Petrol prices have a way of reminding us that global conflicts rarely stay far away for long.

South Africa is cutting back fuel relief measures just as oil prices climb above $100 per barrel, leaving motorists and households more exposed to rising transport and living costs. Since tensions in the Middle East began escalating again, oil markets have swung sharply between supply fears and price spikes, leaving import-dependent economies like South Africa increasingly vulnerable.

Even with diesel relief offering some breathing room for businesses, many households may still find themselves paying more for everyday life in the months ahead.

Greek shipping billionaire Evangelos Marinakis argues that shipowners are better off paying a $100,000 to $200,000 transit fee to use the Strait of Hormuz rather than taking lengthy detours around Africa.

Decades of instability and route closures have forced operators to reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope, driving up fuel, insurance, and operating costs.

While these diversions boosted business for certain African ports, Marinakis believes a fixed fee offers more predictability than expensive detours and war-risk premiums.

However, industry leaders like Chevron oppose the tolls, warning they set a dangerous precedent for international waterways. Read more…

🇿🇦 Africa's biggest maize producer resumes export after historic harvest forecast

South Africa has resumed large-scale maize exports following a forecast of its biggest-ever commercial harvest at 17.064 million tonnes.

The crop exceeds domestic demand by roughly 5 million tonnes, creating a massive export surplus. The bumper harvest, which includes strong white and yellow maize yields, is expected to strengthen food security and grain supplies across Southern Africa. Read more…

🇬🇭 Another oil-producing African country set to join Nigeria, Angola and Algeria in refining its own crude

Ghana will begin refining its own crude oil domestically in June to cut its reliance on imported fuels.

President Mahama announced that the first parcel of offshore crude will soon be delivered to a local refinery for processing.

Backed by the Tema and Sentuo facilities, this historic shift aims to boost energy self-sufficiency and keep resource wealth within the country. Read more…

🇿🇦 Chinese fighter jet coveted by Africa's top 2 military powers beats Europe's Eurofighter 9-0 in air combat drills

Pakistan’s J-10C fighter jets achieved a 9-0 victory over Qatar's Eurofighter Typhoons during joint air exercises.

The aircraft's strong performance has boosted its profile among nations looking beyond Western military suppliers.

Consequently, Egypt and Algeria, Africa's top military powers, are eyeing these advanced Chinese fighters to modernize their air forces and diversify defense partnerships. Read more…

Top 10 African countries with the strongest currencies in May 2026

Currency stability shields African economies from global shocks like fuel price shifts, keeping food and transport prices predictable.

A strong currency lowers import costs for fuel and machinery, builds investor confidence, reduces dollar panic, and eases debt management.

Source: Forbes Calculator

🇲🇱 Why a $4 billion deal in Africa’s third-largest gold producing nation is facing pushback from China

A $4 billion Chinese takeover of Mali-based gold miner Allied Gold faces intense uncertainty due to regulatory pushback in Beijing.

China's National Development and Reform Commission is reviewing the acquisition over worries that the purchase price is too high and that operating in Mali presents unnecessary geopolitical risks. Read more…

🇿🇦 Oil tops $100 as South Africa withdraws fuel relief, exposing motorists to a new energy shock

South Africa is scaling back fuel relief measures just as global oil prices climb above $100 per barrel due to Middle East tensions.

Consequently, petrol prices will rise by R1.43 per litre on June 3. This increase is driven by reduced fuel levy relief and a higher Slate Levy to recover a $1.1 billion pricing shortfall. Read more…

The largest and busiest seaport in Africa isn't located in its major southern or western economic hubs, but on the northern coast of Morocco.

Tanger Med, situated right on the Strait of Gibraltar, handles over 11 million containers annually. Positioned at a global maritime crossroads where Africa meets Europe, it ranks among the top 20 busiest container ports in the entire world.