GOOD MORNING CHOP FAMILY!
It’s been a week of major moves on the continent, from governments rethinking how mineral wealth is shared to a massive breakthrough in how we stay connected across borders. We’re also keeping an eye on the world stage, where energy and history are making some unexpected headlines. Let’s go.
TRENDING TOPICS
The World Waits
Global attention is locked on the Middle East, where the conflict has entered its 15th day. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked and oil prices swinging wildly above $100, the ripple effects are hitting home across Africa.
From energy shortages to shifting diplomatic alliances, the world is watching to see if a ceasefire can finally take root before the economic strain becomes too much to bear.
African Proverb of the Day
"A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn." (South Africa)
MARKET MOVES
BUSINESS
South African Business Confidence Hits 11-Year High
In a surprising turn of sentiment, South African business confidence has surged to its highest level in over a decade. Despite the ongoing global turbulence, local firms are feeling more optimistic about the medium-term outlook. This shift is being driven by a combination of improved energy supply and a renewed focus on private-sector investment in infrastructure.
However, if you look closer, there are some cracks in the business foundation, with retail and manufacturing numbers sliding down. The hope is that if the overall positive feelings continue to take root, these sectors will see gradual improvement.
China-Africa Shipping Hike
If you’ve noticed prices ticking up at the shop, this might be why: a new $600 shipping surcharge has been slapped on containers moving along the China-Africa trade route. Between global fuel spikes and logistical headaches, the cost of moving goods is becoming a real challenge for importers across the continent.
Recent data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics show that Chinese exports to Nigeria rose from $18.9 billion in 2024 to $24.9 billion in 2025, cementing China’s position as Nigeria’s largest source of imports.
FINANCE & MARKETS
Mali’s Gold Dividend
Giving back to the commuity thats what Mali is doing. Mali has just shared $33 million in gold revenue with local communities. This comes as the country’s new mining code officially kicks in, designed to ensure that the wealth pulled from the earth actually trickles down to the people living above it. While this has good optics and will be a win politically, it remains to be seen if these funds will reach the communities where infrastructure, social servies and development projects are needed.
Zambia’s Copper Vision
Zambia is making an appeal to global investors to help it triple its copper output by 2031. Zambia has big copper reserves and wants partners to help move it from the earth and into our devices and homes.
Zambia produced 890,346 tons of copper last year, short of its 1 million tonne target. By attracting investors and creating a win-win scenario, their new goal of tripling copper output may be feasible.
TECH
The Roaming Revolution
Traveling and talking across Southern Africa just got a whole lot cheaper. Six countries in the region—including Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have teamed up to slash roaming charges by a staggering 98%. It’s a huge relief for businesses and travelers who are used to eye-watering phone bills the moment they cross a border. We love this move and hope that it’s permanent.
Billionaire Buys Media House
Aziz
Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz is making moves into the media market. He plans to finalize his purchase of East Africas largets media house, Nation Media Group (NMG). When the deal is done, he will become the majority stakeholder with 54%.
There are grumblings that he aims to push influence via this media organization for his own political and business interests. Born in western Tanzania in 1960 to a family that had moved from what is now Iran to East Africa more than a century ago, Aziz was educated to secondary level in his home country before studying economics at university in the UK.
⚡ Quick Bites ⚡
Egypt’s Missing Half: Archaeologists have finally found the upper half of a massive Ramesses II statue in Hermopolis—the bottom half was found nearly a century ago! Talk about a long-distance reunion. Link
Gambia’s Landmark Move: The Gambian parliament is debating a historic bill regarding the ban on female genital mutilation. It’s a high-stakes moment for human rights and tradition in the region. Link
Zambia's Digital Classrooms: Zambia is currently piloting an AI-powered learning platform in secondary schools to help bridge the teacher-to-student gap. Link
🌍 What Else is Cooking? 🍳
Oscars 2026: The nominees are out, and the buzz is building for what might be one of the most unpredictable ceremonies in years.
Deep Sea Secrets: New research into the "singing" icebergs of Antarctica suggests that the low-frequency humming might actually be a way for us to predict sudden glacial collapses.
The AI Teacher: A school in the UK has just introduced its first full-time AI tutor to help students with personalized learning—a move that has both parents and techies talking.
Dish of the Day 🥘
Nshima and Chibwabwa
While we were in Zambia checking out the copper mines, we wanted to taste the local cuisine. We came across a dish with a funny name - Chibwabwa, which sounds like chihuahua. But this local dish did not bark or bite, but it for sure slapped! It is comprised of pumpkin leaves cooked in tomatoes, onions, and other spices. It accompanied our big dish of Nshima. Yes!
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