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 […]
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 […]
The European Union has announced a funding package of nearly €545 million (approximately $638 million) to support renewable energy initiatives across Africa, aimed at expanding electricity access, strengthening regional power grids, and advancing the continent’s transition to clean energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the commitment in a video message during the […]
African countries are becoming key producers of critical minerals like cobalt and platinum, but the rush to extract these resources has also fueled instability, causing displacement and escalating armed conflicts across the continent. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected in its Regional Economic Outlook report published in April last year that critical minerals could boost […]
Africa’s trade with China has surged 25% in 2025, reaching $122 billion in just seven months — on track to exceed $200 billion for the first time, yet beneath the boom lies a widening trade imbalance and growing concern over Africa’s long-term economic autonomy, experts warn. While U.S.-Africa trade has declined, especially under President Donald […]
Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0 has exposed Africa’s vulnerability to cybercrime, resulting in 1,209 arrests across 18 African nations and the United Kingdom, recovering $97.4 million from schemes affecting nearly 88,000 victims. The August 22 announcement highlights escalating digital threats including inheritance scams, ransomware, and business email compromise across the continent. The operation’s success underscores cybercrime’s […]
As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, Australian mining companies are ramping up their presence across Africa, positioning the country as a key player in the global energy transition. With Africa holding an estimated 30% of the world’s known mineral resources, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed companies are seizing the opportunity, specialized Australian website mining.com.au said […]
Kenya has become the latest African country that has hired lawyers or lobbying firms with ties to President Donald Trump’s associates to advocate for their interests in Washington, D.C. Kenya has signed a $175,000-a-month lobbying contract with Continental Strategy LLC, a U.S. firm led by ex-Trump official Carlos Trujillo, aiming to boost its influence in […]
Africa is emerging as a key manufacturing hub for Indian companies, as record-high U.S. tariffs — now up to 50% — threaten India’s export competitiveness, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and gems. The penalties, imposed largely in response to India’s continued oil trade with Russia, have forced Indian firms to pivot strategically toward Africa to maintain […]
The 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) has once again exposed Africa’s widening governance gap, with Mauritius maintaining its lead as the continent’s best-governed country, ranking 51st globally. The CGGI evaluates 120 countries across 35 indicators, including institutional strength, policy implementation, and public accountability. Rwanda (59th) was named the world’s best-performing low-income country, while Botswana […]