Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Oil Tax Reform Delivers Sharp Revenue Gains and Strengthens Public Finances

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 Constance

DRC Oil Tax Reform Boosts Petroleum Revenues by Over 1,700%, Easing Pressure on Public Finances The Democratic Republic of Congo’s reform of oil-related tax expenditures is beginning to deliver measurable benefits for public finances, with official data showing petroleum revenues rising by more than 1,700% following the introduction of coordinated fiscal and regulatory measures. The reform was launched against a backdrop of rapidly rising oil tax expenditures, which reached US$1.6 billion in 2022 before easing to US$1.1 billion in 2023. Over the two-year period, these expenditures accounted for nearly 15%… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Economy

DRC Copper and Cobalt Prices Edge Lower as Global Market Pressures Persist

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 Constance

Copper and Cobalt Prices in DRC Expected to Dip Slightly Amid Global Market Uncertainty Prices of copper and cobalt two of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most important mineral exports are expected to record modest declines on international markets during the week of January 26–31, 2026, according to projections from the National Market Commission under the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Copper is forecast to trade at about $13,031 per tonne, down from $13,179 the previous week, representing a decline of roughly $148 per tonne. Cobalt prices are expected to remain… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia Returns to Single-Digit Inflation as Currency Strength and Copper Prices Lift Economy

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 Constance

Zambia Inflation Falls to 9.4% for First Time Since 2023 on Strong Kwacha and Rising Copper Prices Several African economies, including Zambia, which have faced significant economic challenges in recent years, have begun the new year with notable economic improvements. In a key milestone for the copper-rich Southern African nation, inflation has fallen below double digits for the first time in three years. Zambia’s annual inflation rate declined to 9.4%, down from 11.2% in the previous month, marking the country’s first single-digit inflation reading since 2023. The improvement signals growing… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia’s Mining Sector Posts Strong Growth in 2025 on Rising Copper Output and Policy Reforms

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 Constance

Zambia Mining Sector Grows in 2025 as Copper Production Rises 8% and Major Investments Advance Zambia’s mining sector recorded strong growth in 2025, driven by an increase in copper production, rising investment, expanded licensing activity, and wide-ranging policy reforms aimed at strengthening the industry’s contribution to socio-economic development. Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Honourable Paul C. Kabuswe, MP, said copper production the backbone of Zambia’s mining industry increased by 8 per cent, rising from 825,513.01 metric tonnes in 2024 to 890,345.79 metric tonnes… Read More Here

International Economy

Zimbabwe Sees First Single-Digit Inflation in Over Two Decades

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe’s Inflation Falls to Single Digits as ZiG Currency Gains Stability Zimbabwe’s economy is showing early signs of stabilization, marked by a sharp slowdown in inflation and renewed confidence in its gold-backed local currency. The development represents a significant milestone for a country that has grappled with currency instability and hyperinflation for more than two decades. In November last year, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) projected a substantial decline in annual inflation by the end of 2025, forecasting a 50% reduction as tighter monetary controls took effect. At the… Read More Here

International Economy Gold

South African Rand Strengthens Near 16-per-Dollar as Gold Hits Record Highs

January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 Constance

South African Rand Approaches 16 per Dollar Amid Record Gold Prices Ahead of SARB Rate Meeting The South African rand edged closer to the 16-per-dollar mark on Monday, supported by record gold prices, ahead of the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) first interest rate meeting of 2026. At 07:03 GMT, the rand traded at 16.0475 against the dollar, up approximately 0.4% from its previous close and near its strongest level since June 2022. The U.S. dollar weakened slightly against a basket of currencies, while gold surged past $5,000 per ounce,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

Tshisekedi Positions DRC as Strategic Partner in Global Energy Transition at Davos

January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 Constance

At Davos, President Tshisekedi Calls for Fair Mineral Partnerships and Local Value Creation in the DRC President Félix Tshisekedi is among the guests of honour at the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), taking place in Davos, Switzerland, from Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23, under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” This year’s forum is marked by exceptional diplomatic engagement, with more than 50 heads of state and government expected to attend. The Davos meeting serves as a high-level platform bringing together global political leaders,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Infrastructural Development

DRC Targets $750 Million From First International Bond to Fund Infrastructure

January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 Constance

DRC Plans $750 Million Debut Eurobond as Rising Metal Prices Boost Investor Appeal The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plans to raise $750 million in April through its first international bond issuance, with proceeds earmarked for infrastructure development, Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde said in an interview in Kinshasa. The transaction will represent the first tranche of a broader foreign-currency borrowing programme approved by the Council of Ministers. The programme allows for up to $1.5 billion in international bond issuances through 2026, with the government intending to phase market access… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy Partnership

Zambia and France Explore Strategic Mining Partnership to Boost Economic Growth

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026 Constance

Zambia and France Discuss Mining Collaboration to Enhance Value Addition and Investment Zambia and France are exploring a strategic partnership in the mining sector aimed at boosting economic growth and local value addition. The discussions followed a courtesy call by the French Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Thomas Rossignol, on the Permanent Secretary of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka. Ambassador Rossignol highlighted France’s readiness to support Zambia with technical expertise, loans, and investment to develop the country’s rich mineral resources. “France is ready… Read More Here

Gold Economy Mining in Uganda

Uganda’s Gold Exports Soar, Surpassing Coffee to Become Top Foreign Exchange Earner

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 Constance

Uganda’s Gold Exports Jump 76% to $5.8 Billion, Overtaking Coffee as Leading Export Uganda’s gold exports surged by 75.8% in 2025, reaching approximately $5.8 billion, marking a rapid transformation in the country’s export profile as gold overtook coffee as the leading source of foreign exchange. Data from the Bank of Uganda show shipments rose from about $3.3 billion in 2024, driven largely by record international gold prices that attracted new traders into the sector. Adam Mugume, the central bank’s executive director for research and economic analysis, noted that the global… Read More Here