Comeback Tour

November 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Good Morning, Chop Family!

3,000 years of buried historical glory are now polished and revealed. I often wonder how the young king ruled. Was there dysfunction like today’s political circuses?

Anyway, it’s Friday eve, so let’s get ready for the weekend!

📈 Trending Headlines

Despicable Mali

A social media influencer was publicly executed by Jihadists in the dusty West African nation of Mali.

Mariam Cissé was an outspoken TikTok sensation who would make videos promoting the Malian military, expressing her support for their service and protection.

She was abducted and taken to the market square and executed in front of crowds. Disgusting. Despicable. Depraved behaviour.

Angola Turns Fifty

Angola is marking 50 years since independence from Portugal, but celebrations have been subdued by deep social and economic challenges.

Despite infrastructure progress, over half the population still lives under the lower-middle-income poverty line, and youth unemployment remains high at nearly 28% as of 2024.

This is a far too familiar narrative with African nations.

MARKET MOVES

BUSINESS

Drill Naija Drill!

🛢️🇳🇬Nigeria is gearing up to boost oil output by 1.7 billion barrels in new supply, plus 7.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, after approving 43 field development plans this year.

Key projects like Shell’s Bonga North and HI Gas, along with TotalEnergies’ Ubeta Gas, are pulling in $7.5 billion in final investment decisions.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) plans to increase oil production to 2 million barrels daily in two years and to 3 million by 2030. But pipeline vandalism and oil theft are still dragging down production and scaring off Big Oil, costing Nigeria an estimated $300 billion so far.

Some facts about Nigeria’s oil output:

  • Nigeria’s current oil output averages between 1.7 and 1.83 million barrels per day, but remains below OPEC targets despite recent improvements.​

  • Output is projected to reach 2 million barrels daily in the next two years, with further ambitions for 3 million barrels a day by 2030.​

  • Pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and funding constraints have hampered growth, costing Nigeria billions in lost revenue and slowing major projects.

And oh yeah, what about the environmental impact, especially in the Delta Basin? Or does anyone care?

Simandou Mine

Mine Big or Go Home

Simandou, the world’s new XXL-sized mining bonanza in Guinea, just kicked off, and China is controlling the $23 billion megaproject that could reset global steel markets by offering richer iron ore that slashes energy use for mills.

Guinea’s president is already thinking about GDP quadrupling and the country joining the iron ore big dogs by 2040.

But here’s the thing: as China cements its grip on Africa’s minerals, the benefits probably won’t trickle down to the locals, but China will be sure to win big.

With critics already waving red flags over environmental risks and lopsided profits, just ask the DRC, which just slapped a suspension on a polluting Chinese-owned mine.​

Basically, Guinea’s economic miracle may be real, but don’t expect this new “partnership” to rewrite Africa’s classic tale of resource extraction and outside exploitation anytime soon. We have seen this film before.

FINANCE

South Africa just dropped its inflation target to 3%, the first time that’s changed in 25 years, and yes, the finance hotshots are calling it a “quiet revolution.” (smh)

Markets reacted positively to the news, with the rand bouncing and bond investors getting active, but here’s the thing. Growth forecasts have been cut, and the Treasury is bracing for tighter times while promoting stability for the long haul.

So, South Africans should expect the economic mood to get lean but disciplined, but every time we think we have figured out the economic trends in SA, they seem to change!

TECH

Starlink keeps rising, and just teamed up with Vodacom in a bid to blanket Africa with high-speed satellite internet, think fast downloads even in the most rural corners. Starlink’s satellites will act as a digital backbone for Vodacom’s mobile network, increasing coverage for schools, clinics, and anyone living in the bush. They will have special pay-as-you-go and “unbreakable” connectivity packages lined up for businesses.

We use Starlink while working from Africa (WFA), and it has been a game-changer.

  • Starlink is now live in 23 African countries as of late 2025, rapidly expanding internet access to rural and underserved regions where traditional networks fall short.​

  • Soaring demand means Starlink terminals often sell out quickly in cities like Lagos and Nairobi, but regulatory hurdles still keep South Africa off the official coverage map for now.

SMALL CHOP

King Tut Reigns Again

King Tut’s drip is finally center stage: his golden coffin and thousands of treasures are on display in Cairo’s brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest ancient Egypt showcase on the planet. We highlighted the grand opening in our previous edition.

After 20 years of construction and hush-hush prep, the museum opened near the pyramids with more than 50,000 artifacts, 5,000 from Tutankhamun alone, including his dope mask and three gilded coffins.​

Egypt wants to increase tourism, hoping for 18 million visitors this year to boost the economy, while displaying ancient riches that have never before been seen together. The museum is now open, and trust us, we will visit as soon as we can!

DISH OF THE DAY

South African Wines Shine

 Now, those who know me know that I love a good bottle of bubbly. I appreciate good wine, and I am an advocate for wines from South Africa. In fact, my wedding was laden with South African wine. So, today we will chop some top South African wines.

South Africa’s top wines are finally in the spotlight for 2025, with critic favorites like Sadie Family’s Chenin Blancs and legendary Vin de Constance sweet wine leading the pack.

Despite 350 years of winemaking history and crazy-good value for world-class bottles, many creations grab 95-point scores without breaking the $200 price barrier.​

But for a common man, $200 is a bit steep, so when I indulge, I go for the Graham Beck sparkling wine. I can find these all day long for around $20. Or will opt for a lovely Shiraz.

So, I copped two bottles, went to my villa, and drank alone - please don’t judge me.

Did You Know? When King Tutankhamun was buried, he was entombed with a dagger made from a meteorite. Modern scientific tests on the iron blade revealed it contained high levels of nickel and cobalt, confirming its extraterrestrial origin!

Till next time,

Chop Team