Africa Newsletter-March Edition
Source: BCS Group
1) BCS Group Connects Lake Tanganyika with Subsea Cable
During a session at the ongoing MWC Barcelona 2025, the world’s largest connectivity event, BCS Group, a leading pan-African wholesale telecom infrastructure provider, has announced the completion of the Lake Tanganyika Submarine Cable Project, the world’s deepest inland undersea fiber optic cable. Spanning 400 kilometers and reaching depths of 800 to 1,300 meters, the project enhances connectivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding regions, bringing affordable, high-speed internet to over 10 million people.
Building on past successes in Lake Albert (2018-2019) and the Congo River (2022), BCS Group continues to address Africa’s connectivity gaps (last part sound like a pr release). The new 24-core single armored submarine cable links Northern and Southeastern DRC, with future expansion to Tanzania and Burundi.
BCS Group Founder and MD Yonas Maru emphasized the project’s role in overcoming Congo’s infrastructure challenges, integrating with 2,500 km of rail and 2,000 km of river cables to boost digital access across Africa. Developed in partnership with major telecom operators like Airtel, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide.
Founded in 2009, BCS Group operates a fibre network spanning 80,000 km, connecting Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa. With key partnerships, including Vodacom, Airtel, and Meta, the company continues to drive Africa’s digital transformation. BCS Group, owned by U.S. national Yonas Maru, is a key player in Africa’s digital infrastructure, managing 80,000+ km of fiber across 15 countries. It co-owns The East African Marine System (TEAMS), linking Kenya to the UAE, alongside the Kenyan government and Etisalat. With a vast network from Mombasa to Luanda, BCS powers Africa’s digital future through high-speed fiber, IP transit, and MPLS connectivity, ensuring seamless global links. By integrating subsea and terrestrial fiber, it strengthens Africa’s role in the global digital ecosystem.
2) Russia’s War Spurs Africa’s Drive for Food Sovereignty
Russia’s war in Ukraine and the global shift toward national interests have intensified Africa’s push for food self-sufficiency, according to Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Speaking in Cape Town, Lario highlighted how African leaders are waking up to the dangers of over-reliance on global trade, citing Ethiopia’s wheat boom and West Africa’s rising rice production as key examples of a changing mindset. (might want to mention Economist has questioned ethiopia’s wheat claim, but as an aside)
The 2022 invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves through Africa’s food supply chains, disrupting wheat imports from the Black Sea region and driving up fertilizer prices. Adding to the uncertainty, U.S. protectionist policies and China’s agricultural tariffs on U.S. imports have further destabilized global food flows.
Africa’s food import bill is projected to hit $110 billion in 2024, with an agricultural trade deficit of $36.3 billion recorded in 2021, according to the African Development Bank. Lario stressed the urgency of boosting local production and strengthening intra-African trade to reduce dependence on distant suppliers.
“National interest is taking priority in many countries,” Lario noted, questioning the long-term reliability of global food supply chains. He urged African governments to make strategic choices in achieving food sovereignty, balancing self-sufficiency with smart regional trade policies. The shift toward regional food security reflects a growing awareness of Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks—and the need to build resilient agricultural systems for a more food-secure future.
3) Africa’s Pharma Fraud: Risks and Reflections for India
A recent BBC investigation has exposed Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals for illegally manufacturing and exporting unlicensed opioids to West Africa, fueling a major public health crisis in Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. The company produces highly addictive pills containing tapentadol (a potent opioid) and carisoprodol (a banned muscle relaxant in Europe), disguised as legitimate medicines. Countering this, Aveo claims the drugs were officially approved and that there is an investigation into the firm about the same.
These dangerous drugs, widely available on the streets, have devastated West African youth. Chief Alhassan Maham in Ghana has even mobilised a local task force to combat drug abuse. In Nigeria, where an estimated four million people abuse opioids, authorities warn of their devastating societal impact.
Undercover footage revealed Aveo’s director, Vinod Sharma, casually discussing sales to African markets despite acknowledging the drug’s harmful effects. Packed in India, the pills are shipped under various brand names, including Tafrodol, TimaKing, and Super Royal-225, often mixed with alcohol for a stronger high.
This revelation could impact India’s pharmaceutical sector, raising concerns over regulatory oversight and international scrutiny. As a key supplier of affordable medicines, India’s credibility in global healthcare may face challenges, potentially affecting trade ties with African nations. Proactive measures to reinforce compliance and transparency will be essential in preserving trust and diplomatic goodwill. The Drug Controller General of India has ordered a ban on the production of tapentadol and carisoprodol, the two drugs earlier found to be illegally exported to African nations, such as Ghana and Nigeria and blamed for causing a serious public health crisis of opioid addiction. The Indian drugs regulator (CDSCO) insists on strict monitoring but urges importing nations to strengthen their oversight.
4) China Doubles Down on Global Mining; Tightening Grip on Critical Minerals
China is accelerating its overseas mining investments, securing essential resources for electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. MMG, backed by state-owned China Minmetals, has made its first move into Brazil, acquiring Anglo American’s nickel business for up to $500 million. This aligns with Beijing’s long-term strategy to dominate cleantech manufacturing and ensure mineral security.
The expansion comes as lithium and nickel prices fall due to global oversupply. Ganfeng Lithium, China’s top lithium producer, has also strengthened its position by acquiring a major stake in Mali’s Goulamina spodumene project. Meanwhile, a report from the College of William & Mary highlights that China has injected $57 billion into mineral projects across Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, prioritizing raw material extraction over processing.
Despite leading global refining, China remains heavily dependent on foreign reserves of nickel, lithium, and cobalt. The U.S. and EU are working to counter China’s dominance through efforts like the Mineral Security Partnership, prompting Beijing to tighten oversight on mining investments and restrict key mineral exports, escalating trade tensions.
MMG Chairman Xu Jiqing emphasized the importance of risk assessment in overseas deals, citing Brazil’s stability and mining strength. As China’s mineral strategy evolves, its global acquisitions will remain pivotal in securing supply chains while countering Western efforts to diversify sources.
5) South Africa to host the next G20 Presidency
South Africa’s G20 Presidency aims to ensure that resource-rich communities, particularly in Limpopo, benefit equitably from their mineral wealth, said Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka. Amid global tensions and rising protectionism, South Africa seeks to champion cooperation and partnerships at the G20.
Speaking at the G20 Community Outreach event at the University of Venda, Moraka emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and announced the first-ever G20 Social Summit to engage communities beyond the official G20 groups. Over 85 in-person meetings, including five in Limpopo, will take place during the Presidency. The summit will bring tens of thousands of delegates, including world leaders, generating significant economic opportunities for tourism, transport, hospitality, and other industries.
The Presidency is South Africa’s largest national project, offering a platform to showcase its cultural, technological, and commercial advancements. Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba highlighted the engagement’s role in strengthening collaboration and translating global economic policies into tangible local benefits. As the only African nation in the G20, South Africa carries a responsibility to amplify the voices of developing economies.
Students at the University of Venda expressed optimism that the G20 meetings would attract investment and create jobs. The Outreach Programme launch marks the beginning of broader public participation efforts, ensuring South Africa’s G20 Presidency leaves a lasting impact on the country and the African continent.
6) Eskom in Crisis: Stage 6 Load Shedding Returns
South Africa has once again entered Stage 6 load shedding, as Eskom battles a wave of breakdowns and capacity constraints. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa attributed the crisis to unexpected failures and planned maintenance, calling the move an unfortunate but necessary step to stabilize the grid.
The crisis unfolded when five units tripped at Majuba Power Station, followed by a unit failure at Medupi and four additional failures at Camden Power Station. At the same time, over 7,000MW remained offline due to scheduled maintenance, while emergency reserves were nearly depleted. Eskom CEO Dan Marokane cited a transformer overload at Majuba and a valve failure at Camden, ruling out sabotage.
The return of Stage 6, which cuts power for up to 6-8 hours daily, has sparked public frustration and economic strain, with analysts estimating billions lost in productivity. Businesses and households are once again scrambling for backup power solutions, highlighting the nation’s ongoing energy crisis.
Despite the disruptions, Ramokgopa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Eskom’s aggressive maintenance plan, insisting that short-term pain is crucial for long-term grid reliability. Of the ten lost units, six have been restored, with the remaining expected back online by week’s end. Eskom is replenishing emergency reserves and anticipates stepping down from Stage 6 by Monday, aiming for a gradual recovery in the days ahead.
7) Sticky Situation: Sudan’s Conflict Disrupts the Gum Arabic Trade
Gum arabic—a key ingredient in Coca-Cola, M&M’s, and L’Oréal cosmetics—is now at the center of a growing black-market trade as Sudan’s civil war disrupts global supply chains. Sudan supplies nearly 80% of the world’s gum arabic, but since the conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan’s national army escalated in April 2023, production zones in Kordofan and Darfur have fallen under RSF control.
Sudanese traders are being forced to pay RSF-imposed fees to market gum arabic, with much of the raw product smuggled into Egypt, South Sudan, and Chad without proper certification. This illicit trade has led to concerns about ethical sourcing as uncertified gum arabic infiltrates global markets at lower prices. While major buyers like Nexira and Ingredion have diversified their sources, industry experts warn that smuggled supplies are still reaching international manufacturers.
The lack of governance in Sudan has made it nearly impossible to verify the origins of gum arabic. Some buyers are rejecting uncertified shipments, but with RSF leveraging revenues from gum arabic, gold, and agriculture, the black-market trade continues to expand. The crisis underscores the far-reaching impact of Sudan’s instability on global food, beverage, and cosmetics industries.
As companies scramble to secure conflict-free supply chains, the rising influence of war economies and unregulated border trade pose a serious challenge. Unless stability is restored, Sudan’s gum arabic trade will remain entangled in conflict, raising major ethical and economic concerns for global industries.
8) Women outperforming men in the Ethiopian art market
For years, African women artists fought for recognition in a male-dominated market. Now, they’re not just participating—they’re leading. In 2024, the top five highest-priced African artworks were all created by women, a landmark moment that signals a deep transformation in the art world.
Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu stole the spotlight with Mumbaphilia (J.E.), which sold for a staggering $5.8 million at Christie’s. South African modernist Irma Stern, Nigerian visual storyteller Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and contemporary powerhouses Marlene Dumas and Toyin Ojih Odutola also saw million-dollar sales, pushing female artists to a commanding 52.8% share of the African art market.
“This isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a major shift,” says Lindsay Dewar of ArtTactic. More women artists are now showcased alongside global icons like Andy Warhol, boosting their visibility and credibility. The total sales value of female African artists hit $22 million in 2024, with representation skyrocketing from 288 in 2023 to 452 last year.
Artists like Esther Mahlangu, famous for her vivid Ndebele patterns, and Ghanaian-British painter Lynette Yiadom-Boakye are commanding high prices and reshaping perceptions of African creativity. Yet, challenges remain. Female African artists still face barriers in gallery representation and international markets, with their works averaging $23,500—far below the global female artist average of $180,000.
But the tide is turning. “Black women artists are no longer on the margins—they’re leading the conversation,” says Pavillon 54’s Dana Endundo Ferreira. And the world is finally listening.
Further reads:
1) AfDB on raising $2B portfolio for investors-Read
2) Malaria cases drastically reduce in Africa – Read
3) Angola’s finance minister has received approval to raise as much as $3 billion in Eurobonds and at most $1 billion through the sale of yen-denominated bonds to fund the country’s 2025 spending plan – Read
4) Vasundhara Oswal daughter of a billionaire being illegally detained in Africa –Read
5) Kenya’s private sector activity expands for the fifth stage –Read
6) Breaking China’s Chokehold over critical minerals, the Indian strategy –Read
