In the intricate tapestry of global diplomacy, the African Union (AU) has emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress for an entire continent. As the AU navigates the complexities of the modern world, its presence in international forums has become increasingly pivotal.

The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled numerous African nations to foster technological innovations within their healthcare sectors. In the year 2020 alone, Africa witnessed the creation of more than 120 health-tech advancements.

South Africa, often hailed as the land of Gold and Diamonds, boasts the world's largest platinum reserve. However, beneath the allure of these precious resources lie pressing challenges that demand attention. With 80% of the nation's electricity currently reliant on coal, South Africa acknowledges the urgent need to transition towards sustainable methods and strive for net-zero carbon emissions.

Agricultural technology, also known as Agri-tech, is a stand-alone industry that uses technology to improve the agricultural food supply chain, while also influencing energy, water, the environment, and sustainability. Although the use of Agri-tech is increasing world-wide, one specific technological item is notably being used around Africa, Drones.

China’s heavy-handed lockdown measures in response to COVID-19 outbreaks have significantly increased operational disruption for business, causing far-reaching impacts on international supply chains – including those connecting Australia and Africa. It is unlikely that the central government will ease its strict Covid-19 restrictions before the 20th Party Congress in late 2022.

In the wake of increasing tensions in Sino-Australian geopolitics, China’s pivot to Africa may cost Australia its spot as China’s number one iron ore supplier. While Western analysts decry Chinese investment in Africa as ‘debt-trap diplomacy’, African economies are revelling in the development – and the opportunity to compete on a global stage.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place, lawmakers are tasked with deciding whether to condemn their constituents to seemingly indefinite economic turmoil, in an already turbulent time due to sanctions should they chose to purchase Russian agricultural goods. The alternative, risk mass disease and casualties via starvation.

This report, commissioned by the UK Department of International Trade has highlighted the immense potential for mobile commerce in Africa and its ability to contribute to the economic transformation of the continent.

In this joint report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the road to structural economic transformation on the African continent is paved by the role played by renewable energy investment in energy and economic diversification.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and all states in the African continent (excluding Eswatini) and will play a pivotal role in Africa’s economic recovery.

The COVID-19: How can the G20 Address Debt Distress in sub-Saharan Africa? report from Task Force 9 (International Finance) of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies highlights the need for G20 countries to change strategy when it comes to managing sovereign debt from sub-Saharan Africa.

Moving into 2022, the outlook for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to a recent survey by the Pan-African Private Sector Trade and Investment Committee (PAFTRAC), will be largely shaped by private sector perceptions, optimism and motivation for engaging with cross-continental agreement.

The Assessment of Supplier Development Programmes in the Extractive Sector in Africa report from the African Natural Resources Centre of the African Development Bank (AfDB) highlights the growing trend in African states to mandate Supplier Development Programs (SDP) for mining operations in their home country.

Africa's opportunities and increasingly favourable business environment are major draw cards for foreign investors at the forefront of predicted growth on the continent. This growth is mirrored by a global push for major corporations to expand their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)  through policies which consider the impact of business practices on people and the environment.

The transition to a carbon-neutral future raises questions on how this will be achieved. Transport infrastructure continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels, with maritime trade acting as no exception. The South Africa: fueling the future of shipping report issued by Ricardo and the Environmental Defense Fund highlights the chance which South Africa has in forming a carbon-neutral maritime fuel industry which will play to the strengths of the country.

The International Trade Centre report, Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship, published last month, suggests that Africa’s youthful population may prove to be one of the continent’s greatest assets as the awaited African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) swings into effect.

The Oxford Business Group’s report, takes a close look at the state of the agriculture sector in the continent, and its capacity to improve in the wake of COVID-19.

Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic looks different across Sub-Saharan Africa’s economies. Those embedded in global supply chains are benefiting, whilst security concerns prevail in some regions.

The World Trade Organization’s report, Strengthening Africa’s Capacity to Trade, highlights the means by which Africa can re-engage in global trade as it recovers economically from COVID-19.

The road to economic rebound will be through public-private partnership, and that this sort of partnership is no longer a matter of convenience, but of necessity.