African countries produce roughly 6% of the world’s cotton, yet local apparel producers source more than 90% of their yarn and fabric from outside the continent. This reliance on imports and lack of local value chains, combined with infrastructural barriers, drives up production costs and limits the scaling of African fashion. With the expiration of AGOA, the need to strengthen local and regional value chains has become even more urgent. Read this piece to explore the key value chain gaps limiting Africa’s fashion industry.

It’s not just the fashion industry that needs localized investment—sports do too, including Africa’s most popular game, football. East Africa is gearing up for AFCON 2027, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania investing in major stadium projects. The real impact, however, will come when these venues are paired with year-round grassroots programs. Read more on how youth leagues, coach education, and scouting can turn “concrete” into talent and packed stands.

Africa shoulders the world's largest displacement burden, hosting 45.7 million forcibly displaced persons amid surging conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia. Yet, competitive funding models, conflicting development mandates and fragmented data sharing inflate program costs by 20-30%, duplicate efforts, and lock communities into dependency, stifling self-reliant economic pathways.

Emerging economies, particularly in Africa, face a $1.3 trillion annual development financing gap, with rising debt service obligations forcing governments to prioritize creditors over citizens. This unsustainable system has perpetuated cycles of dependency and underdevelopment. The creation of the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID) by the Sahel nations presents a transformative alternative. Funded by tax revenue, BCID offers long-term, counter-cyclical investments that support infrastructure and economic stability. By mobilizing dormant capital and de-risking private sector involvement, BCID can reshape development finance in the Sahel and beyond, breaking the chains of financial dependency and fostering sustainable growth.

Emerging economies, particularly in Africa, face a $1.3 trillion annual development financing gap, with rising debt service obligations forcing governments to prioritize creditors over citizens. This unsustainable system has perpetuated cycles of dependency and underdevelopment. The creation of the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID) by the Sahel nations presents a transformative alternative. Funded by tax revenue, BCID offers long-term, counter-cyclical investments that support infrastructure and economic stability. By mobilizing dormant capital and de-risking private sector involvement, BCID can reshape development finance in the Sahel and beyond, breaking the chains of financial dependency and fostering sustainable growth.

AfCRA, launching next month, introduces an African lens to credit ratings using region-specific data and socioeconomic indicators. This initiative could unlock up to $15.5 billion, tackle bias against African economies, reduce borrowing costs, and support sectors like infrastructure and healthcare. Read more to discover how AfCRA will reshape Africa’s financial sovereignty and the key factors determining its success.