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ERA NEWS:
YOUR WINDOW INTO AFRICA'S PROGRESS
Why Every Small Business Matters to Africa
Small businesses are often seen as individual success stories. In reality, every thriving small business creates a ripple effect that reaches families, communities and the wider economy. Their impact extends far beyond the products they sell. When people think about a small business, they often think about one person. A woman running a salon. A mechanic fixing vehicles. A baker selling fresh bread. A young graduate designing websites. But a small business is rarely just one p
Should Every Young African Consider Entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is often presented as a last resort for young people who cannot find jobs. But what if we stopped treating entrepreneurship as a response to unemployment and started treating it as a career option from the beginning of a child's education? In many African societies, the traditional pathway is familiar. Go to school. Get good marks. Go to university. Earn a qualification. Find a job. Build a career. For generations, this has been presented as the safest route
The Polygamist: What Happens When African Talent Works Together?
Netflix's The Polygamist has become one of the biggest African television successes of 2026. But beyond the drama, the millions of views and the global attention is another story worth noticing: a Zimbabwean writer's story, brought to life largely through South African talent and distributed by a global platform, has found an audience far beyond its original borders. Perhaps that is the bigger story. I did not plan to binge-watch The Polygamist. Like many viewers, I stumbled
Why the World Matters to Africa
Africa does not operate in isolation. Wars, elections, interest rates, technology, trade agreements, climate events and economic decisions made thousands of kilometres away can affect African households and businesses. ERA's Global News section will help readers understand those connections. A decision made in Washington can affect markets in Johannesburg. A conflict in another part of the world can raise fuel or food prices. A change in China's economy can affect African com
Politics Is Not Just About Politicians. It Is About Your Money.
Politics can feel distant from everyday life, especially when it is reduced to speeches, elections and political arguments. But political decisions affect the cost of living, jobs, taxes, public services, business conditions and the opportunities available to ordinary people. Understanding politics is therefore part of understanding how our lives and our economies work. Politics is often something people discuss passionately but understand poorly. We know the names of preside
Africa Is More Than a Place on a Map
I have always felt that Africa deserves to be understood on its own terms. It is home to 54 countries, thousands of communities, multiple economic systems and enormous cultural, political and human diversity. Yet we too often speak about Africa as though it were a single country. I believe we need spaces that help Africans understand one another, see what is happening across the continent and recognise the opportunities we share. Africa is not one story. It is 54 countries wi
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Change
Across South Africa’s rural and township communities, everyday heroes are quietly transforming lives — not for fame or fortune, but out of compassion, conviction, and courage. On a journey guided by a vision of empowerment and resilience, I have had the privilege of meeting some of these remarkable individuals whose work reminds us that true leadership often begins far from the spotlight. As CEO of Eight Red Apples (ERA), my mission is to foster an ecosystem that supports ent
Africa Trades Less With Itself Than Almost Any Other Region
Africa is home to 54 countries and a vast consumer market, yet much of the continent's trade still happens with the rest of the world rather than between African countries. As AfCFTA seeks to change that, the question is how much economic opportunity could be unlocked if Africans traded more with one another. Africa is a continent full of products, businesses, resources and consumers. It produces minerals, agricultural products, manufactured goods, energy, clothing, food and
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Change
Across South Africa’s rural and township communities, everyday heroes are quietly transforming lives — not for fame or fortune, but out of compassion, conviction, and courage. On a journey guided by a vision of empowerment and resilience, I have had the privilege of meeting some of these remarkable individuals whose work reminds us that true leadership often begins far from the spotlight. As CEO of Eight Red Apples (ERA), my mission is to foster an ecosystem that supports ent
Why the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum Matters
The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation's Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum provides an important platform for South Africans and Africans to confront difficult economic questions, hear different perspectives and consider practical ways of building a more inclusive economy. The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation deserves recognition for creating and sustaining a space where difficult questions about South Africa's economic future can be discussed openly. The Drakensberg Inclusive Growth
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Africa Trades Less With Itself Than Almost Any Other Region
Africa is home to 54 countries and a vast consumer market, yet much of the continent's trade still happens with the rest of the world rather than between African countries. As AfCFTA seeks to change that, the question is how much economic opportunity could be unlocked if Africans traded more with one another. Africa is a continent full of products, businesses, resources and consumers. It produces minerals, agricultural products, manufactured goods, energy, clothing, food and
Mauritius Secures Long-Term Fuel Supply Amid Global Energy Uncertainty
Mauritius has signed agreements with India for long-term supplies of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel as global energy disruptions continue to affect import-dependent countries. The move highlights the particular challenges island economies face when international supply chains are disrupted. Mauritius has signed agreements with India aimed at strengthening its long-term supply of petroleum products. The agreements cover petrol, diesel and aviation fuel. They were signed duri
Kenyan Traders Push Back Against Higher Import Duties
Small traders in Nairobi have taken to the streets to protest higher import-duty benchmarks, arguing that the changes could make it harder for them to keep their businesses operating. The dispute highlights how national trade and tax policies can quickly become local business issues. Small businesses in Nairobi are facing renewed pressure after Kenya introduced higher customs valuation benchmarks for some imported goods. The changes, which took effect on 20 August, raise the
Morocco Builds for Its Next Tourism Boom
Morocco is preparing for another major expansion of its tourism industry, with plans to add 60,000 hotel beds before the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The investment reflects a wider effort to use tourism infrastructure to attract visitors, create employment and strengthen the country's economy. Morocco is preparing for millions of additional visitors as it looks towards hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The country plans to add approximately 60,000 hotel b
Gabon Looks to Hydropower to Strengthen Its Energy Future
Gabon is pursuing new investment in hydropower as it seeks to strengthen electricity access and support long-term economic development. The country's recent agreements highlight the link between energy infrastructure, investment and the ability of local economies to grow. Gabon is looking to expand its energy infrastructure through new hydropower investment. In July, Gabon and France signed a commitment protocol linked to the development of the Booué Hydroelectric Project, wi
Ethiopia Moves Closer to Restructuring Its $1 Billion Eurobond
Ethiopia has taken another step towards restructuring a $1 billion Eurobond after its official creditors backed a preliminary agreement with private investors. The process could become an important test of how African countries manage debt and regain financial stability. Ethiopia has moved closer to resolving a major debt challenge after its official creditors approved a preliminary agreement with private bondholders to restructure a $1 billion Eurobond. The bond was due in 2
Rwanda Secures New Financing for Infrastructure and Development
Rwanda has secured approximately $190 million in new financing backed by the World Bank Group, giving the country additional resources for infrastructure and investment in health, education, agriculture and industry. Rwanda has secured its first yen-denominated loan, worth approximately $190 million, as part of a broader effort to diversify its financing and support national development. The 15-year financing, backed by the World Bank Group and accompanied by euro financing,
Zambia's Election Dispute Moves Into a New and Uncertain Phase
Zambia's recent election has moved beyond the ballot box as an opposition leader faces treason charges after challenging the result. The developments are drawing attention to the relationship between political competition, public trust and economic stability. Zambia's political environment has become increasingly tense following the country's August 13 general election. President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner with around 60% of the vote, securing a second term. O
Nigeria's Dangote Refinery Signals a New Chapter for African Fuel Trade
Nigeria's Dangote Refinery is changing the country's role in the regional fuel market. As the refinery prepares for a possible multibillion-dollar stock-market listing, its growing output is also increasing Nigeria's ability to supply refined petroleum products to African and international markets. Nigeria's energy industry is entering an important period as the Dangote Refinery expands its operations and prepares for a potential record-setting initial public offering. The re
Why the World Matters to Africa
Africa does not operate in isolation. Wars, elections, interest rates, technology, trade agreements, climate events and economic decisions made thousands of kilometres away can affect African households and businesses. ERA's Global News section will help readers understand those connections. A decision made in Washington can affect markets in Johannesburg. A conflict in another part of the world can raise fuel or food prices. A change in China's economy can affect African com
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UNSUNG HEROES
In New Eersterus, Matilda Phala — lovingly called the Mother Theresa of her community — founded the Lesedi Self Help Association in Hammanskraal, a safe haven for children with disabilities. Her centre offers love, care, and education to children once forgotten. Support Lesedi and help keep this light of hope shining. Reach out to lesediselfhelpassociation@gmail.com
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