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Africa in Business
In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.
South Africa's mining production statistics are released this week
In today's markets slot Thami Ngubeni looks at what to expect when South Africa's mining production statistics are released this week. She also looks at the country's economic outlook following the International Monetary Fund - IMF's revision and the announcement on interest rates. Joining her on the line on these issues is Thanda Sithole, FNB & WesBank Senior Economist
South Africa proposes mandatory reserves from both the state and private fuel sector
South Africa is said to be proposing a revamp of its strategic fuel storage capability requiring mandatory reserves from both the state and private sector to mitigate supply crises. As you may know that the world is taking strain as energy supplies and prices are under pressure for months due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East that has choked off the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and liquefied natural gas transit route. To simplify what this means, Thami Ngobeni spoke to Visvin Reddy, National Convenor of People Against Petroleum price increases and MK member of parliament
Who are some of the players behind the upgrading of the Lobito Corridor?
The Lobito Corridor, it's a transcontinental railway and logistics project between Angola, Zambia and the DRC, transporting mainly mineral . There's a lot of activity in terms of exports and upgrades financed by big institutions. The reason we are talking about it today is that Wellington Muzengeza who is a political risk analyst and urban strategist has penned an article highlighting how it is a test of sovereignty and governance and who controls Africa's critical minerals in the energy transition era. Reports indicate that there is a global demand for copper and cobalt and history has taught us what happens when there's a rush a demand for minerals. Mr Musengaza spoke to Thami Ngubeni about what it is he is picking up around this corridor and what it is opening itself to especially now that it is being upgraded.
What makes higher education expensive in Africa?
We wrap-up our series on the economics of higher education by looking at what African leaders can do to prioritize funding in tertiary education. The series was sparked by Malawi's decision to double fees for higher education which will definitely exclude the poor. So we've invited South Africa's (SA) former Statistician-General who is well vested in this subject and also travelled the continent engaging with universities and other academic institutions. How do the Chines, Indian and other countries get it right and what is making Africa stay behind? To lead us in this discussion, Thami Ngubeni hosted Dr Pali Lehohla, SA's former Statistician-General.
Standard Bank Business, Commercial Banking hosts the Africa Unlocked conference in Cape Town, SA
In today's markets slot we look at the Africa Unlocked conference underway in Cape Town, South Africa (SA). Hosted by Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, the conference has evolved into one of the continent's leading business leadership platforms, convening influential business leaders, policymakers, investors, development finance institutions and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and explore practical solutions that support sustainable economic growth. In its third year, this year's event takes place under the theme: "Built in Africa: Amplifying Continental Growth." For more on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Junaid Jadwat, Head of Coverage for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank SA.
Simon Sabela Awards calling for entries
The 10th July marks the last day for entries for those interested in applying for the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards. To tell us why these awards are important for aspiring filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, students and technical practitioners, Thami Mgubeni spoke to Luthando Mngomezulu, an award-winning filmmaker and director of Themba.
How is eSwatini reacting to being excluded from China's zero-tariff treatment?
The 1st of May 2026 saw the start of China's zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing. Some commentators interpreted this as a game-changer which could offer African countries an opportunity to further diversify their trade partners. But on the other hand, eSwatini has been excluded because of their diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The small land-locked is well-known for its citrus produce which used to offer high-quality grapefruit to the world's markets. It's been two months since the announcement by Beijing and one wonders what the direct impact has been on the ground and the sort of reaction in eSwatini. To give us a glimpse, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News Editor.
How does student accommodation add to overall cost of higher education?
Back to our focus on the cost of higher education especially on the Africa continent, which came to our attention after Malawi announced a 100% increase in public university fees. Today we focus on the accommodation side of things and the impact it has on the overall costs of higher learning. Many students travel far from home to the institution of their choice for studying purposes which forces them to find accommodation and we know that it does not come cheap. So for someone in the accommodation space, what is that one thing that they would say pushes rent up? To get an insider's take on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Kagisho Mamabolo, Chief Executive Officer of the Private Student Housing Association
DRC signs diamond-cutting deal with a Swiss company, what is the catch?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last week signed a diamond processing agreement with Swiss company ADEX aimed at implementing measures that they say will modernize and formalize the country's diamond and coloured-gemstone sector. The country's Minister of Mines Louis Kabamba says that the initiative plans to establish a high-end cutting and jewelry workshop, a digital platform for direct access to global markets, and programs for technology transfer and national capacity building. For a perspective on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Peter Major who a mining analyst.
Deuce Experience, the growing experience economy is reshaping consumer behaviour
Consumers are increasingly spending on experiences rather than material goods, as businesses and brands invest more in immersive events to strengthen customer engagement. According to The Deuce Experience, the growing experience economy is reshaping consumer behaviour while creating new opportunities for sectors such as tourism, hospitality and the creative industries. To unpack this trend and what it means for South Africa's economy, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Connie Motsumi, founder of The Deuce Experience.
How can AI assist the African continent to make tertiary education cheaper, accessible?
We continue our series focused on trying to understand why tertiary education on the African continent is expensive. As we reported that last week Malawi decided to increase fees for public universities by 100% something that upset many activists and opposition parties as they say it will exclude the poor. So for today we look at what Ai is bringing and how it can help give access to more people and make it very inclusive. What answers is it bringing since we are all convince that this is the direction the world is taking? Where is it leaving the African continent and what should our leaders be doing to take advantage of it? To help us navigate this issue, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Dr Helper Zhou, CEO Quantilytix
African Finance Ministers gather in The Gambia for the African Caucus of The World Bank
The Gambia began the first day of hosting the African Caucus of The World Bank Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors and senior officials from across the continent. The country was selected to host the three-day high level discussions on Africa's economic future following the appointment of Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy KM Keita, as chairman of the Caucus at its meeting held in Bangui, Central African Republic last year. Under the theme, "Transforming Africa's Economies Through Investment, Innovation and Inclusion," this year's meeting will focus on strategies to boost economic growth, strengthen resilience and address the continent's financing challenges amid global economic uncertainty. To look at what we should expect to come out of this, and also why we see so little on the ground from such conferences, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Mkhululi Ncube - Credit Executive ABSA CIB Pan Africa .
The 4th SATC in Pretoria discusses future of transport, infrastructure on the African continent
Hundreds of delegates from across the Southern Africa region are meeting for the 44th Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) in Pretoria to discuss the future of transport and infrastructure. The premier annual gathering for transport professionals, researchers, and policymakers is convened under the theme: "Developing and sustaining transport systems in an uncertain world .Stakeholders involved in the transport sector are discussing how to provide optimum, effective, and efficient transport solutions. To tell us more on the conference, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Dr Mathetha Mokonyama, Chairman at the SACT.
Latest market news
Thami Ngobeni speaks to Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, senior economist at FNB about South African Reserve Bank announcing its repo rate decision, and the impact it will have on the economy. And also look at the latest Consumer Confidence Index and how South African consumers, policymakers and businesses interpret the signals in the current climate.
Vodacom gets the green light to set-up in east Africa
South Africa's telecommunications giant announced the completion of its acquisition of an additional 20% effective stake in Safaricom PLC. This follows the staying of a conservatory order by the Court of Appeal in Kenya on the 26th of June this year and the fulfilment of all remaining conditions. The transaction, which is valued at $2.1 billion was first announced in December 2025 and sees Vodacom acquire a 15% stake from the Government of Kenya. To talk about the significance of this deal, Thami Ngobeni spoke to Channel Africa's East African correspondent in Nairobi, Daniel Ominde .
Why is higher education expensing on the African continent?
Activists in Malawi expressed frustration at news of a 100 percent increase in public university tuition fees. They felt that this will exclude the poor and urging government to reverse the decision. So at the back of this, we thought to look at the cost of tertiary education on the African continent and what it is that contributes to the costs. Thami Ngobeni speaks to those who are in the industry to get an insider's view of what it takes and how it works generally. She starts off with the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) sector to talk about the challenges they face, and the sort of red-tape they go through in both establishing and running it. What is it that African leaders can do to make it more accessible and attractive? Dr Dovhani Mamphiswana is CEO of Eastc Technocentric Varsity, a South African based TVET college.
Malawi marks 62 years of independence as the country's economy worsens
As Malawi celebrates 62 years of independence, Christians have been challenged to step out of their churches, and actively participate in driving economic development in Malawi. The call came from reverend Dr Matilda Matabwa of the Malawi Assemblies of God who was delivering a special sermon to mark the anniversary. Reports coming from Malawi say that the celebrations were low-key because government kept its promise of not holding state-funded celebrations for this anniversary, citing the need to save resources amid prevailing economic challenges. To get an understanding of some of the economic challenges faced by that country and the possible solutions moving forward, Channel Africa's Thami Ngobeni spoke to Chifipa Mhango, Chief Economist and Director of Economic Research and Strategy at the Don Consultancy Group
China hosts African journalists
The International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) is hosting the African Mainstream Media Workshop in China under the theme, "Building All-Weather China-Africa Community With A Shared Future For The New Era: The Responsibility of Media." The workshop brings together media professionals from mainstream news organisations in seven African countries, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia, for in-depth exchanges on media cooperation and other areas of mutual interest. Thami Ngobeni caught-up with Channel Africa's reporter, Michael Mbewe, who was participating in the programme in Beijing, China.
Debate grows over economic impact of anti-illegal migrant protests
As anti-illegal migrant marches continue to spark debate across South Africa, attention is turning to their broader impact beyond politics and public safety. While supporters argue that the demonstrations are aimed at addressing crime and undocumented migration, critics warn they could harm South Africa’s international reputation, weaken investor confidence, discourage tourism, and fuel perceptions of xenophobia. To unpack the potential economic and branding implications, the programme is joined by economic brand specialist and Managing Director of Reputation 1st, Tshepo Matseba.
Africa market update with FNB senior economist Koketso Mano
In today’s market segment, the focus is on the economic week that was, including oil prices, which have fallen to pre-war levels. Attention also turns to South Africa’s consumer confidence, which declined in the second quarter of this year. To unpack these developments and what they could mean for the economy, FNB senior economist Koketso Mano joins the discussion.
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