Economic power on the continent is becoming less about legacy and more about long-term strategy.

Morocco has now overtaken South Africa as Africa’s leading industrial economy, with the African Development Bank pointing to years of steady investment in manufacturing, exports and industrial planning. It is another reminder that resilience and long-term focus often pay off, as countries like China, Vietnam and even the UAE used similar strategies to grow from trade hubs into major production centres.

For South Africa, the development may be less about losing a title and more about facing a continent that is becoming economically more competitive.

Morocco has overtaken South Africa as Africa’s leading industrial economy, according to a new report by the African Development Bank.

The bank credited Morocco’s rise to aggressive industrial upgrading, export diversification, and long-term industrial policies. This development signals a shift in economic influence, with Morocco positioning itself as a manufacturing and export hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Meanwhile, the report noted that South Africa has struggled with declining competitiveness.

Additionally, the index found that intra-African trade remains weak at just 14.4% of total trade, highlighting fragmented supply chains across the continent. Read more…

🇩🇿 African country named among Russia’s top 3 largest military-technical cooperation partners

Algeria has been named alongside China and India as one of Russia's top three global military-technical cooperation partners. This disclosure follows an announcement by Russia’s state defense export agency, Rosoboronexport, which has secured $20 billion in defense agreements across Africa.

These deals include 150 contracts spanning military-technical cooperation with 46 African nations. Read more…

🇰🇪 Kenya turns to Turkish power ships to tackle worsening electricity shortages

Kenya is in early talks with Turkish firm Karpowership to deploy floating power plants along its coast to meet rising electricity demand. The country's peak power consumption hit a record 2.4 gigawatts in 2025, leaving the national grid operating with a minimal reserve margin of 2.3%.

Karpowership currently supplies electricity to eight African nations. Read more…

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

Burkina Faso is restructuring its gold ownership to reduce foreign dominance. By the end of 2025, six of the country’s 15 industrial gold mines became majority-owned by Burkinabe companies, with three under direct state control through SOPAMIB.

This shift represents an economic sovereignty drive led by President Ibrahim Traoré to keep more mining revenues within the country. Read more…

10 African countries with the weakest currencies in May 2026

Currency depreciation remains a highly disruptive economic challenge across Africa. Low foreign exchange inflows, high import demand, and rising global oil prices have made it difficult for several currencies to stabilize, driving up business costs and inflation.

Source: Forbes Calculator

🇩🇿 Africa’s second most powerful military finally gets its hands on Russian Su-34M fighter jets amid North Africa arms race

Algeria, Africa's second most powerful military, has received its first batch of Russian Su-34M strike fighter jets. The delivery stems from a weapons pact signed seven years ago, which reportedly includes Su-35E and Su-57E fighters.

This modernization comes amid a growing North African arms race, where regional rivals Morocco and Egypt are also rapidly expanding their military capabilities. Read more…

🇲🇬 Russia taps African island nation for fuel storage project as Strait of Hormuz tensions threaten supplies

Russia and Madagascar have signed agreements to establish a common economic zone that includes strategic fuel storage facilities on the island. The initiative aims to secure affordable fuel and reduce Madagascar's vulnerability to global energy disruptions linked to Middle East instability.

Positioned along key Indian Ocean routes, the project forms part of Russia's broader push into Africa. Read more…

A thirsty camel can drink over 100 liters (about 30 gallons) of water in less than 15 minutes. Their bodies are uniquely designed to store this massive amount of hydration safely in their bloodstream, rather than in their humps, allowing them to survive for weeks in harsh desert environments without another drop.