US, China Compete for Africa’s Rare Earth Minerals
February 11th, 2023
Via VOA, an article on the growing competition for Africa’s rare earth minerals: South Africa hosted the world’s biggest mining investment conference this week, with industry experts in attendance saying the U.S. and China are in a race for the critical minerals — such as cobalt and lithium — that will likely power the projected […]
Read more »Logistics In Africa: Broken
February 11th, 2023
Via TechSafari, an interesting look at Africa’s logistics sector: It was a brutal week for logistics startups. Gokada (a last-mile delivery company) laid off 54 employees this week, and is on the brink after acquisition talks with Kwik fell through. And Sendy – a Kenyan logistics contender that raised $26 million from Atlantica Ventures and Toyota […]
Read more »Despite Abundant Resources, Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector Will Remain Unsteady
February 10th, 2023
Via Rane’s WorldView, a look at Zimbabwe’s mining sector: Despite recent government commitments to reform, Zimbabwe’s mining sector will likely remain crippled by patronage politics, outdated legislation and regulatory gaps, which will continue to constrain the country’s economic outlook and restrict the extraction of some of the world’s most valuable minerals. Zimbabwe, a small country of […]
Read more »China’s Push to Secure Its Energy Interests in the Middle East
February 10th, 2023
Via CSIS’ Hidden Reach, a look at China’s push to secure its energy interests in the Middle East: China is expanding its footprint in the Middle East to meet its vast energy needs. Near the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important chokepoint for transporting oil, Chinese companies have invested heavily in ports and energy infrastructure. […]
Read more »Jumia Wants To Be The “Amazon of Africa” But Can’t Find The Customers
February 10th, 2023
Via Rest of World, a look at Jumia’s plans to be the “Amazon of Africa”: Jumia has established dominance as the major e-commerce player in Africa, with over 3.1 million quarterly active users. However, its share price has continued to underperform, falling nearly 70% since its IPO. Experts question whether Africa is ready for the […]
Read more »With Energy Deals in Africa, Italy Positions Itself as Europe’s Next Gas Hub
February 10th, 2023
Via Rane’s Stratfor WorldView, a look at Italy’s efforts to position itself as Europe’s next gas hub: The Italian government’s new energy-driven approach to Africa will help the country bolster its own energy security and position itself as Europe’s next natural gas hub. But infrastructural challenges at home and above-ground risks in North Africa will […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.