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The rising global demand for critical minerals and metals has placed Africa at the centre of the world’s race to achieve net-zero emissions and transition to clean energy. The IEA estimates that the world will need to invest around USD 600 billion in mining by 2040 to fulfil governments’ pledges to mitigate climate change. To achieve net-zero emissions, this amount will increase to almost USD 800 billion by 2050.
Africa
Africa Sits on USD 29.5 Trillion Mineral Wealth – AFC Report
A new study by the Africa Finance Corporation has indicated that the continent holds an estimated USD 29.5 trillion in mine-site mineral value, representing about 20 percent of global mineral wealth, yet captures only a fraction of the economic value embedded in this endowment.
In a recent statement, the AFC, which supports infrastructure and industry investments on the continent, said the report reframes the mineral sector through an African development lens, placing industrialisation, infrastructure, and long-term regional demand at the centre of mineral strategy.
The report, launched at Mining Indaba in Cape Town and titled Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals, estimates that USD 8.6 trillion of the continent’s mineral wealth remains undeveloped, attributed to fragmented geological data, uneven coverage, and limited transparency, which continue to heighten risk perception and constrain investment.
According to the study, improving the availability and quality of geological data is a necessary first step to de-risk projects and unlock exploration capital. The AFC argued that mine-site valuations significantly understate Africa’s true mineral potential because they exclude the value created when raw materials are processed into steel, aluminium, fertilisers, batteries and alloys. When measured at the point of industrial use, the report states, Africa’s mineral endowment expands by an order of magnitude, revealing substantial latent value.
Source: Punch Nigeria
As the global economy slows and geopolitics shift, Africa is emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions in 2026. Amid new tariffs and shifting trade dynamics, African economies are deepening ties with Europe and Asia while navigating an evolving US-Africa relationship. Across the continent, regional integration is advancing, digital transformation is accelerating, and competition for critical minerals is intensifying.
Africa
African Startups Get USD 180 Billion from a Small, Rich Island and Gulf Financiers
In the last decade, Africa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tech markets, driven by rapid tech and mobile adoption among its youth population.
As a result, numerous advanced economies have committed substantial financial resources to tech investments in the region.
Japan and the Gulf states are among these external investors, having poured a substantial USD 180 billion into tech funding across Africa.
Based on ecosystem reports, investor participation data, and deal trends, Briter Intelligence’s comprehensive 2025 analysis of Africa’s venture landscape shows a maturing industry no longer dependent on the boom-bust cycles of European and American venture capital.
In 2025, African tech startups saw their total tech funding rise by 33 per cent year-on-year, marking a strong rebound after declines of 35 per cent in 2023 and 25 per cent in 2024.
In November alone, entrepreneurs reported USD 162 million in fundraising, with 79 per cent of that in equity. While not a record month, it was the fifth-highest of 2025 and essentially comparable to November 2024 (USD 181 million), though lower than November 2023 (USD 267 million).
Across the continent, 32 enterprises raised USD 100,000 or more, with 16 firms raising USD 1 million or more.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector has long been celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity, and world-renowned wildlife. Today, the continent is undergoing a remarkable revival, transforming tourism from a leisure activity into a crucial pillar of economic development.
Africa
Africa takes Control of Its Wealth, Unlocking Close to USD 1 Trillion in Assets Locally Managed
Africa’s autonomy over its own assets has seen significant growth in terms of financial valuation, as the continent pivots from aid-dependent economies.
The shifting global financial landscape is underscoring a new era of economic autonomy for African nations, as per a new report from GlobalSWF.
Increasingly, the continent is asserting greater direct control over its substantial financial assets, which are managed by key public institutions, including state-run public pension funds, national central banks, and sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).
This new shift has resulted in the continent managing close to a record USD 1 trillion in assets, as reported by Reuters.
Financial aid cuts are the primary reason for this trend, as Africa has been compelled to seek domestic solutions to its internal problems. “African (institutions) are at an all-time high, with circa USD 1 trillion in AuM,” the GlobalSWF report reads in part. “Most are designed to catalyse FDI into Africa,” it adds.
Much of the money is handled by pension funds and central banks, but the continent is also experiencing a tremendous rise in the total amount of sovereign wealth funds investing in state assets.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are government-owned investment vehicles that manage and grow a country’s wealth, often using surplus revenues from commodities, fiscal surpluses, or foreign exchange reserves. Besides stabilising economies, SWFs have become vital tools for funding development, diversifying economies, and investing for future generations.
Africa
Africa Accelerates Plans for a Single Digital Market By 2030
Africa is steadily advancing toward a Single Digital Market by 2030, an ambitious vision championed by the Smart Africa Alliance. This year’s seventh Transform Africa Summit (TAS), held in Conakry, brought together heads of state, policymakers, and technology leaders for three days of discussions on the continent’s digital future.
The summit, organised by Smart Africa in partnership with the Government of Guinea, marked the first time Francophone West Africa hosted Africa’s flagship technology gathering.
Under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally,” the summit showcased Africa’s shared commitment to leveraging technology for sovereignty, economic growth, and inclusive development. Smart Africa, a bloc of 42 member states, highlighted flagship initiatives such as SANIA, SADX (Smart Africa Data Exchange Platform), and Digital ID.
The summit also unveiled new strategic partnerships to accelerate the continent’s digital integration, spanning digital skills, payments, data exchange, and internet governance.
Together, these initiatives advance Smart Africa’s vision of an interconnected, competitive, and sovereign Africa, capable of securing a prominent role in the global digital economy.
Founded in 2013, the Smart Africa Alliance has grown from 37 members three years ago to 42 today, evolving from a consultative platform into a fully operational institution executing large-scale digital projects across the continent.
Source: Business Insider Africa
In recent years, Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have entered a new phase of economic cooperation. This development positions Africa as an emerging centre for international investment. According to Afreximbank, the continent has a GDP of around USD 3.1 trillion and is projected to grow annually by 4 – 5 percent, increasing its share of the global economy. The youthful demographic profile, along with extensive mineral deposits and significant agricultural potential, creates a supportive environment for sustainable growth and development.
Africa
Africa’s Mobile Tech Powers USD 220 Billion GDP Boost
Africa’s mobile technology sector contributed an impressive USD 220 billion to the continent’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 7.7% of total output, according to the Mobile Economy Africa 2025 report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).
Launched at the Mobile World Congress in Kigali, the report presents a confident outlook on Africa’s digital future, suggesting that mobile technology’s contribution to GDP could reach USD 270 billion by 2030.
“Mobile technology is not just connecting people, it’s creating economies,” said Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA…“The next wave of growth depends on how well Africa integrates AI, fintech, and mobile innovation to close the digital divide.”
The GSMA projects that AI adoption, driven by expanding 4G and 5G networks, could double Africa’s GDP growth by 2035, revolutionising public services, education, and healthcare.
Industry experts in Kigali emphasised that mobile connectivity has become “the backbone of Africa’s modern economy,” driving inclusion, innovation, and new jobs across sectors such as agriculture, finance, and logistics.
Across the continent, mobile money platforms persist in driving this transformation, providing millions with access to digital wallets, credit, and savings tools previously unavailable.
Source: Business Insider Africa
