H

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

Global Briefings

Global Briefing — 17 August 2026

Capital to watch, Global Briefings /

Projects, capital, companies, policy and procurement across infrastructure and investment. Capital Bank of America launches $250bn US infrastructure finance drive. BofA has unveiled its Critical Infrastructure Finance Initiative, aiming to <cite index=”8-1″>mobilize and deploy $250 billion through lending, investments, capital markets and advisory transactions over an 18-month period ending July 4, 2027</cite>. <cite index=”8-1″>The push […]

Global Briefing — 17 August 2026 Read More »

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

India and Southern African Customs Union Relaunch Trade Negotiations Read More »

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

Critical Minerals Drive Record Mining M&A Across Africa Read More »

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

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

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.

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

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

Red Sea Shipping Risks Escalate as Houthi Blockade Expands Read More »

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

Central Banks Boost Gold Purchases as African Reserve Strategies Shift Read More »

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

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

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

IMF Lowers Sub-Saharan Africa Growth Outlook Read More »

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

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady, Hawkish Split Emerges Read More »