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THE PROJECT HERALD
The Intelligence Ledger of
Projects, Capital, Companies and Policy

Briefings

India and Southern African Customs Union Relaunch Trade Negotiations

Global Briefings /

New Delhi, India | 12 August 2026 India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) have formally relaunched negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), reviving discussions that had remained dormant for more than a decade. The two sides signed the Terms of Reference (ToR), establishing the framework for negotiations covering trade in goods, rules […]

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Critical Minerals Drive Record Mining M&A Across Africa

Global Briefings /

Global | 2026 Merger and acquisition activity across Africa’s mining sector has accelerated to its strongest pace in more than a decade as competition intensifies for copper, lithium, gold and other critical mineral assets. Recent transactions include Zijin Mining’s acquisition of a major gold asset in Ghana, AngloGold Ashanti’s expansion in Egypt, Ganfeng Lithium’s investment

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Rio Tinto Rules Out Glencore Merger as Focus Shifts to Copper Growth

Global Briefings /

Melbourne, Australia | 4 August 2026 Rio Tinto has ruled out reviving merger discussions with Glencore following the expiry of the six-month standstill period under UK takeover regulations, ending speculation around what could have become one of the largest mining mergers in history. Chief Executive Simon Trott has instead prioritised a corporate restructuring strategy centred

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Africa’s Eurobond Revival Gains Momentum as DRC Makes Historic Market Debut

Global Briefings /

Sub-Saharan Africa | April–August 2026 Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing its strongest return to the international bond market in more than a decade, with governments collectively raising nearly US$6 billion through sovereign Eurobond issuances during the first half of 2026. Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo all successfully accessed international capital markets.

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Red Sea Shipping Risks Escalate as Houthi Blockade Expands

Global Briefings /

Bab el-Mandeb / Red Sea | 6 August 2026 Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea have intensified following the expansion of the Houthi maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, increasing risks for one of the world’s most important trade corridors. Industry reports indicate tanker traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait declined sharply during the first week

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Central Banks Boost Gold Purchases as African Reserve Strategies Shift

Global Briefings /

Global | 30 July 2026 Central banks purchased a record 289 tonnes of gold during the second quarter of 2026, according to the World Gold Council’s latest Gold Demand Trends report. The increase represents a 62% year-on-year rise and marks the strongest second quarter for official-sector gold purchases on record. A notable development has emerged

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Senate Passes Three-Year AGOA Extension, Bill Moves to House

Global Briefings /

Washington, D.C. | 8 August 2026 The United States Senate has voted 90-6 to approve H.R. 6500, legislation extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through 31 December 2028. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can be signed into law. The proposed extension replaces the temporary one-year

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IMF Lowers Sub-Saharan Africa Growth Outlook

Global Briefings /

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, forecasting regional economic growth of 4.3% in 2026, slightly below earlier projections. While the region remains among the world’s fastest-growing, the IMF cited geopolitical tensions, external shocks and weaker global demand as key factors weighing on economic performance. The World Bank has projected

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Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady, Hawkish Split Emerges

Global Briefings /

The US Federal Reserve has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5%–3.75%, maintaining its current policy stance for a second consecutive meeting. The decision, however, revealed growing divisions within the Federal Open Market Committee, with three regional presidents voting in favour of another rate increase. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh described the outcome as

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Copper Prices Reach Record High as Tariff Decision Looms

Global Briefings /

Global copper prices climbed to fresh record highs this week as tightening physical supplies continued to support the market while investors awaited a United States decision on potential tariffs covering refined copper imports. Copper futures on Comex traded near US$6.90 per pound, extending gains of approximately 50% over the past year. Market analysts attribute the

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