First Independent Mena Newspaper
Economic leadership that was long concentrated in the West has decisively shifted towards emerging economies, whereby this historic global shift in trade and power is redefining Africa’s role in the world economy, says a new book ‘West to East: A New Global Economy in the Making’. Its author, economist Arno van Niekerk, described in a […]
Tensions have surged in Cameroon following opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s declaration of victory in the 12 October presidential election, days before official results are due. Clashes broke out in Douala and other cities as protesters rallied against what they allege are attempts to manipulate the vote. Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson under President Paul […]
As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) quietly expired on 30 September, uncertainty looms over U.S.–Africa trade ties, though business leaders and policy experts insist this is “no cliff edge,” as African Report calls it — but a wake-up call. At the recent Global Africa Summit in Washington, D.C., U.S. trade advisors said African […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel movement signed an agreement in Doha on Tuesday, October 14, to establish a mechanism for monitoring and verifying a ceasefire, marking a renewed attempt to end years of violence in eastern Congo. The deal, facilitated by Qatar and witnessed by representatives from the United States, […]
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire will not halt his country’s pursuit of justice at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Israel faces allegations of genocide. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (14 Oct), Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the case it filed in December 2023, stating: […]
In 2025, African fashion is no longer a rising trend — it’s a global force reshaping the industry with bold design, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. Valued at $31 billion in 2020, Africa’s fashion market is projected to surpass $50 billion by 2030, according to McKinsey & Company. With exports of textiles, apparel, and footwear reaching […]
Nine African companies have been named among Forbes’ 2025 World’s Best Employers, highlighting the continent’s growing influence in global workplace standards and corporate culture. Topping Africa’s list is Standard Bank Group, ranked 28th globally, and securing its fourth consecutive appearance on Forbes’ prestigious annual ranking. The accolade cements its position as a leader in employee […]
Madagascar faces its most severe political crisis in over a decade as a wave of Gen Z-led protests has escalated into what President Andry Rajoelina describes as an attempted coup. The unrest intensified after CAPSAT, the elite military unit that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009, declared its allegiance to the protesters and announced […]
The European Union’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on steel imports beyond a reduced quota has sent ripples through global markets — and Africa is bracing for the fallout. While most African countries are technically exempt from the EU’s new tariff regime under WTO rules, the continent may still face serious indirect consequences. With major […]
Rwanda’s ambitions to become Africa’s health and biotech hub received a major endorsement this week, as the European Union announced a €95 million ($103 million) investment to bolster the country’s vaccine manufacturing, biotechnology, and economic inclusion efforts. Unveiled in Brussels during the Global Gateway Forum, the funding marks a deepening partnership between the EU and […]