Calming the Waters

Good Morning, Chop Family!

Everybody relax. Things will be OK. Market jitters, threats of invasion, and big tariffs? Not yet, so get back to watching Netflix and investing in the stock market.

📈 AROUND THE GLOBE

Drama in Davos

Donald Trump used his Davos stage time to double down on wanting Greenland while trying to sound less like a big bully about it.

He told business and political leaders the US has a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland and the Arctic with NATO chief Mark Rutte, stressed he “won’t use force,” and framed the whole push as about missile defense and Arctic security rather than mining or real estate.​

He also quietly holstered his tariff gun for now, calling off planned duties on eight European allies after that Greenland “framework” talk, even as his speech blasted NATO as ungrateful and painted Europe as a security free‑rider on American power.

On a positive note, the global markets spiked on the news that Trump wouldn’t be issuing tariffs and invading an ally.

BUSINESS

While in Davos, Africa and African issues moved from the small boys’ table, closer to the big dogs’ den.

Africa Collective has set up a dedicated Africa Collective House at the Hard Rock Hotel, pitching it as the global home for African economic conversations on the sidelines of WEF 2026.​

Backed by Afreximbank as host partner and under AfCFTA patronage, the 4‑day programme is packing in about 500 CEOs, policymakers, and investors for sessions on trade, investment, infrastructure, and tech, with CNBC Africa, African Business, and Semafor amplifying the messaging.

These power moves will ensure African issues will be at the forefront of global economic deals and conversations, and Africans will be at the table.

FINANCE

Libya is trying to renew its image, as it climbs out of a haze of insecurity, economic uncertainty, and internal strife.

So, Libya just dropped a 2.7 billion dollar signal that it wants to be more than an oil well with a coastline.

Tripoli has signed a strategic partnership with foreign firms from Qatar, Italy, and Switzerland to expand the Misurata Free Zone port, aiming to turn it into a Mediterranean logistics and industrial hub instead of just another troubled terminal.​

The deal is expected to ramp capacity to around 4 million containers a year, generate roughly 500–600 million dollars in annual operating revenue, and create thousands of jobs, making it one of Libya’s biggest non‑energy plays since 2011 and a test of whether foreign capital really believes in the country’s diversification story.

TECH

Bill Gates has a thing for Africa. From his malaria initiative to vaccination projects to educational programming, now, he’s back.

Big Bill and OpenAI are rolling out “Horizon 1000,” a $50 million AI-in-healthcare pilot for African countries, starting in Rwanda, with plans to reach 1,000 primary care clinics by 2028.

On paper, it tackles a real crisis, a shortfall of roughly 6 million health workers in sub‑Saharan Africa and rising child mortality as aid budgets shrink, by using AI copilots to support nurses and community workers, and not replace them.​

SMALL CHOP

Ishowspeed, the internet sensation from America, is currently on an African tour. He has been received with high regard, and huge crowds have been gravitating to him at each stop.

The 21-year-old African American is known for his bombastic style and for incredible athletic feats. Africa has welcomed him with open arms, and Mr. Speed said that Africa has “changed him”.

Some argue that while he is bringing entertainment and activity to the continent, they are concerned that it’s more of a dog and pony show than a real connection.

DISH OF THE DAY

Since we were in Davos, we had to try the local cuisine. Switzerland is known for fondue, so we said sure!

Fondue is a melted cheese that is gooey and tasty, and you use bread to dunk into it and enjoy. We also tried Rosti, which is kinda like a potato pancake, nice and crispy.

We also indulged in some wonderful Swiss chocolate, too!

Till next time,

Chop Team