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Cannabis and Hemp Industry in South Africa: Current Insights The cannabis and hemp sectors in South Africa are emerging topics that warrant further exploration. With ongoing legislative advancements, the potential for these industries to contribute positively to the agricultural landscape remains significant, albeit with some caveats. The Current Landscape of Cannabis Regulation Despite being a point of contention in agriculture, both cannabis and hemp are additional commodities rather than transformative forces for South Africa’s agricultural growth. The focus now lies in finalizing the legislative and regulatory frameworks that will govern these industries. Many organizations, including the Agricultural Research Council (ARC),…

The competition for energy, minerals, and export infrastructure in Africa is intensifying, driven by global geopolitical tensions and increasing investments in the continent’s resource sector. From the potential disruptions in oil supply due to conflicts in the Middle East to significant mining ventures in South Africa and growing resource nationalism in the Sahel region, Africa’s commodity landscape is rapidly evolving. Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Supply Risks in Africa Fuel-importing nations in Africa are closely monitoring escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly as conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel threaten crucial global oil shipping routes. The Strait of…

Africa’s Resource Wealth: The New Scramble for Continent’s Future Marginalization in the Global Economy Since the conclusion of the Cold War and the emergence of a so-called New World Order in 1991, African nations have found themselves increasingly marginalized in the global economic landscape. Although initially anticipated to become active participants in global change, many African nations have slipped into deeper dependence on external systems. This dependency is highlighted by stagnant growth rates in productive sectors, mounting external debt, and deteriorating social and political conditions. Challenges Facing African Nations As of December 2024, the United Nations reports that 32 out…

South Africa’s Property Market Boosted by Increased Capital Gains Tax Exemption The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made a significant change for homeowners by raising the capital gains tax (CGT) exclusion on primary residences from R2 million to R3 million. This tax relief, effective from 1 March 2026, enables homeowners to retain a larger portion of their profits when selling their properties, potentially leading to benefits ranging from tens of thousands to over R100,000. Financial Relief for Homeowners Confirmed by SARS in revised tax tables released in February 2026, this adjustment is seen as a considerable financial advantage for…

Lewis Hamilton Advocates for African Empowerment and an F1 Grand Prix Hamilton’s Call to Action: “Take Africa Back” Lewis Hamilton, the renowned seven-time Formula One champion, has made a powerful statement urging for a movement to “take Africa back.” He claims that the continent continues to be influenced and controlled by European powers and highlights the need for its nations to unite in reclaiming their autonomy. As the first Black driver in Formula One, Hamilton is uniquely positioned to lend his voice to this significant cause. A Dream for African Racing As the new Formula One season approaches, Hamilton has…

Major News Highlights from Africa: March 6, 2026 Every day, OkayAfrica brings you a curated selection of significant news stories, ensuring you’re updated with the latest happenings across the continent. Here’s what you need to know on March 6, 2026: CAF Postpones 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), just 12 days prior to its scheduled kickoff in Morocco. Originally set for March 17 to April 3, 2026, the tournament will now take place from July 25 to August 16, 2026. This…

A Glimpse into France-Nigeria Relations: Insights from Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier In a revealing interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, shed light on the complex and evolving relationship between France and Nigeria, as well as the broader dynamics of France’s diplomatic strategy in Africa and beyond. France’s Position on the US Board of Peace Addressing the contentious nature of global geopolitics, Ambassador Fonbaustier elaborated on France’s recent decision to decline an invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace, despite having voted in favor of its formation. He clarified that while France supports…

Cyberattack on South Africa’s Land Bank: An Overview In a recent event, South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the Land Bank was subjected to a cyberattack aimed at extorting over R5 million in cryptocurrency. The incident, which occurred in January, was addressed without any ransom being paid. Understanding the Cyber Incident Minister Godongwana responded to inquiries posed by MK Party MP Adil Nchabeleng, detailing the nature of the attack. The Land Bank detected unauthorized activity across its computer systems, confirming that the perpetrators had demanded five bitcoins—valued at approximately R5.4 million—for the return of compromised data or to…

Harnessing Africa’s Critical Minerals for Local Prosperity If critical minerals are key to decarbonizing the planet, they must first build resilient African economies. (AFP) Africa is rich in critical minerals, which are increasingly seen as essential for a greener future. However, discussions about these resources often favor external interests rather than focusing on how they can benefit African economies directly. To truly transform the continent, it is imperative to prioritize local industry and development over resource exportation. The growing global emphasis on electrification and renewable energy has driven demand for essential battery metals such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium to…

SAP Africa Partner Awards 2026: Celebrating Excellence in Digital Transformation On a vibrant evening in Stellenbosch, SAP proudly announced the winners of the highly anticipated SAP Africa Partner Awards 2026. This annual event honors outstanding contributions from partners within SAP’s ecosystem, highlighting their pivotal roles in driving digital innovation across Africa. The Importance of Partner Ecosystems Nazia Pillay, the Managing Director for Southern Africa at SAP, emphasized the critical role that partners play in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. “Organizations across the continent are redesigning processes, embedding intelligence into core systems, and reimagining how value is created,” she noted. This…