World

World

Electoral Integrity in SADC: A Review of Recent Polls and Challenges Ahead

Africa's electoral landscape has been historically beset by undue influences and authoritarian tendencies, compromising the legitimacy of democratic processes. This has resulted in the continent's per

Mar 03, 2025
World
Weekly Gold Wrap: Tariffs Spark Global Gold Rush, COMEX Inventories Hit Pandemic Highs

With increasing US tariffs across the world from America to Europe, Asia to Africa, gold has emerged as a critical barometer of market uncertainty. As trade tensions escalate, investors and instituti

 Mar 03, 2025
World
Global Gold Weekly Round-Up: Gold Prices Surge Dents Jewellery Demand, Fuels Investment Boom

he gold market has experienced a remarkable rally since the beginning of the year, with prices repeatedly hitting new all-time highs. While this surge has been a boon for investors, it has cast a shad

 Feb 24, 2025
World
Unemployment Trends in Southern Africa: Over 7 Million Jobless in South Africa

South Africa’s unemployment rate has shown a slight improvement, declining for the second consecutive quarter to 31.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, down from 32.1% in the previous quarter. This mar

 Feb 19, 2025
World
Zimbabwe Ranks Highest Corrupt Country in SADC for 2024, Among Top 10 in Africa

Zimbabwe has come out as the worst corrupt country in SADC in 2024, according to the latest data from Transparency International coming only ahead of a war-torn DRC. It was also the worst performance

 Feb 18, 2025
World
Global Gold at Glance: 2024’s Record Production, Record Prices Analysis, What Were Key Drivers

Global gold demand reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with total demand (including over-the-counter investment) rising by 1% year-on-year in the fourth quarter to achieve a new quarterly high.  Thi

 Feb 17, 2025
World
Gold Weekly Round-Up: 2025 Projections Appears Even More Bullish

In 2025, gold's outlook is projected to remain strong due to continued central bank accumulation, robust demand from gold ETF investors, and increasing geopolitical uncertainties. Central banks are e

 Feb 17, 2025
US Resumes Critical Food Assistance to World Food Programme

The United States has rescinded its pause on in-kind food assistance to the World Food Programme (WFP), allowing for the resumption of food purchases and deliveries under existing USAID agreements. W

Feb 11, 2025
US New Tariffs on Steel, Aluminium Send Gold Prices Soaring Above US$2,900/oz

Gold prices reached a new record high of 2,917.90 per ounce on the 10th of February 2025, driven by the U.S. President’s trade war, which is targeting both allies and adversaries. This surge followed

Feb 10, 2025
Why Gold is a Strategic Asset That Outperforms Traditional Assets During Economic Downturns

Gold has long been recognized as a strategic asset, playing a pivotal role in the construction of well-diversified investment portfolios. According to World Gold Council, Its unique characteristics m

Feb 03, 2025
Climate Round-Up: Trump's Climate Betrayal

The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement has sent shockwaves throughout the global community, exacerbating concerns about climate change mitigation. This move, orchestrated

Jan 24, 2025

A Look into Davos 2025 themes and action points as meeting wraps up

For countries like Zimbabwe, the discussions in Davos have direct implications including the push for free trade areas and digital economies which could benefit it significantly, offering new avenues

Jan 24, 2025

How Will Commodity Markets React to US Withdrawal from Climate Pact? Mixed Fortunes for Zimbabwe's Mining Sector

The United States President, Donald Trump, has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Agreement, citing national interests. Under the international climate accord, first negotiated in 2015, countr

Jan 22, 2025

WHO Loses Largest Donor: US Withdrawal Sparks Concern

United States’ 47th President, Donald Trump has pulled out from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing systemic inefficiencies in managing global health crises. Trump has articulated concerns r

Jan 21, 2025

Global Inflation Projections Diminish: IMF Revises Economic Growth Upwards, Sees Global Rates Falling in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global economic growth forecast upward to 3.3% for 2025, driven primarily by an upward revision in the US economy, which offset downgrades in othe

Jan 20, 2025

Mining in Age of IT: Africa’s Wake-Up Call

The mining sector has become a cornerstone of numerous African economies, particularly as the continent, despite being the poorest globally, possesses vast untapped resources. Africa contributes less

Jan 16, 2025

Drought Threatens Regional Power Supply: What Lake Cahora Bassa's Water Level Erosion Means for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's struggles with power challenges have extended beyond its borders, affecting one of its key electricity import sources. The Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique's Tete province has reached a crit

Dec 17, 2024

Platinum's Q3 Update: Deficit Persists, Extends into 2025 as Prices Continue to Slide

The global platinum supply experienced a 7% year-over-year (YoY) increase to 1,479 koz in Q3 2024, primarily driven by augmented stock releases in South Africa. This uptick in supply was a welcome dev

Nov 27, 2024

Age of Bullion: Gold Prices Reach Historic Highs

Gold prices have continued their upward trajectory, reaching a new record high of US$2,750 per ounce on October 23, 2024. This surge is driven by gold's status as a safe-haven asset amid escalating ge

Oct 23, 2024