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Reimagining South Africa’s Food System: A Path Towards Equity and Security The food system in South Africa is facing a critical juncture. Rooted in a history of land dispossession and racial inequities, it is characterized by the systemic decline of Black agriculture and substantial state support for large-scale commercial farming predominantly owned by white individuals. This structure is failing to meet the needs of many South Africans, leading to soaring food insecurity and unemployment rates. Food Insecurity and Economic Challenges A recent webinar hosted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) focused on the theme of Strengthening Small-scale Agri-food Systems…

Illegal Gold Mining Escalates in South Africa As gold prices continue to soar, South Africa is facing a significant challenge with illegal mining activities. The spot price of gold is currently nearing $5,000 per ounce, attracting both locals and undocumented migrants to abandoned gold mines across the country. Reports indicate that shantytowns are rapidly forming around Johannesburg, once renowned for its gold mining heritage but now primarily consisting of closed mines. Despite the closures, illegal miners are still able to find alluvial gold and gold fragments in the area’s soil. The BBC highlighted that individuals from neighboring countries are joining…

The Growing Market for Complex Fluorine Salts in Africa: Forecast and Key Insights Introduction The African market for complex fluorine salts, which includes fluorides, fluorosilicates, and fluoroaluminates, is experiencing significant growth. A new report by IndexBox reveals vital insights into consumption, production, and trade dynamics within the region, highlighting Nigeria’s key role as both a major consumer and producer. Key Findings The market is projected to reach 302K tons and $660M in value by 2035. Nigeria leads as the continent’s top consumer, accounting for 25% of the total consumption volume. Tunisia is the dominant exporter, representing approximately 80% of total…

Navigating the Nigerian Market: Strategies for Sustainable Success Entering the Nigerian market unlocks vast opportunities for organizations across Africa. However, success hinges on strategic planning, respect for local nuances, and effective governance. In this article, we delve into the crucial aspects of market entry and how to effectively engage with local systems to build credibility and long-term sustainability. Understanding Nigeria’s Complex Landscape The Economic Opportunity As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria presents a complex operating environment that extends beyond mere registration and compliance. Organizations must navigate a myriad of challenges including labour legislation, tax requirements, and data protection laws. To effectively…

Nigeria Transfers Headquarters of African Energy Bank: A Leap Towards Energy Sovereignty Nigeria has officially handed over the headquarters of the African Energy Bank (AEB) in Abuja. This significant development marks a crucial stride toward achieving energy sovereignty for the African continent, as the institution prepares to launch its operations by June 2026. Ceremony Highlights at the Nigeria International Energy Summit The ceremony took place during the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES). Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Colibaly, who also serves as the president of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), praised Nigeria’s leadership for…

Greece Collaborates with European Nations to Establish Migrant Return Centers Greece is taking significant steps to address migration challenges by partnering with four other European countries—Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark—to set up migrant return centers, likely in African nations. This initiative, announced by Greece’s Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, aims to manage individuals whose asylum claims are rejected. The Plan for Return Centers During an appearance on the Greek state broadcaster ERT, Plevris detailed the collaboration, emphasizing that discussions about these so-called "return hubs" are moving beyond theoretical concepts to actionable plans. While the exact locations within Africa are not…

Transformation in South Africa’s Agricultural Sector: New Departments Established Joint Meeting on Agricultural Reforms The Portfolio Committees on Agriculture and on Land Reform and Rural Development recently convened a joint session with representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD). This meeting was primarily aimed at discussing the implications of the division of the former Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) into two distinct entities. Background of the Split This significant restructuring was initiated following the National Macro-Organisation of Government (NMOG) that was implemented after the 2024 elections,…

Representational image. Credit: Canva The Future of Africa’s Energy Sector: Insights from AEW 2026 The year 2026 is set to become a transformative moment for Africa’s energy landscape, driven by changing geopolitics, attempts to diversify global supply chains, and ongoing regulatory reforms. These shifts are positioning Africa as an attractive destination for foreign energy investments. Amid this evolving scenario, the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies Conference & Exhibition is scheduled to occur from October 12–16, 2026, in Cape Town. Organized by the African Energy Chamber, this major event aims to serve as a crucial platform for fostering…

Exploring Desmond Tutu’s Legacy in Sam Pollard’s Documentary Cinematic biographies can often feel like a tedious parade of facts and dates. However, Sam Pollard’s documentary Tutu, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, breaks this mold. It not only highlights the pivotal role Desmond Tutu played in ending apartheid in South Africa, but it also delivers a personal and intimate portrayal of the man himself. By the film’s conclusion, viewers leave with a profound understanding of Tutu’s character and influence. Insightful Direction and Collaboration Sam Pollard, known for his compelling works like Citizen Ashe and MLK/FBI, received invaluable support from…

Presented by The Rockefeller Foundation Sign up to Devex Dish today. Agricultural Insights from the African Union Summit During the recent African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, agriculture and food security emerged as vital yet understated themes, intertwined with the summit’s primary focus on water. This was highlighted by the continent’s significant annual water financing gap of $64 billion, of which a mere $10.5 billion is currently available. Major multilateral banks, including the African Development Bank, presented ambitious plans to tackle these challenges. Water Investment Initiatives The African Development Bank introduced a $1 billion investment program aimed at improving…