Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

South Africa Hit with 30% U.S. Export Tariffs After Failed Trade Agreement 1

U.S. Slaps 30% Tariff on South African Exports Amid Collapsed Trade Talks South Africa is set to face a 30% tariff on its exports to the United States starting next week, following the failure to secure a new trade agreement before a deadline imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The tariffs, formalized in an executive order signed on Thursday, apply to dozens of countries, with rates ranging between 10% and 41%. They will take effect within seven days as part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape global trade terms… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Projects 5.3% Economic Growth in 2025 Amid Easing Inflation and Structural Reforms

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 Constance

DRC Forecasts Slower but Steady Growth at 5.3% in 2025, Inflation Falls Sharply from 2024 Levels The economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is projected to grow by 5.3% in 2025, down from an estimated 6.5% in 2024, according to the latest forecasts released by the Central Bank of Congo (BCC). , While this marks a modest slowdown compared to recent years, the extractive industries continue to play a dominant role as the primary engine of national economic expansion. On the inflation front, the DRC is showing encouraging… Read More Here

Gold Economy International

Global Gold Market at a Crossroads as Investor Demand Surges

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 Constance

Gold Demand in 2025 Surges from Investors While Central Banks and Jewelry Sector Pull Back The global gold market is undergoing a major transformation. In the first half of 2025, global demand reached 2,400 tonnes, according to the latest report released by the World Gold Council (WGC) on July 31, 2025. While gold continues to attract attention, the drivers of demand are shifting sharply—investor appetite is growing, while central banks and the jewelry sector are losing momentum. Historically one of the main sources of gold demand, central banks are now… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Prioritizes Local Entrepreneurs in Economic Strategy During Angola Visit

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 Constance

DRC Champions Local Entrepreneurs as Catalysts for Economic Growth The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is intensifying its efforts to make local entrepreneurs the cornerstone of its national economic strategy. During an official visit to Angola, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy, Daniel Mukoko Samba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the Congolese private sector as a key player in the country’s development trajectory. “For the DRC, the best way to access the Congolese market is through local entrepreneurs,” said Mukoko Samba… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

President Tshisekedi Calls for Review of Tax Clearance Measures to Support Economic Growth

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 Constance

DRC President Tshisekedi Orders Reassessment of Tax Clearance Rules Amid Economic Concerns Amid growing concerns from business leaders over tax clearance requirements affecting commercial and administrative operations, President Félix Tshisekedi has called for a comprehensive review of these measures. His directive came during the 52nd ordinary session of the Council of Ministers. The 2025 Finance Act and its implementing decree of April 9 introduced mandatory tax clearance certificates for a wide range of activities. These include inter-company payments, opening bank accounts for non-residents, and acquiring administrative documents for expatriates. However,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

Investor Confidence Grows as Standard Bank Endorses DRC’s Development Agenda

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 Constance

Standard Bank Pledges Investment in DRC Infrastructure Projects Despite Ongoing Security Crisis Investor confidence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to rise, fueled by President Félix Tshisekedi’s clear development vision. This momentum was further demonstrated on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when Prime Minister Judith Suminwa welcomed a high-level delegation from the Standard Bank Group, led by Lungisa Fuzile, Chief Executive for the Africa Region. The visit aimed to showcase the banking giant’s interest in partnering on key national development projects, despite challenges in the region. “We are here,… Read More Here

International Economy

Namibia Charts Bold Economic Comeback Under First Female President

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 Constance

Namibia Targets 7% Growth to Regain Upper-Middle-Income Status with Green Hydrogen and Regional Energy Alliance Under the leadership of its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia is laying out an ambitious roadmap to restore its upper-middle-income status after a recent downgrade by the World Bank. The downgrade, prompted by fiscal challenges and a dip in gross national income (GNI) per capita below the $4,496 threshold, reclassified Namibia as a lower-middle-income country. In response, President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration has set a bold economic growth target of 7%, anchored by green hydrogen development,… Read More Here

International Economy

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

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 Constance

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

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Economy

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