Africa in Focus

The landscape of global football is shifting, and African talent is the primary currency. As of January 2026, the market for African players has reached an all-time high, with the "Top 10" club now requiring a minimum entry fee of £55 million. Africa's Most Expensive Football Transfers The Reigning Kings: Osimhen and Pépé At the summit, the record remains shared. Victor Osimhen’s  move to Napoli and Nicolas Pépé’s  historic switch to Arsenal both sit at the £72 million mark.

On December 17, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a significant Proclamation expanding entry restrictions on foreign nationals. Citing the need to "protect the Nation from national security and public safety threats," the new order imposes stricter vetting and entry suspensions on countries identified as having deficient screening processes. While the Proclamation affects nations globally, the impact is heavily felt on the African continent. A total of 26 African countri

As visualized by Finex Insights, Africa holds about 60% of the world’s solar resources . Yet, in 2025, Africa receives less than 3% of global energy investment , according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) . At the same time, over 600 million Africans still live without electricity . This is Africa’s solar investment paradox. So why does a continent overflowing with sunshine struggle to attract investment in energy infrastructure? The answer is not one thing, b

On November 26, 2025, the military in Guinea-Bissau  dissolved the government, adding another nation to the growing list of African countries under military leadership. As of today, seven African nations  are under active military rule. More importantly, the data indicates that these are not short-term interim governments, but entrenched regimes with multi-year tenures. Our latest infographic visualizes this shift, highlighting both the geographic spread and the duration of

New evidence is sparking conversations across the continent about the quality of baby foods sold in African markets. A major investigation by the international watchdog Public Eye  has revealed high levels of added sugar  in Nestlé’s Cerelac infant cereals  sold across 20 African countries raising health concerns for millions of parents. In this article, we break down what the findings mean, the countries most affected, why the debate matters, and what global health experts

Every day, countless trucks move across the borders of West Africa, loaded with goods. But what exactly is inside? A new 2025 report from the OECD, "Intra-regional Food Trade in West Africa,"  provides a clear answer. This trade is the lifeblood of the region's economy and ensures that food gets from where it's grown to where it's needed most. While this trade is far larger than many assume: estimated to be a $10 billion industry that is up to 85% unrecorded, an important sto

Across Africa, people are living longer than ever before but not equally so . According to the World Population Prospects 2024 , the continent’s average life expectancy stands at about 64 years , masking a 22-year gap  between the countries at the top and bottom of the scale. At one end, Tunisia  leads with 76.7 years , closely followed by Algeria (76.5)  and Mauritius (75.1) .At the other, Nigeria (54.6) , Chad (55.2) , and the Central African Republic (57.7)  sit near the b

Africa’s political landscape is home to some of the world’s longest-standing presidents. As of 2025, five leaders have ruled their countries for more than three decades, some nearing half a century in office. Together, they’ve governed for a combined total of nearly 190 years. Here's a closer look at the top five, their age, tenure, and the political context surrounding their extended rule. Africa's Top 5 Longest-Serving Presidents 🧓 Top 5 Longest-Serving Presidents in Afric

Mobile internet has become a lifeline across Africa powering communication, education, entrepreneurship, and governance. Yet, the price of access varies widely across the continent. A new ranking highlights just how much consumers pay for 1 GB of mobile data over 30 days. Cost of Mobile Data in Africa Ghana Among the Most Affordable According to data from bestbroadbanddeals.co.uk , Ghana is the 3rd most affordable country in Africa , offering 1 GB of mobile data at only $0.40

As of June 30, 2025, fuel prices across Africa present a revealing map of economic, geopolitical, and supply chain realities. From Libya's ultra-low gasoline price of $0.028 per liter to the Central African Republic's staggering $1.858, the range is not just wide, it’s systemic. Our latest Finex Insights visual explores the causes behind these disparities and what they reveal about Africa’s energy landscape. Fuel Prices in Africa North Africa: A Fuel Price Haven Countries lik

The US Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 Entry/Exit Overstay Report reveals startling disparities in visa overstay rates among African nations. While some countries maintain rates under 2%, others exceed 20% with Chad peaking at nearly 50%. But what drives these differences? US Visa Overstay Rate for African Countries High Overstay Rates: Poverty and Conflict as Catalysts Countries like Chad (49.54%), Congo-Brazzaville (29.63%), Sudan (26.3%), and Djibouti (23.9%) sit at

🤰 Where do women in Africa have the most children? Here's the 2023 ranking by average births per woman. #DataForDevelopment Fertility rate in Sub-Saharan Africa In 2023, the average woman in Somalia gave birth to over six children, the highest fertility rate on the African continent. Joining Somalia at the top of the fertility chart are Chad, Niger, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic—each with a total fertility rate (TFR) exceeding six children per woman. What Is the

In the ongoing financial journey of African nations, few institutions have played as visible a role as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While the IMF often serves as a last resort lender, helping nations stabilize their economies during crises, the pattern of borrowing also reveals deeper structural issues—and a few exceptions worth studying. IMF and Africa. Top 5 IMF borrowers in Africa vs. the 3 nations that have stayed debt-free As of May 2025, only three African cou

Discussions surrounding a proposed travel ban by the Trump administration sparked widespread dialogue and debate a couple of days ago. This proposed policy, as outlined, directly affects several African nations, categorizing them based on varying degrees of travel restrictions. To better comprehend the potential impacts, we have visually mapped out these African nations and analyzed the broader implications. Proposed Travel Ban on selected African countries to the USA Breakin

Introduction The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has long been a pillar of regional cooperation, economic stability, and security in West Africa. However, recent political instability and military coups have led to the suspension of several key members, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This shift has significant implications for ECOWAS and the broader region. Additionally, the formation of the Sahel Confederation, a new alliance among these suspende

Africa has witnessed numerous protests over the past decade, many of which have turned deadly. These protests often stem from deep-rooted political, economic, and social issues, reflecting the continent's complex and dynamic landscape. This article provides a comprehensive overview of significant deadly protests in Africa over the last ten years, shedding light on the causes and consequences of these pivotal events. Deadly Protests in Africa Over the Last Decade: A Comprehens

Meta Description: Explore the dynamic range of African leadership ages from the sage wisdom of the continent's oldest statesmen to the vigorous energy of its youngest rulers. In a continent as diverse and dynamic as Africa, the age of political leaders can often be a reflection of the nation's historical context and current political climate. This visual offers a compelling overview of the oldest and youngest leaders within African nations, painting a picture of a continent a

Introduction Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with significant prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recent findings from the SIREN study shed light on lifestyle factors that influence stroke severity, offering actionable insights for prevention strategies. Forest plot of the factors associated with ischaemic stroke severity by Stroke Levity Scale Dietary Factors: Vegetables vs. Meat At the forefront, low vegetable consumption emerg

Africa’s Billionaire Elite: A Look at the Continent’s Wealthiest in 2024 In the ever-evolving landscape of global wealth, Africa's richest individuals continue to forge paths of prosperity across the continent. The 2024 Forbes list of Africa’s Billionaires is not just a mere reflection of individual wealth but a testament to the economic potentials within this diverse and resource-rich land. Despite challenges, the combined net worth of the top 20 African billionaires has cli

Africa's Health Worker Crisis: The effect of brain drain on quality healthcare. As countries globally continue to grapple with public health challenges, Africa faces a unique and pressing crisis – the exodus of its healthcare workforce. Recent data from the Wilson Center and the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight the severity of this issue. The continent, which bears 24% of the global disease burden, is experiencing a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, w