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Paris (France) (AFP) – The recent surge in attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz has escalated tensions in the region, placing the crucial waterway—an artery for global trade—at the forefront of a deepening Middle East conflict with serious economic implications. Issued on: 15/03/2026 – 15:24 3 min Reading time In a strategic move to impose economic strain in response to US and Israeli military actions, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a passage through which around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported. On Saturday, US President Donald…

African Union Peace and Security Council to Meet for Critical Session on Preventive Diplomacy The African Union (AU) is set to host its 1336th Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting on March 17, 2026. This important assembly aims to receive insights from the AU Panel of the Wise, focusing on their recent activities across the continent. Opening Statements and Key Briefings The session will commence with remarks from Mahlaba Ali Mamba, the Permanent Representative of Eswatini to the AU and current Chairperson of the PSC for March. Following his opening statement, Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace…

Investigating Hunger in South Africa: A National Crisis Unveiled Rising Malnutrition Rates Among South African Children The urgent issue of hunger in South Africa has drawn significant attention, with millions of individuals struggling to secure adequate food. Disturbingly, approximately 30 children die daily due to malnutrition-related causes, spotlighting a food system in crisis. The Role of the South African Human Rights Commission The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has initiated a National Investigative Hearing aimed at uncovering the reasons behind the persistent lack of access to adequate food. Despite constitutional guarantees enshrined in Section 27(1)(b), which states that everyone…

Managem: Morocco’s Strategic Mining Firm for Europe’s Energy Transition Morocco’s largest mining and metallurgy operator, Managem, is strategically positioned as a key player in the European green energy transition, even as it faces challenges from commodity price fluctuations. Investors based in Frankfurt, Zurich, and Vienna should take note of the current landscape surrounding this critical supplier of essential minerals. Navigating Commodity Volatility Managem operates in an evolving marketplace characterized by the volatility of commodity prices, rising energy costs, and the increasing demand for renewable energy. Investors interested in companies linked to critical minerals will find Managem (ISIN: MA0000011009) a blend…

Transaction Capital Ltd: Navigating Challenges in a Volatile Market Transaction Capital Ltd (ISIN: ZAE000165231) is currently facing a challenging landscape as it operates within the South African financial services sector. Amid various global market volatilities and local economic pressures, investor sentiment has been notably subdued. As no significant updates have emerged recently, attention has shifted to the company’s rental and asset financing segments for potential indicators of recovery. Current Market Overview In recent weeks, Transaction Capital Ltd has shown limited directional movement in its stock price, reflecting the typical inactivity seen in South African markets during weekends, compounded by global…

Lagos: A Beacon of African Potential Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Highlights the Transformative Power of Lagos at Africa Week 2026 The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, addressed attendees at the closing ceremony of Africa Week 2026, emphasizing the city’s monumental role as a catalyst for African possibilities. Speaking at King’s College London, he illustrated how this vibrant metropolis, though occupying a fraction of Nigeria’s land area, has evolved into one of Africa’s preeminent urban economies. Lagos: A Strong Economic Force Governor Sanwo-Olu pointed out that Lagos stands as Africa’s second-largest city economy, boasting a significant GDP of approximately $259…

The Surge of Air Travel in Africa: Key Airports and Trends Air travel in Africa is experiencing a significant resurgence as post-pandemic recovery initiatives gain momentum. With an increase in passenger traffic, tourism is rebounding, and airline networks are expanding. Data from Airports Council International and respective airport authorities reveal that several major hubs are pivotal in shaping the continent’s aviation landscape. These airports not only function as national gateways but also serve as vital transit points connecting Africa with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 1. Cairo International Airport – Egypt Projected Passengers for 2025: 30.9 million Cairo International…

The Economic Impact of Low Fuel Prices in Africa As global oil prices fluctuate due to conflicts in critical energy corridors and uncertainties around supply, countries that manage to stabilize or lower local fuel prices gain significant economic advantages. This downturn in fuel costs can offer a substantial buffer for both economic and social stability. Benefits of Lower Fuel Prices Reduced Inflationary Pressures One of the most immediate effects of decreasing fuel prices is a reduction in inflationary pressure. Fuel is a vital component for transportation, industry, and agriculture. Therefore, when fuel costs decline, it alleviates the burden on consumers…

Strengthening Southern Africa’s Energy Future: Insights from the SAPP Meeting Recently, energy leaders gathered in Lusaka for a pivotal meeting of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), focusing on the future of regional electricity systems. With increasing power demands, outdated infrastructure, and growing climate challenges, the urgency for collaboration in energy distribution has never been greater. The Need for Robust Energy Networks Delegates emphasized that the expansion of cross-border transmission and distribution networks is critical. The harsh realities of climate change are disrupting traditional hydropower generation, necessitating a shift towards diverse and resilient energy sources. Participants stressed the importance of…

Network International Enhances Digital Fraud Protection for ADCB Egypt Introduction of AI-Powered Fraud Detection Network International has successfully launched the FICO Falcon Fraud Manager solution for ADCB Egypt, marking a significant advancement in fraud detection technology aimed at safeguarding digital financial transactions within the Egyptian market. Boosting Real-Time Fraud Monitoring This initiative forms part of Network International’s comprehensive fraud prevention strategy in Egypt, focusing on enhancing real-time oversight and mitigation of fraudulent payment activities for ADCB Egypt customers. AI Analytics for Immediate Fraud Detection The FICO solution employs advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to analyze millions of payment…