Global energy markets are having a "back to the future" moment, and South Africa is sitting on a goldmine; or rather, a coal mine.

As tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt global oil and gas flows, the world is frantically returning to coal to keep the lights on.

In our today's Must Read, South Africa is seeing a massive export window open as Asian and European buyers scramble for fuel alternatives.

Rising tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered a global "coal rush." As buyers in Asia and Europe seek alternatives to expensive gas, South Africa, Africa's largest coal producer, is seeing an export window open.

Currently, India buys 46% of South Africa’s shipments, while Asian markets overall account for 80% of exports.

Despite this record demand, South Africa faces a challenge. Logistics and rail bottlenecks mean the Richards Bay Coal Terminal is operating well below its 91-million-tonne capacity, limiting the country's ability to fully capitalize on the surge.

ECOWAS lawmakers talk tough with new push for economic, security overhaul as Sahel alliance fractures regional unity

ECOWAS lawmakers are debating a new reform pact in Abuja to save regional integration. The proposal focuses on democratic governance, security, and a unified digital market.

MPs warned that military coups, constitutional changes by civilian leaders, and funding gaps threaten the bloc. They are also pushing to re-engage with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

🌍 Abdulsamad Rabiu and Johann Rupert in a fierce race to become Africa's next $20b billionaire

Nigeria's Abdulsamad Rabiu and South Africa's Johann Rupert are racing to become Africa's second $20 billion billionaire. Rabiu leads with $19.1 billion after gaining $8.96 billion this year through his BUA Group holdings.

Rupert follows closely at $19 billion despite a recent $506 million loss. Both businessmen are now within $1 billion of the milestone.

🇫🇷 African leaders demand fairer global trade rules as France backs Nairobi declaration

African leaders and France adopted the Nairobi declaration to move away from raw commodity exports toward local industrialization. The agreement focuses on AI sovereignty, renewable energy, and reforming the global financial system to address debt pressures.

Leaders also warned that global trade distortions are hurting African industries and called for more local manufacturing and job creation.

Top 10 Africa’s fastest-growing companies, according to latest ranking

The Financial Times ranking shows economic momentum shifting as businesses scale in fintech, logistics, and manufacturing. South Africa dominates the list, while an Egyptian firm takes the top spot.

Source: Financial Times

🇿🇦 BRICS converge in India as South Africa’s envoy joins high-stakes talks on global economic order

South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister has arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 14–15. Hosted under India’s 2026 chairship, the talks focus on global governance reform and economic cooperation amid rising tensions.

The expanded bloc aims to coordinate on trade and development financing while rebalancing international decision-making to be more equitable.

Africa's oil giants, Angola, Nigeria and Algeria on standby as Aramco warns of 100 million barrels weekly loss if Hormuz stays closed

The Strait of Hormuz closure has triggered a weekly global loss of 100 million barrels of oil. As inventories deplete, Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria are stepping in to fill supply gaps.

Nigeria is now a net exporter of petrol and aviation fuel via the Dangote Refinery, while Angola aims for $70 billion in investment by 2027. Algeria also secured a $1 billion deal to boost field production.

Honey is the only food that truly never spoils if stored properly. Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and, believe it or not, still perfectly edible.

Its eternal shelf life comes from its unique chemistry: it is naturally acidic and has very little moisture, making it an impossible environment for bacteria to survive.