13 October 2025
Plenary Meeting of the OHADA Accounting Profession Standardization Commission
According to OHADA, The organization’s Accounting Profession Standardization Commission recently held a plenary meeting to review and update regional accounting standards across its member states. The session brought together representatives from various professional bodies, ministries, and regional institutions to strengthen harmonization within the OHADA zone. Discussions focused on modernizing accounting practices to align with international norms, enhancing transparency, and improving financial governance to support business development and investment. Participants also highlighted the importance of continuous training for accountants and auditors to ensure consistent application of standards throughout the member countries.
South African Rand Steady with Markets Wary of US-China Trade Tension
According to MSN, The South African rand held steady as investors remained cautious amid rising tensions between the United States and China over trade and technology restrictions. Market participants were also awaiting key U.S. inflation data expected to influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions. Analysts noted that the rand’s movement was largely driven by global sentiment rather than domestic factors, with South Africa’s economic challenges, such as persistent power shortages and slow growth, continuing to weigh on investor confidence. Overall, traders remained wary of riskier emerging-market assets as uncertainty surrounding global trade relations persisted.
West Africa’s Trade Monitoring System and Food Security
According to MSN, West Africa’s regional trade monitoring system has collapsed, undermining efforts to track food flows and threatening food security across the region. The system, originally established to provide real-time data on the movement of staple goods, has become inactive due to a lack of funding, weak institutional coordination, and political instability. Without this mechanism, policymakers and humanitarian agencies struggle to identify shortages or price spikes in time to respond effectively. Experts warn that the absence of reliable trade data could worsen food crises, disrupt regional supply chains, and heighten vulnerability in countries already facing conflict, inflation, and climate-related shocks.
South Africa Trade Minister Says on Verge of Tariff Deal with U.S.
According to MSN, South Africa’s Trade Minister announced that the country is close to finalizing a tariff agreement with the United States aimed at easing trade tensions and securing continued access to U.S. markets. The deal, which comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), seeks to maintain favorable trade terms for South African exports such as metals, agricultural products, and vehicles. The minister emphasized that constructive negotiations have helped both sides make significant progress, with the potential agreement expected to stabilize bilateral trade relations and protect key sectors of South Africa’s economy from potential U.S. tariffs.
Gen Z Uprisings at Risk: Cyber Threats Exposed
According to Africanews, Young activists and entrepreneurs in Africa’s Gen Z movement face growing risks from cyber threats as their digital presence expands across social and political spaces. The report highlights how governments and private actors are increasingly using surveillance technologies, misinformation campaigns, and hacking to monitor or suppress youth-led movements. Experts warn that this trend could undermine digital freedoms and civic participation across the continent. At the same time, the rise in cyberattacks on small and medium-sized African businesses reveals the region’s limited cybersecurity infrastructure, prompting calls for stronger data protection laws and investment in digital resilience.
Ethiopian Coffee Exports Earn more than $500 Million in Two Months
According to Africanews, Ethiopia earned over $500 million from coffee exports within just two months, reflecting strong global demand and improved market access for one of the country’s key export commodities. The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority reported that both export volume and quality have increased, driven by better farming practices, favorable weather, and enhanced traceability measures that meet international standards. Coffee remains a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy, employing millions and accounting for a significant share of its foreign exchange earnings. Officials emphasized that continued investment in quality control and market diversification will be crucial to sustaining this momentum.
As AGOA Trade Pact Expires, is There a Way Forward?
According to AllAfrica, The expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has raised uncertainty across African economies that depend on the U.S. trade program for duty-free access to American markets. Analysts warn that the lapse could threaten jobs, exports, and investment in key sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing. While U.S. officials have expressed interest in reforming or renewing the program, negotiations remain uncertain amid shifting trade priorities. African leaders and trade experts emphasize the need for a new framework that promotes reciprocity, regional integration, and sustainable industrial growth rather than short-term market access. The debate over AGOA’s future highlights broader questions about the evolving nature of U.S.–Africa trade relations and the continent’s drive toward economic self-reliance.
“No Work, No Pay”- Nigeria Academic Union Strike
According to AllAfrica, The Nigerian government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it will enforce a “no work, no pay” policy if lecturers proceed with their planned strike. The warning follows renewed tensions between the union and the government over unmet demands related to salaries, working conditions, and funding for public universities. Government officials stated that any suspension of teaching activities would result in withheld wages, emphasizing the need to maintain academic stability and protect students’ education. ASUU, however, argues that the government has failed to honor past agreements and that the strike is a necessary measure to push for long-overdue reforms in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Nigeria Sees Economic Progress, but Millions Still Left Behind
According to AllAfrica, Nigeria has recorded signs of economic progress driven by growth in sectors such as oil production, agriculture, and technology, yet millions of citizens remain excluded from the benefits of this expansion. Despite modest improvements in GDP and investment inflows, widespread poverty, unemployment, and inflation continue to strain households across the country. Experts note that while government policies have aimed to stabilize the economy and attract foreign capital, inequality and weak social safety nets persist. Analysts stress that inclusive development strategies—particularly those targeting job creation, education, and infrastructure—are essential to ensure that Nigeria’s economic gains translate into meaningful improvements in living standards for its population.
Chad Lawmakers Move on Bill Allowing Unlimited Presidential Terms
According to AllAfrica, Lawmakers in Chad have advanced a controversial bill that would remove presidential term limits, effectively allowing President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to remain in power indefinitely. The proposal has sparked criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations, who argue that it undermines democratic principles and consolidates authoritarian rule. Supporters of the bill claim it will provide political stability and continuity as the country transitions from military to civilian governance. The development follows growing concerns over human rights, governance, and the concentration of power since Déby took office after his father’s death in 2021, raising questions about the future of democracy in Chad.
The End of AGOA is not Africa’s Export Cliff
According to The Africa Report, the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) does not necessarily signal an immediate collapse of Africa’s export markets, though it does pose challenges for several key industries. Analysts argue that while some sectors, particularly textiles and apparel, will face disruptions, many African economies have diversified their trade partners and strengthened regional value chains under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Experts emphasize that the end of AGOA could serve as an opportunity for African nations to accelerate industrialization, expand intra-African trade, and pursue more balanced trade relations beyond preferential access to U.S. markets. The report concludes that Africa’s long-term resilience will depend on its ability to leverage its own trade infrastructure and regional cooperation rather than external trade preferences.
Events – 10/13/2025
“FT Africa Summit”. Invest Africa. London, England. 21-22 October 2025
“International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Climate Change Obligations and Its Implications for Investment Policy-Making”. IISD. Online Webinar. 29 October 2025.
“Africa Renewables Investment Summit 2025”. Invest Africa. Cape Town, South Africa. 5-6 November 2025.