Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

South Africa Secures R7 Billion BRICS Bank Loan to Upgrade Aging Road Infrastructure 1

South Africa to Revamp Road Infrastructure with R7 Billion BRICS Bank Loan from NDB South Africa is set to receive a R7 billion (approximately $398 million) loan from the New Development Bank (NDB), commonly known as the BRICS Bank, to overhaul its aging road infrastructure. This strategic investment aims to modernize key transportation routes, improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and enhance road safety along critical economic corridors. The NDB, established by the BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is gaining momentum as a major alternative financier for infrastructure projects… Read More Here

DRC Aims to Boost Local Cobalt Refining by Targeting Fairer Prices and Long-Term Market Stability

July 27, 2025July 27, 2025 Constance

Congo Eyes Cobalt Price Rebound to Drive Local Refining, Reduce China’s Dominance The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is pushing for a sustainable cobalt price to encourage domestic processing, as the government charts its course following a suspension of cobalt exports. The move, part of a broader strategy to stabilize global markets and attract local investment, comes amid shifting dynamics in the critical battery metal industry. Congo, responsible for nearly 75% of the world’s cobalt supply, first halted exports on February 22 for four months. In June, the government extended… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

IMF Releases $184 Million to Zambia Under Extended Credit Facility After Positive Fifth Review

July 26, 2025July 26, 2025 Constance

IMF Approves Fifth Review of Zambia’s Credit Program, Unlocking $184 Million Disbursement The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed the fifth review of Zambia’s 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF), approving an immediate disbursement of SDR 139.88 million (approximately US$184 million). This brings the total disbursements under the program to SDR 1.13 billion (around US$1.55 billion). Launched in August 2022, the ECF-supported program is designed to help Zambia restore macroeconomic stability, ensure debt sustainability, and foster inclusive economic growth. The IMF described Zambia’s progress under the program as “broadly… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

China Expands Economic Influence in DRC as U.S. Falls Behind

July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 Constance

China Outpaces U.S. in Trade, Education, and Investment in the DRC Amid Growing Global Rivalry As competition between China and the United States intensifies, Beijing is strengthening its economic and strategic foothold in Africa, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerging as a key focal point—particularly in the mining and infrastructure sectors. Recent trade and education figures underscore China’s widening lead over the U.S. on the African continent. In the first five months of 2024, Chinese exports to Africa reached USD 134 billion, while U.S. exports totaled just USD… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

President Hichilema Launches $70 Million SME Growth Initiative to Drive Inclusive Economic Development

July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 Constance

Zambia Launches $70M Growth Investment Partners Initiative to Support 150 SMEs and Mobilize $300M President Hakainde Hichilema has officially launched the $70 million Growth Investment Partners (GIP) initiative, a transformative program aimed at empowering 150 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Zambia and the broader region. Over the next 15 years, the initiative is expected to mobilize up to $300 million in investment dedicated to SME development and expansion. The GIP initiative is backed by key partners including British International Investment (BII), the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), and Swedfund.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia Targets 1 Million Tonnes of Copper in 2025 as Mining Sector Rebounds

July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 Constance

Zambia Set to Hit 1 Million Tonnes of Copper in 2025, Eyes 3 Million by 2030 Amid Mining Revival President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that Zambia is on track to produce one million tonnes of copper in 2025—marking a significant milestone toward the government’s long-term goal of reaching three million tonnes annually by 2030. Speaking at the Invest in Zambia Conference in Lusaka, President Hichilema highlighted the country’s renewed mining momentum, powered by a series of strategic reforms designed to unlock dormant mining assets and attract large-scale investment. A key… Read More Here

Gold Economy International

Zimbabwe’s Gold Boom Undermined by Currency Policy, Say Miners

July 13, 2025July 13, 2025 Constance

Zimbabwe’s Gold Output Soars 43%, But Currency Rules Slash Miner Earnings Soaring gold prices are driving a surge in Zimbabwe’s gold production and export revenues, but restrictive foreign currency retention policies are significantly eroding mining companies’ earnings, the country’s mining industry association warns. Gold prices have jumped by over $800 an ounce since the start of the year, peaking at $3,500 an ounce in April before easing slightly to around $3,300 an ounce. The rally has been fueled by strong central bank demand, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty in global markets.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News Economy

Barrick CEO Reaffirms Long-Term Copper Optimism Despite U.S. Tariff Shock

July 13, 2025July 13, 2025 Constance

Barrick CEO Says Copper Demand Will Outpace Supply Despite U.S. Tariff Volatility Copper miners remain confident in the metal’s long-term prospects, despite the short-term price turbulence caused by the United States’ newly announced 50% tariff on imported copper, according to Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow. Speaking in Lusaka, Zambia—where Barrick is significantly expanding its copper operations—Bristow emphasized that the underlying fundamentals for copper remain strong, even as geopolitical decisions create short-term uncertainty. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 50% tariff on copper imports, effective August 1, citing… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambia’s Economy Shows Steady Growth with Positive Outlook

July 7, 2025July 7, 2025 Constance

Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwana has announced that Zambia has recorded consistent economic growth over the past three years, with projections indicating continued improvement in the years ahead. Speaking in Lusaka during the launch of the Zambia Economic Outlook Report, Dr. Musokotwana highlighted that the country’s economic prospects remain favourable. The report notes that while Zambia’s outlook is positive, further diversification of the economy is essential to mitigate potential risks. It also underscores the country’s potential to drive growth by leveraging its rich endowment of energy transition… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

IMF Approves $261.9 Million Disbursement to DRC Following First Review of Credit Program

July 7, 2025July 7, 2025 Constance

IMF Disburses $261.9M to DRC After ECF Review, Backing Economic Stability and Reform On July 2, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the first review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in an immediate disbursement of $261.9 million. This funding aims to support macroeconomic stability and expand the government’s fiscal space for public investment. Despite ongoing security challenges in the eastern provinces, the Congolese economy has demonstrated resilience: GDP growth is holding strong at 6.5% Inflation… Read More Here