Commodities

The global economy is facing weaker growth and increasing fragmentation, as a result of rising geopolitical tensions, especially due to the war in Ukraine and the US-China strategic rivalry. Protectionism, industrial policy and a focus on resilience…

In the upcoming years, consumers and businesses face an array of challenges, with rising income inequality being among the key ones. Nevertheless, addressing the income inequality through catering to the Bottom of the Pyramid and the Middle Class…

Although economic freedom is limited and endemic corruption persists, international assistance is helping government finances in Kenya. Whilst economic growth is slowing, adversely impacted by high inflation, infrastructure upgrades will be…

The transportation industry is undergoing a paradigm shift away from fossil fuels amid growing global pressures to reduce carbon emissions. The report assesses the market for EV batteries and essential metals such as lithium and cobalt and points out…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…

Tunisia continues to be ‘mostly unfree’ for economic freedom, given the increasing stranglehold of the presidency that is resulting in human rights violations. Although inflation is falling, its elevated level is negatively affecting the economy,…

The briefing examines how the cotton commodity performs globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply and production. The report also provides data and analysis on cotton price dynamics, as well as trends across key commodity consuming…

The briefing examines how the milk commodity performs globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply and production. The report also provides data and analysis on milk price dynamics, as well as trends across key commodity consuming…

The briefing examines how the coffee commodity is performing globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply and production. The report also provides data and analysis on coffee price dynamics, as well as analysing trends across key…

The briefing examines how the steel commodity is performing globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply and production. The report also provides data and analysis on steel price dynamics, as well as trends across key commodity consuming…

The briefing examines how the pulp commodity performs globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply and production. The report also provides data and analysis on pulp price dynamics, as well as trends across key commodity-consuming…

Although corruption is being tackled, it remains pervasive in Angola, whilst one party’s grip on power weakens democracy. Economic momentum is slowing, largely owing to elevated inflation, but the foreign investment climate is improving and new trade…

Corruption and a weak rule of law are hampering strides in economic freedom in Uganda, whilst one party has maintained its grip on governance for decades. However, robust economic performance has been buoyed by strong agricultural output and…

In Benin, economic freedom is on the rise alongside advancements in tackling corruption, yet it is constrained by a decline in democratic principles and increasing public debt. While the economic growth is set to outpace regional peers, it is…

Botswana is among the freest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with cultural emphasis on peace and participation. The economy, led by the diamond trade, has rebounded post-pandemic, yet faces challenges in export diversification and a high youth…

Burkina Faso faces challenges amid political instability, violence and weak rule of law. Economic challenges are compounded by external shocks and a dependence on agriculture, yet rising mining exports offer some respite. Country’s young, growing…

Although Côte d’Ivoire is politically stable, corruption is rife and the rule of law is weak, whilst state finances have deteriorated. Economic momentum continues to outperform the regional average and inflation is low, but exposure to agriculture is…

Whilst Ghana enjoys a relatively low tax burden, public debt is rising and the state is increasingly stamping out opposition. Economic momentum is slowing in light of inflationary pressures, but the foreign investment climate looks promising. Whilst…

Burundi faces significant challenges marked by political instability and rampant corruption. High public debt raises concerns about fiscal health. The country’s largely agricultural economy is affected by energy shortages and minimal foreign…

Cabo Verde has one of the most politically stable landscapes in Africa. However, the country stands among the ‘moderately free’ in economic freedom ranking. Continuous recovery of tourism helps to maintain economic growth, which is expected to remain…