Another week in Africa

Another week in Africa

Another week in Africa. I’ve made a few notes about developments in Africa in the week that’s been that might be of interest.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and editor of the WhyAfrica magazine

East Africa the place to be

If you do business in Africa, East Africa seems to be the place to be. The African Development Bank (AfDB) projects East Africa to be the fastest-growing region in Africa, with GDP growth expected to rise from 4.4% in 2024 to 5.3% in 2025 and 6.1% in 2026.

South Sudan on the move

Countries such as South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya are expected to contribute significantly to this growth. South Sudan is forecasted to be the world’s fastest-growing economy, rebounding from a contraction of 26.4% in 2024 to a 27.2% expansion in 2025 due to resumed oil production.

Uganda’s growth will be fuelled by public investments in oil and infrastructure, while Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya will benefit from private investments in energy and mining.

Bad news from the DRC

Bad news is that Alphamin’s Bisie tin mine (one of my favourite mines) in the DRC has issued a statement that their operations will be severely affected if the conflict in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues.

Alphamin released a statement saying that the operating risk profile of the company has increased and any further significant escalation of the conflict could result in mining operations being affected.

Meanwhile the M23 rebels’ march continues. I smell a coup, unfortunately. M23 recently took over Bukavu in South Kivu and looks unstoppable. It is most likely that the conflict will escalate over the next few weeks. A regional war could ensue as more neighbouring countries join the fight.

Mining projects of interest

In terms of mining/exploration projects, I have my eye on Koryx Copper and WIA Gold, both in Namibia.

Koryx Copper has been recognised as one of the 2025 top 50 performers on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV), based on an outstanding 400% share price appreciation and 737% market capitalization growth in 2024.

Koryx is advancing its 100% owned Haib Copper Project in Namibia whilst also building a portfolio of copper exploration licenses in Zambia.

WIA Gold will deliver a scoping study in 2025 as the Kokoseb Gold Project in Namibia moves into its next development phase while maintaining a firm focus on exploration.

Image: Goma in North Kivu has been taken over by the M23 army. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica

Another week in Africa