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Chinedu Okafor

<ul><li>Ethiopia has committed to building the largest airport in Africa by 2030.</li><li>Construction has already begun on the ambitious new airport.</li><li>Ethiopian Airlines recently ordered 124 new aircraft as part of the expansion project.</li></ul>

During his address to the lower house of the parliament the House of Peoples' Representatives, the prime minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, noted that construction of what is touted to be Africa's largest airport has begun.

“We have initiated steps to construct Africa’s largest airport,” he stated.

Local media, as seen in <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241031/africas-largest-airport-construction-started-in-ethiopia-prime-minister-says-1068971180.html">Sputnik,</a> revealed that the ambitious new airport will be linked to existing infrastructure via rail transport.

Additionally, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://addisinsight.net/2024/10/pm-abiy-ahmed-unveils-vision-for-africas-largest-airport-and-expanded-fleet/">Addis Insight</a> reported that Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for 124 new aircraft. The announcement was also made by the prime minister.

“Ordering 124 planes is no small feat; it’s a remarkable achievement,” the Ethiopian leader stated.

"This expansion not only solidifies Ethiopian Airlines as the largest aircraft operator in Africa but also positions it as a powerhouse with a substantial airport facility,” he added.

Earlier in August, the head of the state-owned airline, Mesfin Tesaw, revealed that Ethiopia had reached an agreement on the design of <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/africas-largest-airport-is-a-deal-closer-to-completion/5nwdf00">a new four-runway airport.</a>

<h3>Africa’s largest airport</h3>

What was originally an idea to build an airport that can accommodate 80 million passengers annually, has pivoted to a project intended to handle 100 million passengers a year and provide parking for 270 aircraft.

Sidara, a Dubai-based engineering and consulting business, has been contracted to design the airport, according to the company's head of operations, Tariq Al Qanni.

The airline anticipates completion in 2029.

The ambitious airport would be built near the town of Bishoftu, around 45 km (28 miles) from the country’s capital Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines in the 2023/2024 financial year, carried around 17 million passengers, with plans to increase that number to 20 million the next year.

As presently constructed, Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/5-largest-airlines-in-africa-by-fleet-size/pfhemdk">stands as the Africa's largest and most renowned airline. </a>

It is one of the few airlines that operates the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which provides a more pleasant and environmentally friendly flying experience.

Ethiopian Airlines is renowned for its superb service and first-rate facilities, obtaining the coveted 4-star certification from Skytrax.

The East African country of Ethiopia has committed to building the largest airport in Africa before the year 2030. According to the nation's prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, construction has already begun.

The construction of Africa’s largest airport gets a jolt of energy

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the highest quality education.</li><li>This list is courtesy of the Financing Africa report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.</li><li>Tunisia ranks number 1 on the list.</li></ul>

Governments with substantial educational investments are in a better position to compete in the increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.

As a result, it is a vital function of any government to ensure that literacy is proliferated across the region they govern, especially amongst the country’s youth.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case for several African countries.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates a $97 billion yearly financial deficit for education between 2023 and 2030 in low- and lower-middle-income nations.

African countries generate around $70 billion each year on average.

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-african-countries-with-the-strongest-push-back-against-poverty/y8788k4">SEE ALSO: Top 10 African countries with the strongest push back against poverty </a>

This troubling statistic highlights why the development of education is one of the United Nations sustainable development goals.

Tagged as the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), this goal aims to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address a wide range of environmental and socioeconomic problems by 2030.

While no country in Africa can boast of the complete achievement of the UN's SDG4, there are countries that are incredibly close, as seen in the most recent <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024-forum-report.pdf">Financing Africa report,</a> by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

These countries' SDG4 ratings indicate that they are already on par with some of the world's leading educational institutions.&nbsp;

With that said, here are the 10 African countries with the highest SDG 4 ratings.

<h3>Top 10 African countries with the highest quality education</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">SDG4 index scores</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Tunisia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">93.1</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Ghana</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">84.5</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Namibia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">83.7</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Mauritius</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">83.5</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Togo</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">80.1</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Cape Verde</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">79.2</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">7.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Morocco</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">78.6</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">South Africa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">76.6</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Eswatini</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">74.2</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Kenya</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">71.1</td></tr></table>

Top 10 African countries with the best educational progress

Tagged as the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), this goal aims to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Top 10 African countries with the highest quality education

<ul><li>The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is facing financing challenges</li><li>China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and TotalEnergies are stepping in to infuse more cash into the project</li><li>The project, worth $5 billion, has faced resistance from environmentalists and international community members</li></ul>

It was recently revealed that the EACOP project is currently facing debt financing issues, prompting its stakeholders, including TotalEnergies, and CNOOC to infuse more cash into the oil venture.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project which is intended to deliver oil from Uganda's Lake Albert reserves to the port of Tanga in Tanzania is valued at $5 billion.

However, this controversial project has been faced with push back from environmentalists and some concerned members of the international community which claim that the project will damage the environment around it and cause the displacement of communities within its radius.

As a result, six Western banks, including BNP Paribas, Société Generale, and Barclays, rejected financing the project, as seen on <a href="https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241026/east-african-crude-oil-pipeline-gains-additional-equity-as-financing-challenges-continue-1068895667.html">Sputnik.</a>

In response, the Ugandan Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa recently traveled to Beijing to meet with possible Chinese funders who are thought to be essential to the project's success.

According to reports, she acknowledged that significant restructuring has been necessary to get funding.

Due to issues with the Western banks, the funding strategy has changed from its initial intention of 60% loan and 40% equity to a virtually equal split.

<a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/uganda-receives-key-shipment-for-its-oil-project/ze45e3f">DON’T MISS THIS: Uganda's oil aspirations on track as it receives first batch of line pipes</a>

"Now equity is surpassing debt, from 40% to now almost 52%, so you see how shareholders are committed to look for the money to make sure the project doesn't stall," she was quoted as saying.

"As you look for money to put in, that means the debt, the external tranche, reduces," she added.

According to the minister, Uganda has committed an extra $45 million to the project, and Tanzania is expected to equal that amount.

TotalEnergies just committed to providing an additional $400 million.

The controversial joint oil project between Tanzania, Uganda, and external stakeholders, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), seem to be facing some financing challenges. As a result, its two primary foreign stakeholders, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and TotalEnergies, have stepped in.

Tanzania-Uganda oil project faces financing hurdles

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa now presents the top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices as of October 2024,</li><li>This list is based on data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com.</li><li>GlobalPetrolPrices.com last updated the list on the 14th October 2024.</li></ul>

One of the main factors that influence the cost of fuel is the global price of crude oil. African nations must endure price increases when they import oil due to OPEC regulations, supply interruptions, geopolitical events, and changes in global demand.

OPEC reports also link the rising cost of fuel to factors like taxes imposed by governments, including those of major oil-consuming nations. As a result, industries such as transportation must bear the brunt of increased fuel costs, which in most cases, ripple down to the everyday consumers.

Fuel prices across different petrol stations in Nigera

Manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture, which rely heavily on transportation, are also at risk of experiencing larger operational costs with the increase of fuel prices.

Higher gasoline prices can slow economic development by limiting investment, consumer expenditure, and productivity.

The global average fuel price is currently 1.27 U.S. dollars per liter, compared to 1.29 U.S. dollars per liter last month.

SEE ALSO: <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/top-10-african-countries-with-the-highest-fuel-prices-in-september-2024/pctqx78">Top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in September 2024</a>

With that said, here are the ten African countries with the highest fuel prices in October 2024, according to <a href="https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/">GlobalPetrolPrices.com,</a> which last updated its index on the 14th October 2024.

<h3>Top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in October 2024</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Fuel price</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Global rank</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Central Africa Republic</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.828</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">21st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Senegal</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.654</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">31st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Seychelles</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.500</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">47th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Zimbabwe</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.490</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">49th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Ivory Coast</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.462</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">53rd</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Malawi</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.458</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">55th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">7.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Mauritius</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.430</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">58th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Sierra Leone</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.423</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">59th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Burkina Faso</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.420</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">60th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Mali</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.420</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">61st</td></tr></table>

In line with the drop in the global average fuel price, CAR, Senegal, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Mauritius and Burkina Faso all experienced a marginal decline in fuel prices.

The price of fuel in Malawi remained the same.

Sierra Leone and Mali are new additions to the top 10 list for the current month.

Top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in October 2024

The global average fuel price is currently 1.27 U.S. dollars per liter, compared to 1.29 U.S. dollars per liter last month.

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 richest black people in the world in 2024.</li><li>This list is courtesy of Forbes.</li><li>US’s David Steward, recently surpassed Nigerian Aliko Dangote to become the wealthiest Black person.</li></ul>

Concentrated wealth in Black and African communities serve as a potent instrument for stimulating regional economies.

Despite having abundant natural resources, many African economies are underdeveloped as a result of inadequate infrastructure, bad governance, and reliance on outside finance. By providing capital for African and Black enterprises, infrastructure, and social projects, billionaires alter this cycle.

For instance, Dangote is a multi-sector investor in Nigeria, with stakes in everything from oil refining to cement manufacturing. In addition to creating thousands of employment, his endeavors advance the nation's industrial growth.

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/top-5-richest-africans-in-q4-2024/9y65chl">DON’T MISS THIS: Top 5 richest Africans in Q4 2024</a>

In a similar vein, billionaires like Zimbabwe's Strive Masiyiwa are driving technical advancement in Africa by constructing telecommunications networks that link millions of people.

However, as is prevalent with billionaires, the billionaires representing the black community experience their highs and lows, effectively affecting an ecosystem reliant on their fortune.

The dynamic network of Black billionaires is a reflection of the global financial system; fortunes rise and decrease in tandem with changes in the economy, market dynamics, and company expansion.

David Steward, co-founder of World Wide Technology (WWT), recently surpassed Nigerian Aliko Dangote to become the wealthiest Black man according to Forbes.

With that said, here are the 10 richest black people in the world, according to <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/">Forbes real-time index</a> as of October 10th.

<h3>Top 10 richest black people in the world in 2024</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Name</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Net Worth</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Industry</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Global rank</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">David Steward</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$11.4 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">USA</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Information Technology</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">206th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Aliko Dangote</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$11.3 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nigeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Cement, Sugar</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">211th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Robert F. Smith</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$10.8 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">USA</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Investment</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">224th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Mike Adenuga</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$6.7 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nigeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Telecommunications/Oil</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">467th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Abdulsamad Rabiu</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$ 4.8 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nigeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Cement, Sugar</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">719th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Michael Jordan</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$3.5 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">USA</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Businessman/Ex-athlete</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">987th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">7.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Oprah Winfrey</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$3 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">USA</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Media/Entertainment</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1,172nd</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Patrice Motsepe</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$3 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">South Africa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Investment</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1149th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Jay-Z</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$2.5 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">USA</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Music</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1363rd</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Strive Masiyiwa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$1.8 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Zimbabwe</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Telecommunications</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1848th</td></tr></table>

Top 10 richest black people in the world in 2024

Concentrated wealth in Black and African communities serve as a potent instrument for stimulating regional economies.

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 richest Africans in Q4 2024.</li><li>This list is courtesy of Bloomberg’s Billionaire index.</li><li>South Africa’s Johann Rupert ranks number 1 on the list.</li></ul>

As the last quarter of the year kicks off, several African billionaires can so far tag 2024 a successful year and vice versa.

For one of Africa’s richest men, Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, the year was a mix of milestones and depreciation. While he was able to establish his oil refinery, he managed to make less money throughout the year.

Chairman of Dangote group, Aliko Dangote speaks on the refinery challenges

This resulted from Nigeria’s unstable economic environment, especially considering the alarmingly constant increase in inflation levels, and the sharp decline of the country’s currency.

<a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/leaders/top-10-african-billionaires-on-forbes-list/76yeyle">SEE ALSO: Top 10 African billionaires on Forbes list</a>

Aliko Dangote went from peaking at $20 billion to now $12.7 billion, with a year-to-date change of -$2.42 billion.

On the other hand, South African billionaire, Johann Rupert who at the beginning of the year had a net worth of $10.3 billion now boasts a net worth of $13.9 billion, having recorded a year-to-date change of +$1.48 billion.

Other Africans on the top spot including Nicky Oppenheimer and Nassef Sawiris also experienced fluctuations throughout the year, but are generally richer now than they were at the start of the year.

With that said, here are the 5 richest Africans in Q4 of 2024, according to the <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Bloomberg Billionaire index.</a>

On the list, Nicky Oppenheimer, Nassef Sawiris and Natie Kirsh, all have a year-to-day growth of +$1.55 billion, +$1.13 billion, and +$1.61 billion, respectively.

<h3>Top 5 richest Africans in Q4 2024</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Name</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Net-Worth</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Global rank</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Johann Rupert</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">South Africa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$13.9 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">168th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Aliko Dangote</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nigeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$12.7 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">190th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nicky Oppenheimer</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">South Africa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$11.4 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">223rd</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nassef Sawiris</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Egypt</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$9.54 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">289th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Natie Kirsh</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">South Africa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$9.22 billion</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">300th</td></tr></table>

The significant transformations in Africa’s business landscape in the last three quarters of 2024 reflected in the net worth fluctuations of some of the continent's richest individuals.

Top 5 richest Africans in Q4 2024

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African cities with the most expensive groceries.</li><li>This list is courtesy of Numbeo.</li><li>Lagos ranks number 1 on the list.</li></ul>

As grocery costs in a region increase, the overall cost of living is at risk of being heavily impacted, especially for low-income households that spend a significant amount of their income on food.

In many African cities, informal markets constitute an important element of the food delivery system. While this is good for the locals it could also put a lot of pressure on these informal markets.

Furthermore, in cities where incomes do not keep pace with inflation, high-cost consumables worsen food insecurity.

Many families may miss meals or go for less nutritional but less expensive food alternatives, posing a public health risk.

While some regions don’t have to deal with these issues, given their already high purchasing power, and or a manageable food inflation level, there is no denying the fact that some regions in relation to their economy have pricey groceries.

Some of these cities boast a very high grocery index, as seen in <a href="https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/region_rankings_current.jsp?region=002">Numbeo.</a>

The Numbeo grocery index estimates grocery prices in a city relative to New York City. Numbeo calculates each city's index using item weights from the "Markets" section.

With that said, here are the African cities with the most pricey groceries.

<h3>Top 10 African cities with the most expensive groceries mid-2024</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">City</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Grocery index</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Lagos</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null"> Nigeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">40.2</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Algiers</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Algeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">39.1</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Accra</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Ghana</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">36.4</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Harare</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Zimbabwe</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">36.2</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Tunis</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Tunisia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">35.5</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Casablanca</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Morocco</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">34.5</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">7.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nairobi</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Kenya</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">34.4</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rabat</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Morocco</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">34.3</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Port Elizabeth</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">South Africa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">34.3</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Cape Town</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">South Africa</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">33.9</td></tr></table>

Top 10 African cities with the most expensive groceries mid-2024

While farmers markets are more common in many African nations, grocery stores are about equally distributed.

<ul><li>Uganda receives its first batch of line pipes for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop).</li><li>The project remains on track to meet its construction and operational timelines.</li><li>The Eacop is aiming to begin operations and export crude oil by the end of next year.</li></ul>

The delivery of the coated line pipes suggest that Uganda is intent on keeping to the Eacop 2026 target date to fully begin operations.

As seen in the <a href="https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/uganda-receives-first-batch-of-pipes-for-crude-oil-project--4781448">East African,</a> the coating factory in Nzenga, Tanzania's Tabora Region, transported nine trucks of insulated line pipe to China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd (CPP), the Eacop construction contractor.

A statement from Eacop Ltd, CPP disclosed that the pipeline construction in Uganda with the delivery of the insulated line pipes would fast track the completion of the project as the developers race against time to export the first barrels of crude oil by the end of next year.

“The project remains on track to meet its construction and operational timelines, with a continued focus on safety, environmental sustainability, and local community engagement,” it said.

With the delivery of the coated pipes, Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), stated that all hands are on deck to ensure ongoing progress on the project.

“This is a major landmark in the construction of the Eacop and a clear sign of the progress of the project. Government and its partners are committed to ensuring that all developments are completed in the most environmentally responsible and sustainable manner,” said

He also mentioned that civil works on the pumping stations, major camps, pipe yards, and storage facilities along the 1,443-kilometer pipeline connecting oil reserves in Uganda's Albertine Basin to Tanzania's Tanga port were under way.

At this point, the project has received 800 kilometers of line pipes, which are now being coated and insulated at the Nzega Coating Yard.

Back in December, 2023, the project organizers revealed that <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/tanzania-and-uganda-forge-ahead-with-their-controversial-oil-project-as-pipelines/sde482p">the first 100km of pipes</a> had been delivered to the Dar port in Tanzania for the commencement of the joint oil project between Uganda and Tanzania.

Then the project coordinator Mr. Msovu, noted that the installation of the pipes will kick off in April 2024, and by 2025, it should be completed.

“We anticipate that the project will formally start its operations of bringing oil from Uganda to this nation (Tanzania) by the start of 2026,” the coordinator had stated.

The project coordinator indicated that at least 5000 pipes have already been installed as large-scale construction is about to begin.

"The project is now set to begin its construction phase. The project is still ongoing, and both countries (Uganda and Tanzania) are ensuring that is it carried out as intended,” Mr. Msovu stated.

“The recently delivered pipes have a maximum length of 100 kilometers, we have initiated the process of moving them from Dar es Salaam to Tabora, the project’s center, and from there they will be distributed to other locations,” he added.

Uganda's oil aspirations on track as it receives first batch of line pipes

Uganda has received its first batch of line pipes for its East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop).

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours.</li><li>This list is courtesy of the International Labour Organization (ILO).</li><li>Rwanda ranks number 1 on the list.</li></ul>

While long work hours have been seen as essential for economic development, especially in fast-growing African countries, they come with significant drawbacks.

These drawbacks include worker burnout and reduced long-term efficiency. This, in turn, can result in higher employee turnover, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs, factors that ultimately harm businesses.

Shorter working hours, on the other hand, foster a healthier work-life balance, which can enhance employee well-being and productivity.

<a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-african-countries-with-the-longest-working-hours/8kbwr7x">SEE ALSO: Top 10 African countries with the longest working hours</a>

Additionally, from a health perspective, shorter work days can significantly reduce the risk of physical ailments linked to prolonged hours, such as cardiovascular issues and chronic fatigue.

This is particularly important in some African countries where access to quality healthcare may be limited, making preventive measures crucial for maintaining a healthy workforce.

Mental health is another critical area where shorter working hours can make a positive impact. Reduced stress and better work-life balance can lower the risk of anxiety and depression, which are often exacerbated by long and demanding work schedules.

With that said, here are the top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours, according to <a href="https://ilostat.ilo.org/topics/working-time/">the International Labour Organization (ILO).</a>

<h3>Top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Average hours per week per employed persons</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Share of employed working 49 or more hours per week</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Global rank</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rwanda</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">30.4</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">12%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Somalia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">31.4</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Ethiopia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">31.9</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">15%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Madagascar</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">34.5</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">20th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Democratic Republic of Congo</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">36.3</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">15%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">34th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Mozambique</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">36.4</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">19%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">35th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">7.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Comoros</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">37.8</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">13%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">51st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Ghana</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">38.5</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">24%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">61st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Tanzania</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">39.7</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">28%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">81st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Niger</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">39.7</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">29%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">83rd</td></tr></table>

Top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours

Shorter working hours can be a boon for both individuals and society, offering several key benefits that address the challenges posed by extended work hours in many African countries.

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the lowest cost of diesel in September 2024.</li><li>This list is courtesy of Global Petrol Prices.</li><li>The list was last updated on the 16th of September 2024.</li></ul>

For businesses that depend on large vehicles, heavy machinery, and generators, cheap diesel costs reduces operational expenses.

This is especially crucial in industries like manufacturing and agriculture, where diesel is needed to power machinery, move cargo, and oversee production procedures.

For many African countries, especially those struggling to develop alternative energy infrastructure, diesel is a critical energy source.

However, because of their over reliance on diesel, high diesel prices can create economic challenges.

Addressing this issue can provide a financial boost that resonates across its economy, helping to lower overall living costs.

In African countries where diesel costs are kept low, either through subsidies or local production, the total cost of living may be maintained.

Affordable diesel costs help to prevent inflation by keeping transportation, energy, and food expenses under check.

With that said, below are the ten African countries with the cheapest diesel according to <a href="https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/diesel_prices/">Global Petrol Prices.</a>

The list was last updated on the 16th of September, 2024, with the global average price for diesel standing at 1.21 U.S. dollars per liter compared to 1.23 U.S. dollars per liter in August.

<a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/top-10-african-countries-with-the-lowest-cost-of-diesel-in-august-2024/3tmr6sd">DON’T MISS THIS: Top 10 African countries with the lowest cost of diesel in August 2024</a>

Compared to August, diesel prices for Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Gabon in September increased despite the drop in global average diesel price.

While prices for Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, reduced. Diesel prices for Sudan remained the same.

<h3>Top 10 African countries with the lowest cost of diesel in September 2024</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Diesel price</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Global rank</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Libya</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.031</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3rd</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Angola</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.215</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Algeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.219</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Egypt</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.238</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Sudan</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.656</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">17th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Tunisia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.729</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">23rd</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">7.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Ethiopia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.733</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">25th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Nigeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.842</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">33rd</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Ghana</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.921</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">41st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Gabon</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">$0.974</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">53rd</td></tr></table>

Top 10 African countries with the lowest cost of diesel in September 2024

Compared to August, diesel prices for Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Gabon in September increased despite the drop in global average diesel price.

<ul><li>Uganda's debt stock grew by 5% in the last fiscal year to Shs 40.6 trillion.</li><li>Government's resource mobilization plan increased domestic public debt from 13% to 18%.</li><li>Accumulated debt via treasury bills rose from Shs 4.9 trillion to Shs 6 trillion.</li></ul>

The Ministry of Finance via its annual debt statistical bulletin revealed that Uganda’s debt stock grew from Shs 34.5 trillion in June 2023, to Shs 40.6 trillion a year later.

As a result of the government’s resource mobilization plan, the country’s domestic public debt went from 13% to 18% within the previous fiscal year.

As reported by the Ugandan news paper, <a href="https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/stock-of-domestic-debt-increases-by-shs6-trillion--4767482">The Monitor</a>, the government accumulated a debt of Shs6 trillion up from Shs4.9 trillion via treasury bills, while that of Bonds, went from Shs29.6 trillion to Shs34.6 trillion.

In the period under review, the data indicated that issuance of domestic debt grew to Shs15.2 trillion from Shs11.3 trillion, representing a 34% increase from the previous year. Of this figure, Shs7.4 trillion was raised from treasury bills while bonds accounted for Shs7.8 trillion.

The yield curve during the fiscal year spiraled downward as a result of the Central Bank Rate in July 2023 which went from 10% to 9.5%.

At 40% the largest stock of government debts are being held by banks, followed by pension and provident funds which accounts for 30%.

The data also reveals that the percentage of domestic debt service climbed by Shs3.8 trillion from Shs12 trillion to Shs15.885 trillion, with all components of debt servicing growing due to a consistent growth in the net domestic finance objective throughout the years.

<h3>Uganda’s earlier plans to borrow</h3>

In February, the Ugandan government hinted at <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/uganda-plans-to-increase-borrowing-to-shs13-trillion/01hp3m3">plans to borrow Shs13 trillion ($3 billion) from both external and domestic markets.</a>

The money was intended to finance projects between 2024 and 2025. This figure is slightly higher than the original amount it had planned to borrow.

Originally, the government planned to borrow Shs11.5 trillion by the end of the fiscal year, according to a previous report by <a href="https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/govt-to-borrow-shs13-trillion-in-next-financial-year-4531606">The Monitor.</a>

According to the Budget Framework Paper, the majority of the amended loan would be funded outside. External lenders would provide around Shs8.9 trillion, with domestic financiers contributing Shs4.1 trillion.

The rise in the new amount comes from revised domestic loans, which were fixed at Shs3.2 trillion.

Uganda’s debt stock grew by 5% in the last fiscal year ending June 2024.

Uganda's debt stock grows to Shs40.6 trillion

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the least kind people.</li><li>This list is courtesy of the Charity Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index Report.</li><li>Tunisia ranks number 1 on the list.</li></ul>

Generosity, whether expressed as monetary aid or volunteer work, helps in bridging inequalities. Contributions to marginalized groups enable these individuals to live with humanity.

Furthermore, volunteers frequently fill gaps in places where formal services are absent or inadequate.

For example, in distant areas with little access to formal education, volunteers assist in the operation of informal schools, tutoring, and mentoring young people.

This improves literacy, encourages innovation, and develops the next generation of leaders.

Volunteering to do acts of kindness fosters a culture of giving and inclusion, allowing communities to become self-sufficient and less reliant on external help.

<a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-african-countries-with-the-kindest-people/0vywrg2">DON'T MISS THIS: Top 10 African countries with the kindest people</a>

With that regard, here are Africa's ten least kind countries, according to the number of individuals who volunteered their time or money to help the less fortunate.

This ranking is based on a World Giving Index study released <a href="https://www.cafonline.org/docs/default-source/updated-pdfs-for-the-new-website/world-giving-index-2023.pdf">by the Charity Aid Foundation (CAF)</a>.

According to the report, the CAF distributed more than £1 billion to hundreds of thousands of organizations in 119 countries in the last fiscal year,

<h3>Top 10 African countries with the least kind people</h3>

<table><tr><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Rank</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Country</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">World giving index</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Helped a stranger (% of adults)</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Donated money (% of adults)</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Volunteered (% of adults)</th><th colspan="null" rowspan="null">Global rank</th></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">1.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Tunisia</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">24</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">57%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">131st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Egypt</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">25</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">63%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">129th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">3.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Morocco</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">26</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">70%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">2%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">128th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">4.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Benin</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">29</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">50%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">18%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">18%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">120th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">5.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Tanzania</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">30</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">46%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">33%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">12%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">117th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">6.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Zimbabwe</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">31</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">61%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">11%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">20%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">116th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">7.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Lesotho</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">32</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">63%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">23%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">112th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">8.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Algeria</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">32</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">53%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">25%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">19%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">111st</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">9.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Gabon</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">33</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">69%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">15%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">14%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">109th</td></tr><tr><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10.</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">Botswana</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">33</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">73%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">10%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">15%</td><td colspan="null" rowspan="null">108th</td></tr></table>

Top 10 African countries with the least kind people

Peoples from numerous African countries have become conversant with the act of giving.

<ul><li>Business Insider Africa presents the top10 African countries with the strongest import cover.</li><li>This list is courtesy of a report from Afreximbank.</li><li>Libya ranks number 1 on the list.</li></ul>

A large amount of import cover acts as an insurance policy against fluctuations in the economy. It sends a message to creditors, investors, and foreign trading partners that the nation can fulfill its international commitments even during difficult economic times.

This assurance may draw FDI and raise the nation's credit rating, which lowers borrowing costs and opens up more affordable funding options for development initiatives.

A strong import cover is crucial for African nations, whose economies can be extremely vulnerable to changes in the price of commodities, political unrest, and pressure from foreign debt.

<a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/top-10-african-countries-with-the-weakest-import-cover/dwghc0m">SEE ALSO: Top 10 African countries with the weakest import cover</a>

By assuring the world that the nation is prepared to handle future economic downturns, it stabilizes the value of the national currency and reduces inflationary pressures.

According to Afreximbank's African <a href="https://media.afreximbank.com/afrexim/African-Trade-Report_2024.pdf">Trade Report 2024: </a>Climate Implications of the AfCFTA Implementation, continued capital inflows contributed to Africa's reserve position, owing to greenfield projects, backing from international and regional development financing organizations and bilateral partners, and increased tourist arrivals and remittances.

Chinedu Okafor

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