Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have been seriously shaking energy markets across the world for a while now.

Europe could feel even more of the heat as it faces warnings of a possible winter gas shortage if disruptions around the strategic waterway continue. This is pushing countries to look more closely toward African suppliers like Nigeria, Algeria and Angola for alternative energy supplies. Similar global supply shocks in recent years, especially after the war in Ukraine, have already increased Africa’s importance in global oil and gas trade.

This time, however, African producers may have a stronger chance to turn global demand into longer-term economic influence.

Equinor executives have warned that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could cause a severe winter energy shortage in Europe.

European gas reserves are currently well below seasonal norms, with Dutch storage hitting a decade low of 5.8%, Germany at 20%, and France at 27%. If disruptions persist for one to three months, benchmark gas prices could surge, intensifying global competition for cargo.

Consequently, African producers like Algeria, Nigeria, and Angola are becoming vital alternative suppliers, with Algeria already dramatically increasing crude exports to France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. Read more…

🇮🇳 Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria’s Varun Beverages secures 10-year PepsiCo deal as revenue hits $2.4 billion across 7 African markets

Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria’s company, Varun Beverages, secured a 10-year extension on its PepsiCo bottling license. The firm operates across seven African nations and recorded $2.4 billion in annual revenue, driven by strong African demand.

Varun Beverages is expanding through multi-million-dollar acquisitions and new manufacturing plants in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Read more…

🇲🇦 Morocco’s CIMAF invests $45 million in Gabon as Africa’s cement race intensifies

Moroccan cement giant CIMAF is investing over $45 million to expand its Owendo facility in Gabon, adding a third production line. This strategic project comes ahead of Gabon's planned 2027 ban on clinker imports.

The expansion will boost annual capacity to 1.85 million tonnes, positioning Gabon to become a regional cement export hub for Central Africa. Read more…

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso tightens grip on $7 billion gold industry as foreign firms lose ground

Burkina Faso is rapidly tightening control over its gold industry to reduce foreign dominance. Six of the country's 15 industrial gold mines are now majority-owned by local companies, with three under direct state control.

As part of President Ibrahim Traoré’s economic sovereignty agenda, the reforms aim to keep more mining wealth inside the nation to finance development. Read more…

The Top 4 Fastest-Growing Tech Hubs in Africa

Africa’s major urban centers are rapidly transforming from regional markets into globally recognized engines of digital innovation, outperforming many international peers in ecosystem valuation.

Source: Dealroom.co Global Tech Ecosystem Intelligence / Platform 45 Tech Report

🇿🇦 South Africa faces diplomatic snub as African envoys boycott Africa Day celebrations

African ambassadors and high commissioners collectively boycotted South Africa's flagship Africa Day event in the North West province. The coordinated snub is a direct protest against rising anti-immigrant sentiment and targeted violence against foreign nationals.

Individual governments like Nigeria and Ghana previously summoned South African diplomats, and some citizens are now seeking voluntary repatriation. Read more…

🇲🇦 Moroccan billionaire Moulay Hafid Elalamy bets on Europe’s rising debt crisis with Swedish bank acquisition

Moroccan billionaire Moulay Hafid Elalamy, chairman of Saham Group, has acquired a majority stake in Swedish credit institution Arktika Capital AB. The acquisition gives him exposure to Europe's fast-growing market for distressed and non-performing loans.

The deal comes as rising interest rates, higher borrowing costs, and economic pressure across Europe push more borrowers into financial stress. Read more…

Founded after World War II, UNESCO, a specialized UN agency works to secure world peace by protecting historical landmarks and natural wonders. Once a site is granted "World Heritage" status by UNESCO, it receives international legal protection to preserve it for future generations.

The African countries with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites are Ethiopia and South Africa, which are tied at 11 official sites each. They are followed closely by Morocco (9 sites), Tunisia (9 sites), and Egypt (7 sites).