Zimbabwe Licenses Second Gold Refinery in Bulawayo as Production Targets 50 Tons in 2026 Zimbabwe has approved the establishment of a second gold refinery to process and handle the country’s growing gold production, according to government officials familiar with the development. The new facility will be located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, and is expected to be commissioned next year. Officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the project is
Angola Raises Diesel Price by 20 Kwanzas as Government Continues Fuel Subsidy Reform The price of diesel in Angola has increased by 20 kwanzas per litre, rising from 400 to 420 kwanzas, according to an announcement by the Institute for the Regulation of Petroleum Derivatives (IRDP). In an official circular, the regulator confirmed that while diesel prices have been adjusted upward, the prices of gasoline, kerosene, and gas remain unchanged. The IRDP noted that the
Gen Z Drives US Natural Diamond Demand Recovery, Boosting Outlook for African Producers American consumers are showing renewed interest in natural diamonds, signaling a potential recovery for Africa’s diamond-producing nations after several challenging years marked by weakening prices and rising competition from lab-grown alternatives. According to De Beers’ latest US Diamond Acquisition Study, Generation Z consumers born between 1997 and 2012 is playing a central role in the resurgence. Although they represent 18% of the
Mali Gold Mining Revenues Hit Record $1.57 Billion in 2025 Despite Production Decline Gold mining companies operating in Mali contributed a record 888.5 billion CFA francs (approximately $1.57 billion) to the state in 2025, marking a 6.4% increase compared to 835.1 billion CFA francs in the previous year, according to Ministry of Mines data reviewed by Reuters. The West African nation hosts more than 15 industrial mining operations controlled by multinational companies, including Barrick Mining,
Botswana Denies Connection to Oil Tanker Hit by U.S. as Fake Ship Registrations Raise Alarm Botswana has distanced itself from an oil tanker targeted by the United States in the Persian Gulf, saying the vessel was falsely operating under its flag a case that highlights the growing global problem of maritime flag fraud and its impact on African nations. The controversy emerged after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced military action against the “Botswana-flagged” oil tanker
African Energy Bank to Begin Operations in Abuja in September 2026 as APPO Confirms Funding Progress and Energy Financing Push The African Energy Bank (AEB) is expected to begin operations in September 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, according to the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), following several earlier delays in its launch timeline. APPO Secretary General Farid Ghezali said the revised schedule reflects unavoidable administrative processes, noting that the bank is now firmly targeting a September
Pensana’s Longonjo Mine 22% Complete as Angola Rare Earth Project Targets 2027 Startup and Global Supply Chain Role London-listed Pensana is making steady progress on its $250 million Longonjo rare earth project in Angola, which remains on schedule and within budget for first mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) production in 2027. The project is expected to operate over a 20-year mine life, initially producing 20,000 tonnes per year of MREC, with planned expansion to 40,000
Angola Launches $750M Eurobond Buyback and Issues New Bonds to Extend Debt Maturities to 2031–2037 Angola has announced the results of its tender offer for its 2028 and 2029 Eurobonds, confirming plans to repurchase part of its outstanding debt while issuing new longer-dated bonds to ease near-term fiscal pressures. Under the transaction, the government will pay bondholders approximately $750 million to buy back portions of its external debt. The Southern African oil producer had invited
247MW Kalungwishi Hydropower Project Gains Strong Traditional Leadership Support, Set to Transform Luapula and Northern Provinces A major milestone in Zambia’s energy and industrial development agenda is taking shape as the 247-megawatt Kalungwishi Hydropower Project gains renewed momentum, with strong backing from government, the private sector, and traditional leaders whose communities are expected to benefit from the transformative investment. Located along the Kalungwishi River, the project is expected to become a catalyst for economic growth
South Africa Faces Higher Fuel Costs as Oil Prices Surge and Government Scales Back Relief Measures South Africa is set to face higher fuel costs as global oil prices climb above $100 per barrel and government support measures are scaled back, increasing pressure on households and businesses in the country’s already strained economy. From June 3, petrol prices will rise by R1.43 per litre, according to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR). The
