Over 140 fuel stations in South Africa have run dry as drivers rush to fill up before record price hikes hit in April. While the country has enough stock, delivery trucks cannot keep up with the sudden demand. This comes as the U.S. invests $46 million to become a top owner in a major Mozambique graphite mine.

African nations are also securing their energy and tech futures through local partnerships. Botswana is seeking a 30% stake in a $6 billion Angola oil refinery to avoid risky trade routes. Meanwhile, Kenya has launched a bid for investors to develop a $62 billion rare earth site used for advanced electronics.

As trade shifts, Morocco’s Tanger Med port is seeing a massive surge from ships avoiding Middle East conflicts. This global move is turning the continent into a vital bypass for trade. To help, a 30-nation coalition led by the UK and France is now working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize fuel costs.

Over 140 petrol stations in South Africa have run dry as drivers rush to fill up before record price hikes hit in April. The surge in demand is three times higher than normal, causing delivery networks to fall behind and some stations to ration fuel to just 30 liters per vehicle.

While fuel is still available at depots, the local logistics system is struggling to keep up with panic buying. Some stations are even accused of holding back stock to sell it at higher prices once the new, more expensive rates come into effect tomorrow.

Global tensions in the Middle East and new fees in India are driving up the cost of imported refined fuel. South Africa relies heavily on these imports, making it very vulnerable to international supply shocks and price changes that directly affect local consumers at the pump.

🇲🇿 U.S. set to become second-largest shareholder in Mozambique graphite mine after $46 million investment

The United States is becoming the second-largest owner of a major graphite mine in Mozambique. By investing millions, the U.S. wants to secure a steady supply of this mineral, which is a key part of making batteries for electric cars and other new technology.

This move shows how important African resources are for the global energy shift. For Mozambique, having the U.S. as a major partner could mean more jobs and more money for the local economy, while helping the world move away from relying on just one or two countries for minerals.

🇧🇼 Strait of Hormuz oil tensions push Botswana toward 30% stake in $6 billion Angola refinery

Botswana is looking to buy a 30% stake in a $6 billion oil refinery in Angola. Because of rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Botswana wants to make sure it has a reliable way to get fuel without depending on risky global trade routes.

By partnering with Angola, Botswana aims to secure its energy future and keep local prices steady. This multi-billion dollar deal shows how African nations are working together to solve their own power needs and protect their economies from conflicts happening far away.

🇰🇪 Kenya launches bid for investors to develop $62 billion rare earth site eyed by US, China

Kenya is looking for partners to help mine $62 billion worth of rare minerals. These materials are extremely valuable because they are essential for making advanced electronics, clean energy systems, and military technologies.

Major global powers like the U.S. and China are already showing interest in this site. By opening up this massive project, Kenya hopes to boost its economy and become a key player in the global supply chain for critical minerals.

How creators 'supercharged' Coach's Gen Z strategy

Coach has successfully transformed its brand image by using a data-driven creator strategy to win over Gen Z. By moving away from traditional ads and partnering with authentic voices, the luxury brand has seen a massive spike in engagement and relevance among younger, tech-savvy shoppers.

This shift highlights how innovation in marketing is now led by creator-led content rather than big-budget studios. For the African market, this trend offers a blueprint for local brands to use digital influencers to scale quickly, proving that authenticity is the new currency in the global digital economy.

Advanced analytics are now used to match brands with the right creators, ensuring every campaign hits the target. As AI continues to refine these connections, companies that embrace this creator-first approach will likely outperform those sticking to old-school marketing methods in 2026.

Top 10 African countries with the weakest currencies in March 2026

A new report highlights the African nations struggling with the weakest currencies this month. These rankings reflect economic challenges like high inflation, making imports more expensive. For businesses, tracking these rates is vital for managing costs in a volatile market.

Source: Forbes

🇬🇧 Relief for African economies as UK, France lead 30-nation coalition to reopen Strait of Hormuz

A coalition of 30 countries, led by the UK and France, is working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of this route has stopped energy supplies and made fuel much more expensive for African industries and households.

World leaders are now planning coordinated operations to secure the area against ongoing attacks. Successfully reopening the waterway would be a vital lifeline for Africa, helping to stabilize fuel prices and protect the continent’s economic growth from global shocks.

Even though the situation is still tense, the move to secure the path aims to get oil and food moving toward African ports again. This international effort is meant to prevent a total energy shutdown and keep the continent's major economies moving forward.

🇲🇦 Africa’s biggest port is bracing for a surge as global shipping avoids the Middle East

Global shipping companies are changing their routes to avoid the Middle East, leading to a massive surge at Tanger Med. As vessels stay away from conflict zones, this Moroccan hub is becoming the main stop for ships traveling between Asia and Europe.

This shift is turning the port into a vital bypass for global trade. While the rerouting adds thousands of miles to journeys, it is boosting activity at the facility, creating new opportunities for logistics and refueling services as more massive ships dock at its terminals.

However, the sudden increase in traffic is putting a strain on the port's infrastructure. Authorities must now manage the heavy flow to prevent delays, ensuring that this global trend helps grow the local economy without causing bottlenecks for domestic goods and exports.

The Sahara Desert is so massive that it stretches across 11 different African nations in the north. It covers nearly one-third of the entire continent, reaching into countries like Algeria, Chad, and Sudan.