South Africa

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala's AfDB presidency campaign under the radar

South Africa's Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala is still hoping to chair the African Development Bank, despite her country's official support for her Zambian rival, economist Samuel Munzele Maimbo.

Gunvor wavers on fund to help fuel its Shell stations purchase

The Swiss trading company Gunvor is bidding to buy Shell's petrol stations in South Africa, but has yet to finalise its choice of local partner. The Matasis fund is now being considered.

Pretoria sends mission to Washington to save its trade, with AGOA under threat

Faced with the threat of his country being excluded from the economically beneficial African Growth and Opportunity Act, President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked four of his closest aides to lead a delegation to the US.

Sesakho Magadla's return as PetroSA boss dismays employees

Magadla's appointment as PetroSA acting CEO has sparked concern within the country's national oil company. Managers reproach her over failed negotiations with TotalEnergies and for signing controversial contracts when head of operations for the group.

Finance minister mulls resignation over contested VAT hike

Enoch Godongwana of the African National Congress is under pressure after the Democratic Alliance, the ANC’s most important partner in the government of national unity, rejected his budget on 19 February.

Mantashe's empty promises about new mining cadastre

Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe’s officials believe they will not be able to meet the June 2025 deadline for South Africa's new online mining cadastre to come into service, despite the minister's claims that it will be ready on time.

SADC's late call to unite behind Madagascar's AU Commission candidate

The Southern Africa Development Community has come out in support of the Madagascan Richard Randriamandrato for the position of chairperson.

The New Guard
Ghana, South Africa, Algeria

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

GhanaJohn Abdulai Jinapor, the new oil expert

South AfricaAshor Sarupen, a cooperative deputy finance minister

AlgeriaHabib Brahmia, a crestfallen opponent

Refining sector plunges into the red

Following the fire at the Natref Refinery on 4 January, only two sites in the country are still producing gasoline, which is far from enough to meet domestic demand.

Pretoria considers quotas for foreign workers in hospitality sector

A bill is currently being prepared to encourage the employment of nationals who have few qualifications. Although it does not target any particular sector, hospitality recruitment networks are in its sights.