The 2026 State of the Nation (SONA) address reaffirmed the commitments made by the Government of National Unity (GNU) to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and reducing poverty and the cost of living. These pillars are foundational to any credible national growth strategy. But they cannot become abstract economic ambitions disconnected from the everyday realities of the millions of South Africans who earn a living through small and independent businesses. Across South Africa, small and medium enterprise (SME) retailers form a critical layer of the national economy. They include township spaza shops, informal grocers and stokvel-linked merchants, but also independent…
Author: Montage Africa
Madagascar’s military ruler Col Michael Randrianirina has dissolved the government unexpectedly, dismissing the prime minister and the entire cabinet, according to a statement from his spokesperson. “The government has ceased its functions” it said, adding that Randrianirina will appoint a new prime minister “in line with the provisions stipulated by the constitution”. No reason was given for the move. Randrianirina seized power last October from Andry Rajoelina, following weeks of youth-led protests on the Indian Ocean island. Rajoelina had been elected president for a third term in a disputed poll in 2023. From prison to presidential palace: Who is Madagascar’s…
By Michael Oduor with AFP Oil prices have surged past the $100 mark, as conflict in the Middle East intensifies. Brent crude jumped 17 percent today to trade at $107 a barrel. That’s the highest level since 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine roiled global energy markets. The spike comes as Iran names the late Supreme Leader’s son as the new head of the Islamic Republic, deepening political uncertainty in the region. At sea, around 10 vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have been attacked since Iran moved to block the strategic waterway in response to US–Israeli airstrikes,…
South Africa’s latest budget has sparked cautious optimism, with officials suggesting the country’s strained public finances may finally be stabilizing. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana pointed to easing debt pressures and declining bond yields as early signs of recovery, helped by a stronger rand and steady inflation expectations. Yet economists warn that the country has not reached a true economic turning point. Growth remains sluggish—at just 1.4% in 2025 and projected to reach 1.6% in 2026—while unemployment stays above 30% and investment levels remain far below what the economy needs. Structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela, including changes to electricity, logistics, and…
More than USD 29 million has been mobilised to support Madagascar’s response and recovery following tropical cyclones Fytia and Gezani through a combination of pre-arranged financing solutions facilitated by the African Risk Capacity (ARC) and partner institutions. This financing was activated through three complementary instruments established in advance: Madagascar’s sovereign parametric insurance coverage, replica insurance supporting humanitarian partners and additional resources mobilised through the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery (REPAIR) programme. Together, these mechanisms have enabled a coordinated financial response to the cyclones’ impact. The two cyclones affected more than half a million people and displaced at…
By Rédaction Africanews with AFP Thousands took part in one of Zanzibar’s largest communal Iftar meals at the island’s Amani Stadium, where Muslims and non-Muslims gathered to break the fast at sunset during Ramadan. “We have just managed to showcase to the whole world that Zanzibar is a destination of peace, unity and love,” said Arif Abbas Manji, the head of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism. That the event drew so many people was also an intentional goal for the organisers. “We aim to break a few records in terms of the number Iftar. The record, apart from Mecca and…
By Wahany Johnson SAMBOU Macky Sall to succeed United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres? Not everyone in Senegal likes the idea. Victims of the violence in 2021 and 2024 under the former president’s regime are strongly opposed. So are some of ruling majority, including this Member of Parliament for PASTEF. “The UN must not become a laundering place for blood crimes and economic crimes,” says Guy Marius Sagna, “and the former president of Senegal, Macky Sall, committed and encouraged blood crimes and economic crimes in Senegal.” Sall’s supporters deny the accusations and are downplaying the opposition to their leader’s candidacy.…
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo regained the world half-marathon record as he claimed victory in Lisbon on Sunday. The 25-year-old won in 57 minutes and 20 seconds to take 10 seconds off the record set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in 2024. Kiplimo was the previous record holder, having clocked 57:31 on the same Lisbon course in 2021. The three-time world cross-country champion also ran 56:42 in Barcelona last year but that performance was not ratified by World Athletics because of illegal pacing assistance. “I’m so happy to break the world record,” said Kiplimo. “After the first 10km, I thought the world record was…
Step up and showcase your impact! World Travel Market (WTM) Africa is urging responsible tourism stakeholders to submit their entries for the Responsible Tourism Awards before the 20 March deadline. Free to enter and open to companies of all sizes, including emerging startups and individual entrepreneurs, the awards spotlight initiatives solving real challenges and shaping the future of tourism in Africa. Winners will be announced on 14 April in the Host City of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during WTM Africa 2026. “Established in 2004, these prestigious annual awards remain a leading platform for championing…
Often, I am the only woman in the room – sometimes, the only African woman. This is not a complaint, but a statement of fact. It is my starting point, and it has offered me an unexpected advantage: being the only one sharpens your awareness. You notice what others overlook. Early in my career, I believed that dedication and results alone would be enough to transform this industry. But I have since realized that progress demands more than just individual determination -it requires intentional, collective action. Years later, the landscape has shifted: more women attend conferences, more enter junior roles,…