Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

BRICS: South Africa announces five new confirmations

February 4, 2024February 4, 2024 Constance

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have officially confirmed their participation in the BRICS bloc after receiving invitations last year, according to South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor. These five nations, along with Argentina, were invited to join the bloc during a summit in August held in Johannesburg, joining the existing BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa, Reuters reported. However, Argentina has officially declined the invitation to join the BRICS bloc, as President Javier Milei, who assumed office, reversed his predecessor’s membership bid. “With… Read More Here

IMF Forecasts 4.7% Economic Growth for Zambia in 2024, Citing Mining Sector Reopenings

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024 Constance

The Country Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Eric Lautier, has projected a robust economic growth of 4.7% for Zambia in 2024, surpassing last year’s recorded growth of 4.3%. Lautier attributes this positive outlook to the anticipated reopening of production at Konkola Copper and Mopani Copper Mines. The economic trajectory is expected to receive further impetus from increased investments in Kansanshi and Sentinel Mines. Lautier shared these insights in response to inquiries from various stakeholders in Zambia. However, he highlighted that the mining sector’s low production has adversely impacted… Read More Here

Gold Economy International Mining revenue

Barrick Continues To Be a Major Value Creator for Mali

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024 Constance

Barrick Gold Corporation and its predecessor, Randgold Resources, has been a valuable partner to Mali for 27 years and, in the face of many challenges, continues to work tirelessly with the Transition Government of Mali and local stakeholders to plot a new course for the country’s mining industry and promote it as an investment destination, says president and chief executive Mark Bristow. Speaking to the media, Bristow said during this time its mines had contributed almost $10 billion to the Malian economy in the form of taxes, royalties, salaries and… Read More Here

Oil & Gas Economy Mining in Uganda

Uganda Harnesses Oil and Gas Resources for Economic Transformation

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024 Constance

Uganda is strategically positioning itself for economic growth by tapping into its rich oil and gas resources while simultaneously embracing a sustainable energy transition plan, as revealed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu. The ambitious 25-year plan anticipates a substantial economic boost, with $8.6 billion injected into Uganda’s GDP by 2025, fueled by revenues from oil and gas production. The “last in, last out” approach discussed at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference enables developing nations like Uganda to leverage their resources. This approach aligns… Read More Here

Economy International

Secretary of State Blinken Discusses Lobito Corridor in Luanda

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 Constance

Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, visited Angola on January 24 and 25th of 2024 to further discuss and develop the numerous bilateral agreements made during the 2023 US-Africa Leaders summit in Washington, DC. At a news conference in Luanda with his Angolan counterpart, Foreign Minister Tete Antonio, Blinken mentioned the Lobito Corridor: “I had a chance today to see some of the dramatic progress that’s already been made in building out this corridor. It is moving faster and further I think that we might have imagined.” According to the official press… Read More Here

International Economy Transport and Logistics

U.S. Secretary of State Travels to Africa on Four-Nation Tour

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has undertaken a four-nation tour of Africa to boost infrastructure investment and trade with the continent.During the tour, Blinken will visit Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola. The six-day tour, which began on 21 January in Cape Verde, will focus on regional security, conflict prevention, democracy promotion, and trade, with particular emphasis being placed on the U.S.’s strategic partnership with Angola. Blinken is expected to expand on the Biden Administration’s partnership with Angola in the areas of economic investment, food security, health and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Economy

DRC and China Discuss $7 Billion Financing for Mineral-Infrastructure Deal

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

President Felix Tshisekedi announced during his second inaugural address in Kinshasa that China and the Democratic Republic of Congo are in discussions for $7 billion in financing as part of a renegotiated minerals-for-infrastructure deal. Tshisekedi has been advocating for the restructuring of a 2008 $6.2 billion contract, arguing that the original deal, centered around the Sicomines copper and cobalt mine, has provided minimal benefit to Congo. While the mine has been operational for years, Congo’s government reports that less than a third of the promised $3 billion in development funds… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Governance

Zambia’s President to Prioritize Local Ownership in Mining Licenses with New Law

January 18, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

In a recent announcement, President Hakainde Hichilema outlined key initiatives to strengthen Zambia’s governance and economic empowerment. The President declared the forthcoming introduction of a law aimed at preventing the sale of mining licenses to foreigners, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering Zambians with ownership of mining operations. Addressing the challenges in the public procurement process, President Hichilema disclosed plans for a new law in 2024 to address delays and corruption surrounding tenders. Additionally, he highlighted the impending review of the Electronic Government Procurement System (EGPS) to ensure broader citizen… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Oil & Gas Petroleum

Kinshasa Authorities Assure No Risk of Fuel Shortage in DRC

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024 Constance

The city of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will not experience a stock shortage of petroleum products despite the flooding of the Congo River. These assurances were given by the Ministry of the National Economy in response to rumors circulating on social networks suggesting a possible exhaustion of fuel stocks in Kinshasa. “From information obtained from SEP Congo officials, the rumor about the fuel stock shortage linked to the flooding of the Congo River is completely false. Consumers are advised to ignore this. », writes the… Read More Here

International Economy

Africa Leads World’s Fastest-Growing Economies

January 6, 2024January 6, 2024 Constance

Africa is poised to be the second fastest-growing regional economy by 2024, with over 10 African countries experiencing substantial GDP growth. Last October, the International Monetary Fund emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in global economic development and resilience. Leading forecast growth are Niger, Senegal, Libya, Rwanda and Ivory Coast, whose economic expansion is largely anticipated from strategic and diversified energy sector investments. Niger – 11.1% In 2024, Niger is anticipated to be Africa’s fastest-growing economy with 11.1% GDP growth, contingent upon pivotal developments: early sanctions lifting, large-scale oil production, international financing resumption, and… Read More Here