African ministers, development institutions and private-sector leaders have called for the continent’s vast critical mineral resources to become a catalyst for industrialisation, economic transformation and job creation rather than continuing to fuel the export of raw materials.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are moving to expand their long-standing partnership, with both organisations agreeing to shift from broad cooperation agreements towards the joint delivery of large-scale development and resilience programmes across Africa.

The United Nations (UN) has warned that Sudan’s lucrative trade in gum arabic and gold is helping sustain the country’s conflict, with revenues from both commodities being used by warring parties to strengthen their operations while civilians bear the cost.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $95 million loan to support agro-industrial development and climate resilience initiatives in northern Cameroon, aiming to improve water security, strengthen food production and build resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.

SA Financial Sector Conduct Authority launches investigation