Business News & Trends Across Africa
Looking for the latest business buzz on the continent? You’re in the right place. We bring you straight‑to‑the‑point stories that matter – from power cuts in South Africa to big moves in the mining sector, from food production shifts in Europe to oil deals in Nigeria. No fluff, just the facts you need to stay ahead.
Power & Energy Updates
Eskom has rolled back its load‑shedding pause and is back to Stage 3. The utility says unexpected breakdowns and long‑haul repairs forced the decision. On top of that, the regulator NERSA approved a 12.7% tariff hike. That means higher bills for households and businesses alike, and a tougher environment for companies that rely on cheap power.
Higher electricity costs often ripple through the whole economy. Manufacturing plants may face tighter margins, and retailers could see a dip in consumer spending. If you run a business that depends on steady power, now’s the time to look at backup solutions or renegotiate contracts with suppliers.
Industry & Manufacturing Moves
In the mining world, Sibanye‑Stillwater chose a solo route for its gold wage talks. Instead of the usual collective bargaining, the company is negotiating directly with workers. This could change how mining wages are set across South Africa, potentially leading to more flexible agreements but also sparking tension with unions.
Across the continent, Danone shifted a chunk of its YoPro high‑protein yogurt drink production to a plant in Bucharest, Romania. While the move targets Central and Eastern European markets, it shows how African‑based brands are adapting supply chains to stay competitive globally.
Back home in Nigeria, Aliko Dangote offered to sell the Dangote Refinery to the National Petroleum Corporation. The idea is to keep the refinery running at full steam, create jobs and ensure the country gets high‑quality fuel. If the deal goes through, it could boost the local oil sector and set a precedent for public‑private partnerships.
All these stories point to a common theme: African businesses are navigating new challenges while spotting fresh opportunities. Whether it’s dealing with higher energy costs, rethinking labor deals, or repositioning production, the key is staying agile.
What does this mean for you? Keep an eye on policy changes that affect costs, watch labor negotiations that could shift wage standards, and consider how global supply‑chain moves might open up new markets or create competition. Being informed helps you make better decisions, faster.
We’ll keep updating this page with the latest headlines, so you don’t have to hunt for them. Bookmark the Business section and check back often for fresh stories that could impact your plans.
24
Sep
Prominent businessman SK Macharia burst into Directline Assurance’s headquarters and announced a takeover while the firm is tangled in court proceedings. CEO Sammy Kanyi lodged a formal complaint after Macharia claimed he had dismissed several staff members. The clash adds a fresh layer of tension to an already volatile corporate dispute. Observers say the showdown could reshape the insurance company’s governance. The incident underscores how high‑stakes legal fights can spill over into dramatic boardroom confrontations.
Read More
1
Feb
After maintaining electricity supply for over 10 months, Eskom has reintroduced Stage 3 loadshedding due to unforeseen breakdowns and the need for extensive repairs. This return to load shedding comes alongside news of an upcoming 12.7% tariff hike approved by NERSA, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing the utility's financial sustainability and consumer affordability.
Read More
7
Nov
Sibanye-Stillwater is deviating from the traditional collective bargaining process in the South African gold sector by opting for independent wage negotiations. The company is pressing forward solo, following unsuccessful talks with labor unions, which marks a significant change in how wage negotiations have historically been handled. This move could set a new standard within the mining industry, potentially resulting in more individualized agreements as opposed to broad industry-wide arrangements.
Read More
10
Sep
Danone has shifted part of its YoPro high-protein yogurt drinks production to its Bucharest plant in Romania. This strategic move aims to better serve Central Eastern European markets. The Bucharest facility will now produce YoPro drinks in Tetra Pak format for several countries, while other YoPro products continue to be produced in Spain and Poland.
Read More
22
Jul
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, has offered to sell the Dangote Refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. By doing so, he aims to ensure the refinery’s production of high-quality goods and job creation for Nigerians. This proposal comes as discussions about its management and benefits go on.
Read More