China hits $1.2 Trillion trade surplus in 2025 as exports shift from US

China closed 2025 with a record $1.19 trillion trade surplus, powered by booming exports to Africa and Southeast Asia even as shipments to the United States plunged. The numbers show Beijing is steadily reducing its dependence on the US and reshaping global trade around emerging markets.

Africa’s foreign exchange market in 2025 delivered pockets of strong recovery rather than a continent-wide rebound, with Ghana’s cedi emerging as the best-performing currency against the US dollar amid tighter policies, export inflows and improving investor sentiment.

Argentina has fully repaid the portion it drew from a $20bn US credit line, in a move that strengthens President Javier Milei’s reform agenda and improves confidence in the country’s fragile economy.

China is positioning Ethiopia as a strategic anchor for its Africa expansion, with new commitments covering infrastructure, clean energy and next-generation digital technologies.

Global economic growth is expected to slow to 2.7% in 2026 as trade tensions, weak investment and rising uncertainty weigh on the post-pandemic recovery, the United Nations says.

A rally in mining stocks, rising gold prices, and a resurgent rand have lifted South Africa’s equity market to its highest valuation since 2019, with the JSE delivering its strongest annual performance in two decades.

The global economy is entering 2026 under growing strain from slower growth, rising debt and deepening geopolitical fragmentation. For low- and middle-income countries, resilience and policy credibility will matter more than rapid expansion.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed a new agreement to return $9.5 million in recovered corruption proceeds, with the funds earmarked for critical road infrastructure including the Abuja–Kano Highway.

Ethiopia’s defaulted eurobond rallied sharply after the government agreed with bondholders on a restructuring plan that limits losses and introduces performance-based repayments.

Zimbabwe is adjusting its monetary policy playbook, signaling a move toward money supply management as inflation cools and concerns grow over high borrowing costs.

Zambia has begun accepting China’s yuan for mining tax payments, marking a first for Africa and underscoring Beijing’s rising financial footprint in the continent’s strategic resource sectors

Nigeria’s sweeping tax reforms come into force in 2026, introducing a unified tax framework that affects everything from capital gains and business profits to loans, investments, and digital assets. Understanding the changes early could be key to financial stability

Even without Super Bowl glory, the Dallas Cowboys remain sport’s ultimate money machine, topping a global list of 20 franchises that generated $4.5 billion in operating income in 2026.

Rwanda leads Africa in the World Bank’s latest Business Ready index, underlining the country’s reputation as one of the continent’s most attractive destinations for investors and entrepreneurs.

Beyoncé has been declared a billionaire by Forbes, cementing her status not only as a global music icon but also as one of the most financially successful entertainers in history after a run of blockbuster tours, albums and business deals.

TikTok has signed agreements to create a US-controlled joint venture, a major step toward avoiding a nationwide ban and securing its future in the American market.