Latest Insights
Do Occupy protests hurt Hong Kong’s economy?
After almost 10 weeks of protests, Occupy Hong Kong is coming to an end. Having failed to halt the protests using other means, Beijing has sought to underline the economic
Will the Southern African Customs Union last?
One of Africa’s flagship customs unions has gone a long way towards achieving regional economic integration. But this has come at a high – perhaps unacceptable – cost to its
New energy bill creates uncertainty for investors in Nigeria
Nigeria tries to develop its stagnating oil reserves by attracting foreign investment through a new Petroleum Industry Bill. But the bill seems more likely to create greater political risk and scare
Venezuela buckles up for oil price turbulence
Only just avoiding default in October, Venezuela now tries to get public budgets in order to keep investors on board. Yet, a major debt crisis is still the most likely
Is Japan headed for another recession?
Japan has struggled in recent months, posting economic losses for the second straight quarter, eliciting fears that the country is headed for another recession. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s experiment may prove
Cutting oil production will not solve OPEC’s problems
As oil prices continue to fall, OPEC faces a dilemma at its meeting in Vienna on 27 November. Members must decide between decreasing production that will support the oil prices but
What does fall of Compaoré mean for Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso’s president Blaise Compaoré was ousted in a coup d’etat after 27 years in office. Still, the next elected head of state faces significant economic hurdles to regaining social
Is Israel distancing itself from Western allies?
The Swedish government’s decision to officially recognize the state of Palestine is indicative of growing international unrest towards Israel. Several Israeli government decision have alienated several of Israel’s allies and
Russia is further isolated by supporting Syria’s regime
Russia is still holding up the Assad regime economically, politically, and militarily. However, the rapidly unfolding situation in Syria’s civil war may put Putin’s strongest Middle East alliance in jeopardy.
Will TFTA bring free trade from Cape to Cairo?
A new merger of three existing African Free Trade Areas is creating the continent’s largest economic bloc. The tariff reductions and economic harmonization it should bring are welcome news. But
