, and highlighted the potential for collaboration in religious tourism, agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. Recent direct flights between the two countries have shown promise, and Khan proposed partnerships with local airlines and plans for a business forum during an upcoming official visit.

US sanctions

The US Department of the Treasury has sanctioned three former officials in Uzbekistan for severe human rights violations , specifically sexual crimes against girls at a state-run orphanage. The sanctions, announced on December 2, include Yulduz Khudaiberganova, the orphanage's former director, and two officials, Aybek Masharipov and Anvar Kuryazov, who are accused of human trafficking and gender-based violence. These individuals were implicated in abusing orphaned girls through coercion and exploitation, with Khudaiberganova forcing minors into sexual acts.

Mining

Uzbekistan has announced plans to enhance its mining and metallurgical industries by 2025, aiming to modernize infrastructure, boost production, and attract foreign investments. Further details on specific initiatives or investments have not been disclosed.

Bilateral trade

Uzbekistan and Russia have set a strategic goal to boost bilateral trade to $30 billion from 2024 to 2030. During a working group meeting, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, discussed measures to enhance cooperation in trade, industry, energy, transportation, and agriculture. The next Intergovernmental Commission session will be held in Moscow later this year. Notably, trade between the two countries has increased by 20%, reaching $9.7 billion in the first ten months of 2023, with 68 new products added to Uzbekistan's exports.

Irrigation projects

Uzbekistan's president has approved major irrigation projects in collaboration with Chinese firms to enhance water supply and support sustainable agriculture in Bukhara, Namangan, Surkhandarya, and Kashkadarya regions. The projects, costing $160 million and $60 million respectively, will be financed through a loan from China's Export-Import Bank. Leading Chinese companies CITIC Construction and China CAMC Engineering will oversee the reconstruction efforts, which are set to begin in 2025. The government has allocated $9.3 million from local budgets as advance payments, with further budget adjustments to follow. These initiatives aim to improve irrigation efficiency and address sustainable water management in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector.

According to Forbes' 2024 list , here are the top 10 billionaires in Africa:

Aliko Dangote

Country: Nigeria

Networth: $13.9 billion

Aliko Dangote retains his position as Africa's richest person for the 13th consecutive year. His wealth primarily comes from Dangote Cement, the continent's largest cement producer.

Johann Rupert

Country: South Africa

Networth: $10.1 billion

Rupert's fortune is derived from his stakes in luxury goods company Richemont, known for brands like Cartier and Montblanc.

Nicky Oppenheimer

Country: South Africa

Networth: $9.4 billion

The Oppenheimer family made their fortune in the diamond industry, primarily through De Beers, which they sold to Anglo American in 2012.

Nassef Sawiris

Country: Egypt

Networth: $8.7 billion

Sawiris is a major shareholder in OCI N.V., a global nitrogen fertilizer producer, and also holds stakes in Adidas and LafargeHolcim.

Mike Adenuga

Country: Nigeria

Networth: $6.9 billion

Mike Adenuga's fortune is built on his telecommunications company Globacom and his oil exploration firm Conoil.

Abdulsamad Rabiu

Country: Nigeria

Networth: $5.9 billion

Rabiu is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and real estate. He also serves as the chairman of the Nigerian Bank of Industry.

Naguib Sawiris

Country: Egypt

Networth: $3.8 billion

Naguib Sawiris, brother of Nassef, has investments in telecommunications, media, and technology.

Mohamed Mansour

Country: Egypt

Networth: $3.2 billion

Mohamed Mansour oversees the Mansour Group, which has diverse interests including automotive, capital markets, and consumer goods.

Koos Bekker

Country: South Africa

Networth: $2.7 billion

Bekker is the chairman of Naspers, a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world.

Patrice Motsepe

Country: South Africa

Networth: $2.7 billion

Motsepe is the founder and chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company with interests in gold, ferrous metals, base metals, and platinum.

Ayanda Ndabeni, a 30-year-old miner who managed to escape the shaft last Friday, described the grim conditions faced by those still trapped. "There's nothing left to eat or drink underground. We have nothing to survive on," Ndabeni told AFP.

"Some of us have died down there, others are critically ill." A decomposed body was brought up last week, and local sources suggest there may be more casualties.

Ndabeni, who spent two months working deep in the mine, said about 800 men were working on the level where he toiled, although some reports claim as many as 4,000 miners are still underground.

The miners are part of a larger network of zama zamas —clandestine miners who operate in abandoned shafts throughout South Africa’s mineral-rich regions. Many of them, like Ndabeni, turned to illegal mining after formal job opportunities dried up. Ndabeni started mining in 2014 when the legitimate mine where he worked closed down, leaving him without work.

He, like many others, had no choice but to risk his life by digging in the abandoned shaft.

The situation has become dire as police, stationed outside the mine, have blocked local residents from sending food and water to those trapped underground. Despite a court ruling on Saturday ordering the police to lift all restrictions, access to supplies has been limited.

Only on the day of the court order were locals able to lower 600 packets of instant porridge and 600 litres of water to the miners, the first aid delivery since Tuesday.

The recovery marks the first confirmed fatality from the operation, which is ongoing as authorities attempt to force illegal miners to surface. In addition to the body, two miners were rescued alive on Thursday, adding to the five who surfaced the day before.

Police have suggested that up to 300 people may still be trapped underground, though reports from the local community have estimated the number of miners in the shaft could be as high as 4,000.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that over 1,170 people had emerged from the mine since the operation began, although many miners remain defiant, refusing to come up for fear of arrest.

According to Mathe, intelligence reports indicate that the miners have weapons and are determined to stay underground, despite efforts to starve them out by restricting food and water supplies.

The operation has drawn attention from residents, many of whom have relatives or loved ones believed to be among the miners.

"Those people must come out because we have brothers there, we have sons there, the fathers of our kids are there, our children are struggling," said Emily Photsoa, a resident, speaking to AFP.

She called on the government to intervene to help the miners, while others at the scene pleaded for them to leave the shaft.

The miners, who come from both South Africa and other countries, have been accused of illegal mining, often operating in dangerous, abandoned shafts without proper safety measures.

“The association will contribute to Zambia’s three million tonnes copper production strategy,” said Kabuswe in a speech delivered on his behalf by Tobias Musonda, Director of Planning and Communication. 

The new association, CMEAZ, will also function as a collaboration platform, supporting Chinese mining companies operating in Zambia to deepen their partnerships and cooperative efforts with the country.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, emphasised the longstanding relationship between Zambia and Chinese enterprises. "Companies from China have made significant investments of over $3.5 billion over the past 25 years," he stated.

Zambia’s mining sector remains critical to the national economy, producing copper and other essential minerals. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning reports that in the first quarter of 2024, mining contributed 15.6% to Zambia’s total economic output, maintaining its position as the second-largest contributor to the nation’s GDP for both 2023 and early 2024. Globally, Zambia ranks as the 10th largest copper producer, holding this position consistently in 2022 and 2023.

The Africa Critical Minerals Summit held in Cape Town on November 7, 2024, saw Tanzania urging the need for enhanced collaboration among African nations to develop local processing and refining facilities for their mineral resources. Dr. Venance Mwasse, the CEO of the State Mining Corporation, highlighted the significance of performing cost-benefit analyses to identify prime locations for such facilities. He specifically mentioned the upcoming Kabanga Nickel smelter, in the country's Kagera region as a pivotal project to stimulate regional prosperity. Dr Mwasse also expressed optimism about Tanzania’s prospects to become a leader in critical minerals, with projections placing it as the sixth-largest graphite producer globally by 2050. He also called upon fellow African nations to fortify their state-owned mining corporations to achieve better national benefits and improve Africa's standing in the global mining industry.

Commencement environmental assessment concerning uranium mining project

Tanzania has commenced a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) concerning the Mkuju River uranium mining project, aimed at stimulating the economy. Deputy Minister for Minerals, Stephen Kiruswa, disclosed in Parliament on November 8, 2024, that this assessment will examine the Mikumi-Selous Game Reserve ecosystem, thereby ensuring adherence to ecological and legal regulations. Managed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, this project had faced delays due to low uranium prices but now stands to progress with recent price stabilisation. The SEA is expected to span six months, with its outcomes directing the project's subsequent phases. Kiruswa emphasised that the project holds significant economic advantages for the Namtumbo populace while concurrently upholding environmental protections.

Ranking on 2024 US Global Status Report on Human Trafficking 

Tanzania has achieved a Tier 2 ranking in the 2024 US Global Status Report on Human Trafficking, an acknowledgement of its enhanced measures against this pressing issue. Noteworthy actions affecting this advancement include the 2021 amendments to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which now encompasses provisions for attempted trafficking, and the stricter penalties established in 2022 that escalated maximum prison sentences from 10 to 30 years. The country has successfully formed a national network against human trafficking, supported by a dedicated secretariat for coordination efforts. However, Tanzania continues to grapple with its status as both a source and a transit country for human trafficking, with approximately 171,000 individuals subjected to forced labour from 2021 to 2022. Victims predominantly fall prey to coercion and exploitation, with a notable 61% being women and girls.  

Targetted increase in diaspora remittances

Tanzania is pursuing a significant increase in diaspora remittances, setting a target of $1.5 billion by 2028, up from the current estimated level of $700 million. This initiative, introduced during a labour migration conference in Dar es Salaam, aims to connect with one million Tanzanian expatriates to double their annual remittance contributions . The government is intent on improving support services for Tanzanians abroad, providing better access to financial services and investment opportunities, alongside digitising identification and registration frameworks. 

Tanzania Film Awards

The forthcoming Tanzania Film Awards , set for December, will recognise and celebrate the contributions made by artists within the nation's film industry. This inaugural event, coordinated by the Tanzania Film Awards body, seeks to uplift quality, stimulate competition, and establish international standards for Swahili-language films. Executive Director Eliya Mjatta underscored the awards' potential to enhance the global presence of local productions by promoting cultural exchanges and attracting diverse audiences. 

Ghana’s parliament faces a standoff between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), following a legal dispute over the Speaker's declaration that four parliamentary seats were vacant. This action, resulting from members switching party affiliations, gave the NDC a slim majority. However, after adjourning the house indefinitely, the Speaker of Parliament assured the public on November 6 that the legislative body is operational despite the recent adjournments. “There is no constitutional crisis in this country,” he told the media, emphasising that Parliament remains functional. His remarks followed concerns raised by the country’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, indicating Parliament's inability to resolve disputes resulting in its inactive state, local media Joy News reported.

Judiciary Confidence Decline

A recent report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation reveals a significant decline in Ghanaians' confidence in judicial impartiality, dropping from 95.3 points in 2014 to 68.3 in 2023. Public trust in the judiciary’s adherence to fair legal processes has also waned, with ratings falling from 66.6 to 45.7 over the same period. The report cites concerns over due process, including pre-trial detention and access to legal assistance, as major areas of decline.

President Akufo-Addo Unveils Self-Statue

During a “thank you” tour in the Western Region, President Nana Akufo-Addo unveiled a statue of himself at Sekondi’s Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital. Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah explained that the statue honours the president's regional initiatives, including the hospital’s rehabilitation and the Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment. Citi News reported that President Akufo-Addo touted his achievements and urged voters to support his administration’s continuity through Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming elections.

Free Life-Saving Surgeries for Ghanaian Children

The National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, in collaboration with German organisations Kinderherzen and the Gerald Asamoah Foundation, recently provided 27 children with life-saving heart surgeries. The project, funded with €250,000 in equipment and support, has enabled the centre’s staff to advance their skills in pediatric cardiac care, Ghanaweb reported. Dr Kow Entsua-Mensah, Director of the Centre, described the impact as transformative, with five open-heart and 22 minimally invasive surgeries completed.

Largest Single-Stream Gold Mine Commissioned

President Akufo-Addo inaugurated Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd., now the largest single-stream gold mine in West Africa, located in Ghana’s Upper East region. The new mine is projected to produce 300,000 ounces of gold annually in its initial years, reinforcing Ghana’s position as Africa’s leading gold producer. At the commissioning, the president highlighted the mine as a milestone for the country’s mining sector and an opportunity for regional economic growth, Graphic Online reported.