Morocco Seeks Candidates to Operate Africa's Largest Shipyard
The state-run National Ports Agency opened a tender earlier this week inviting bids from experienced shipyard operators to develop, equip and operate the 52-acre facility, according to Abdellatif Lhouaoui, ANP's communications director.
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Business Insider
5 hours ago
- Business Insider
Top 10 copper exporting countries in Africa
Copper is now Africa's second most valuable export after crude oil, with an estimated trade value of $35 billion in 2024. But while 52 out of 54 African countries export copper, a staggering 98% of that value comes from just 10 nations. Copper has become Africa's second most valuable export, with a trade value of $35 billion in 2024. Africa provides 15.3% of the world's copper exports, marking significant contributions to the global supply. The Democratic Republic of Congo leads with $19.8 billion in copper exports, followed by Zambia with $7.5 billion. The remaining 42 countries together account for just 2% of Africa's copper export value; a stark reminder that the continent's vast mineral wealth and trade potential are not evenly shared, nor fully reflected in its broader economic reality. At the top of Africa's copper export list is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a staggering $19.8 billion in copper exports, more than double the next top African exporter, Zambia, which earned $7.5 billion. Africa's top 10 copper exporters Breakdown of the top 10 copper exporters in Africa and their 2024 export values according to an analysis by The Visual Capitalist Rank Country Export Value (USD) Major Export Destination 1 Democratic Republic of Congo $19.8 Billion China, UAE, Egypt Singapore, USA 2 Zambia $7.6 Billion Switzerland, China, UAE and India 3 Tanzania $2.2 Billion China, India, UAE and South Africa 4 Congo (Brazzaville) $1.3 Billion China 5 South Africa $1.1 Billion China, Malaysia, USA, Mozambique, UK and Singapore 6 Libya $913 Million Middle East and Mediterranean buyers 7 Egypt $905 Million North Africa and middle-east and Europe 8 Namibia $429 Million EU & African buyers for processed material 9 Morocco $376 Million Belgium, Germany and China 10 Nigeria $366 Million China and African buyers The Democratic Republic of Congo tops the list with $19.8 billion in copper exports, primarily destined for China, the UAE, Egypt, Singapore, and the USA—reflecting its dominant position in global copper supply. Zambia, with $7.6 billion in exports, mainly supplies Switzerland, China, UAE, and India, continuing its historic reliance on copper as a major economic driver. Tanzania ($2.2 billion), Congo-Brazzaville ($1.3 billion), and South Africa ($1.1 billion) follow, with China serving as a key export destination for all, underscoring its heavy demand for African copper to fuel its manufacturing and energy sectors. Globally, Africa accounts for 15.3% of the world's copper exports, trailing behind Asia (31.6%) and Europe (31.4%). While the continent is rich in raw materials, experts warn that Africa continues to miss out on the broader economic benefits. Refining, innovation, and value-added production remain largely limited across the continent. The majority of copper refining takes place outside Africa, often controlled by foreign entities. As a result, African nations export raw materials but capture only a fraction of the potential economic value. Without local control over production, processing, and manufacturing, the continent forfeits opportunities for industrial growth, job creation, and wealth generation.
Business Insider
7 hours ago
- Business Insider
Ghana adds two non-African countries to visa-free list in push for global ties
In a major diplomatic move, Ghana's Parliament has approved visa-free agreements with four countries - Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica marking an expansion of the country's visa-free travel regime. Notably, the inclusion of non-African countries - Colombia and the Commonwealth of Dominica signals Ghana's deepening push to build global partnerships beyond the African continent. Ghana's Parliament approved visa waiver agreements with Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica. The visa waivers apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports and aim to foster developmental partnerships. The policy aligns with Ghana's continuing commitment to regional and global integration and mobility enhancements. The visa-free agreements, as presented on the floor of Parliament by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports. According to Vanderpuije's presentation, the waiver is expected to boost partnerships in key sectors such as education, energy, trade, tourism, and agriculture. The announcement signals Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen multilateral ties through enhanced mobility and cooperation. Also speaking before Parliament, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the visa waivers will not lead to immediate or direct revenue losses. While acknowledging that visa fees will be waived, Ablakwa noted that the broader economic benefits, particularly in trade and tourism, are expected to significantly outweigh any potential fiscal impact. He described the initiative as part of a long-term strategy to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock shared socio-economic advantages. Ghana's move to enable visa free travel Just before leaving office, Ghana's former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, approved visa-free entry for all African nationals making Ghana the fifth African country to remove visa requirements for holders of African passports. The decision marked a significant step toward regional integration, aligning with the African Union's goal of free movement across the continent. Since assuming office in January 2025, President John Dramani Mahama's administration has not only embraced this legacy but moved to deepen Ghana's commitment to open-border diplomacy. In a bold expansion of the visa-free policy, the Mahama-led government recently extended visa-free access to non-African countries which includes São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica. This strategic outreach reflects Ghana's ambition to position itself as a gateway to Africa, while also strengthening South-South cooperation and economic diplomacy beyond the continent. The inclusion of these countries—two from Latin America and two from Africa signals Accra's broader vision to foster global partnerships, boost tourism and trade, and enhance Ghana's soft power on the world stage. Officials close to the policy suggest that more countries may be added in the coming months, especially those with strong bilateral ties or mutual trade interests with Ghana. The move is also expected to encourage reciprocal agreements, allowing Ghanaian travelers greater ease of movement globally. Together, these efforts position Ghana as a leader in Africa's mobility agenda—championing integration not only within the continent but also building new bridges with emerging partners across the Global South.
USA Today
8 hours ago
- USA Today
This Florida city will spend $1.7 million to enhance Bobby Jones Golf Club, nature park
The city of Sarasota plans to spend $1.7 million to improve Bobby Jones Golf Club and supplement the publicly owned course's nature park for the wildlife, residents and the environment as a whole. Even though Sarasota Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle said Bobby Jones already has 'trails, amazing trees and beautiful wetlands that help filtrate the water,' the nature park improvements approved during the July 7 commission meeting will go toward: • Shell trails • Wayfinding signs • Micro forest • Boardwalk • Peninsula overlook • Trail overlooks • Pavilion • Pedestrian connection at 8th Street • Pedestrian connection to 17th Street Regional Park (a future county park) Although the city has high hopes for the upcoming improvements, not everyone shares the sentiment. Martin Hyde, a frequent City Commission critic who has lived in Sarasota for almost 30 years, argued against city supporting the golf course operation with unrelated revenues. 'Bobby Jones has always lost money and the reason it doesn't show up in their accounts that they're losing money is because they take from city budgets and put it in there like it's real money,' he said. Hyde added that although Sarasota is very wealthy overall, there is a significant part of the city that isn't, including Sarasota City Commission District 1, which includes an area formerly called Overtown, Sarasota's first documented African-American community. 'I've always said that the money would be better spent on District 1 daycare centers, and more help for the people that actively need it.' The latest improvements, to be funded from park impact fees, follow the downsizing of the golf course and creation of a nature park that was approved in 2022 by the City Commission. The renovation included major drainage improvements and the conversion of nearly 100 acres of golf course into the park.
