Moussa Diop

Global remittances stood at $728.6 billion in 2025, according to a report by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). In Africa, flows reached $124.2 billion. Five countries alone accounted for 73% of the total. For some countries, these sources of foreign currency exceed revenues generated by exports and tourism...

The world is facing another increase in oil prices and, more importantly, a fresh surge in fuel prices driven by a combination of factors. The situation is hitting African countries particularly hard, with many already announcing new increases at the pump. While the continent as a whole is set to suffer, some countries and operators are reaping the benefits.

Royal Air Maroc expanded its fleet by 19.3% over the past year, the fastest growth among Africa’s five largest carriers, while Ethiopian Airlines remains far ahead with 163 aircraft. The expansion comes as African airlines prepare for rising passenger demand and a more competitive continental aviation market.

The price of crude oil continues to seesaw amid tensions in the Middle East and statements by U.S. President Donald Trump. As fuel prices are partly tied to the cost of crude, pump prices remain generally high. In Africa, taxes, which provide significant revenue for public finances, also weigh heavily on fuel prices.

Just days after significantly reducing the number of embassies and consulates issuing US visas across Africa, the US administration has further tightened visa requirements by raising the bond that may be required from nationals of certain African countries seeking to travel to the United States. The bond can now reach $20,000 and applies to citizens of 50 countries, including 30 in Africa.

North Africa’s three leading tourism destinations—Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia—welcomed a record 23 million visitors during the first half of 2026, despite a challenging regional environment. While growth has slowed compared with last year, Morocco has retained its position as Africa’s top tourism destination, ahead of Egypt.

Starting August 1, 2026, US visa services will be discontinued at more than 25 embassies and consulates across sub-Saharan Africa and consolidated into 20 “regional processing hubs” located in 19 countries. The sweeping overhaul by the US State Department is expected to significantly reshape how African applicants obtain visas, requiring many to travel abroad for interviews and biometric appointments.

Since 12:01 a.m. Friday (4:01 a.m. GMT), about 60 countries have been subject to additional tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on certain products entering the United States under what Washington says is an effort to combat forced labor. Among the countries, which account for 99.4% of U.S. imports, are seven African nations. The exemption of certain products, including hydrocarbons and fertilizers, from the surcharges is expected to limit the impact on some countries on the continent.

Based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa. Across Africa, passports issued by countries in Southern and East Africa provide the broadest visa-free travel access worldwide.