This brief provides a synthesized overview of critical developments across the African continent as of January 7, 2026. From historic financial milestones in the south to escalating electoral tensions in the east, the following sections detail the evolving landscape of business, geopolitics, and human rights.
Business & Macroeconomics
JSE Hits Historic $500 Billion Milestone
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) saw its market capitalization surpass $500 billion on Tuesday, marking its highest valuation since 2019. This surge is attributed to a strengthening South African rand and a global rally in metal prices, particularly gold and platinum. The milestone reinforces South Africa’s position as a premier gateway for institutional investment on the continent.
Ghanaian Inflation Hits 12-Month Low
Ghana’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell to 5.4% in December 2025, down from 6.3% in November. This marks the 12th consecutive month of slowing inflation, a significant victory for the Bank of Ghana’s monetary policy. The decline was largely driven by a sharp drop in food and non-food inflation, alongside a stabilization of the cedi.
Intra-African Trade Surges Amid AfCFTA Hurdles
Intra-African trade hit a record $220.3 billion in late 2024, a 12.4% year-on-year increase. Despite this momentum, experts warn that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation remains sluggish. Internal commerce still only accounts for approximately 15% to 18% of the continent’s total trade, hampered by infrastructure gaps and lingering non-tariff barriers.
Energy & Tech
Shell Expands Footprint in Angola
In a major energy deal, Shell has finalized the acquisition of a 35% stake in two undeveloped offshore blocks in Angola from Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, a subsidiary of Chevron. The move underscores Angola’s enduring appeal to oil majors despite the global transition toward renewables. Simultaneously, the Africa Finance Corporation has joined as a co-financial adviser for the Lobito Atlantic Railway, a strategic corridor for transporting minerals from the DRC to Angolan ports.
Telecom Price Hikes in Ethiopia
Consumer data services in Ethiopia have become more expensive as Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia synchronized price increases this week. The operators cited rising operational costs and the need for further 5G infrastructure investment.
UAE Launches $1B “AI for Development” Fund
The United Arab Emirates and the African Union (AU) reaffirmed their partnership in Addis Ababa on Tuesday. The meeting highlighted the UAE’s $1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, designed to integrate artificial intelligence into Africa’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors under the AU’s Agenda 2063.
Geopolitics & Policy
Russia Recruits via Gaming Apps
A Bloomberg investigation has revealed that Russia targeted South African men for recruitment into the Ukraine war via the gaming chat app Discord. Recruits were reportedly approached while playing the military simulation game Arma 3. Documents suggest they were promised lucrative contracts and Russian citizenship; however, reports have already surfaced of recruits being killed in action within weeks of deployment.+2
China’s Top Diplomat Tours Strategic Corridors
Foreign Minister Wang Yi began his annual tour of Africa on Wednesday, with stops in Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho. The visit is focused on securing trade routes and countering Western-led projects like the Lobito Corridor. Notably, Wang’s stop in Somalia—the first by a Chinese FM since the 1980s—reaffirms Beijing’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity following regional disputes over Somaliland.+2
Security & Stability
Jihadist Attack on Mali’s Morila Mine
Suspected jihadists attacked the Morila gold mine in southern Mali over the weekend. The militants burned mining equipment and briefly took seven employees hostage before releasing them. The attack poses a significant setback for Flagship Gold, the U.S.-based firm that recently partnered with the Malian state to restart the iconic mine.+2
Guinea Prepares for Doumbouya’s Inauguration
Junta leader Mamady Doumbouya is set to be sworn in as president on January 17 after a landslide victory with 86.7% of the vote. While the Supreme Court has validated the results, the election has been criticized by international observers as main opposition leaders were barred from running.
Human Rights & Governance
Uganda: Pre-Election Violence Escalates
Ahead of the January 15 presidential election, opposition candidate Bobi Wine (Kyagulanyi Ssentamu) has appeared in a flak jacket at rallies, citing repeated gunfire from security forces. Wine reports that at least three supporters have been killed recently. Concurrently, the detention of activist Dr. Sarah Bireete has sparked a regional outcry, with civic groups warning of a “shrinking civic space” under President Museveni’s long-standing rule.+1
Central African Republic: Touadéra Invites Putin
Following his re-election, CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has formally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Bangui. The invite cements the CAR-Russia alliance, which has relied heavily on Wagner Group (now Africa Corps) personnel for security against rebel groups.
References: semafor.com, africacenter.org
