US–China Race for Africa’s Minerals Heats Up in Namibia and Niger
The US–China race for Africa’s minerals intensifies as Washington pursues offtake deals in Namibia and uranium-rich Niger becomes a geopolitical...
July 15, 2026Section
Africa & Latin America
The South Atlantic is getting busier. Brazil’s agribusiness and mining reach into Africa, BRICS ties deepen, and the two regions increasingly face the same questions – on commodities, debt, data sovereignty and great-power pressure – from opposite shores. The Rio Times covers the trade, investment and diplomatic links between Africa and Latin America, the one lens no other outlet owns. This hub gathers the stories where the Global South’s two great frontiers meet.
Browse by themeAfrica Critical Minerals · Africa Energy · Africa Markets & Investment · Africa & the Great Powers · Doing Business & Living in Africa
Qatar Opens Its Piggy Bank for DRC’s Copper-Cobalt Belt
Qatar commits roughly $21 billion to the DRC and takes a $500 million stake in Ivanhoe Mines, signalling a new...
July 15, 2026
How Resource-for-Security Deals Are Reshaping Power in Africa
From the DRC to the Sahel, resource-for-security deals exchanging critical minerals for military protection are redrawing alliances. The US, Russia...
July 15, 2026
Egypt’s Parliament Formalises Powers of Military-Linked Future of Egypt Authority
Egypt’s parliament approved a law on 14 July 2026 granting the Future of Egypt Authority vast powers over food imports,...
July 15, 2026
Nigeria Pushes Yuan and BRICS Currencies to Ease Dollar Pressure
Nigeria renewed a $2B yuan swap line and joined BRICS to settle trade in yuan and BRICS currencies, saving importers...
July 15, 2026
DRC Tightens Grip on Cobalt and Copper Exports Amid Great-Power Rivalry
The DRC replaced its cobalt export ban with strict quotas of 96,600 tons annually from 2026, aiming to force China...
July 15, 2026
South Africa’s Coalition Fears Rattle Markets and Investors
South Africa coalition fears erase 1.7% from the rand and hit bonds after ANC’s 39.7% vote share forces talks with...
July 15, 2026
Africa Intelligence Brief
Africa Intelligence Brief July 15 — Weary resilience grips Africa as Sudan's hunger crisis deepens and a migrant tragedy strikes...
July 15, 2026
Ethiopia’s Stock Exchange Opens, Anchoring Africa’s Newest Capital Market
Ethiopia stock exchange — Ethiopia launched the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) in January 2025 with Wegagen Bank as its first...
July 14, 2026