In 2023, Morocco led Africa’s phone export market with $192.2 million, making up 0.07% of the global total, followed by South Africa at $85.9 million, with a global share of 0.03%.
Though Tunisia, Mauritius, and Kenya contributed smaller shares, Tunisia’s remarkable 5,456% growth stands out, positioning it for greater involvement in the global market.
However, Mauritius and Kenya faced declines of -38% and -52%.
Many African countries can't grow apples naturally due to unfavourable climate and the required chilling hours.
Despite this, Africa's share of global apple output has grown from 0.66% (1962) to nearly 4% in 2022, averaging 2.3% over 60+ years. South Africa has been the biggest contributor, but Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria also play key roles, with the top four countries making up 96% of Africa's total production in 2022.
Since 1961, South Africa has led Africa in apple production, consistently topping the charts.
Since the 2007/08 academic year, Nigeria has consistently held the top spot for the number of African international students in the US. Before this, Kenya and Egypt also led in certain periods.
This trend highlights the evolving landscape of African students pursuing education in the US over the decades.
Nigeria remains the leading African country of origin for students in the US, with over 20,000 enrolled this year.
Ghana, however, recorded the continent's fastest growth rate at 45%. This increase of over 2,900 students brought Ghana’s total to nearly 9,400, making it the second-largest source of African students in the US.
Nigeria also saw a 13.5% rise, adding more than 2,380 students year-over-year.
Overall, the number of students from African countries in the US grew by nearly 12% in the 2023/24 academic year.
As of October 2024, only nine African countries are certified malaria-free: Egypt, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritius, Libya, Morocco, Seychelles, and Lesotho.
Egypt and Cape Verde are the newest members of this group.
Over 40 African countries remain uncertified, with the continent recording 233 million malaria cases in 2022.
In 2023, Libya led Africa in labour productivity, generating $29.7 per hour worked. Gabon and Mauritius followed at $25.6 and $25.5.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's workers generated $6.8 per hour, and Burundi recorded the lowest at $0.8.
Globally, Luxembourg and Ireland topped the list with $146 and $143 per hour, showcasing the efficiency and quality of human capital in these economies.
Between 2000 and 2023, Africa received $182 billion in Chinese loans, primarily for energy and transportation development.
Angola, with 25%, was the largest recipient; Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya followed.
While 49 countries benefited, experts warn of increasing debt risks.
As of 2022, the top five African countries indebted to the World Bank — Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania — accounted for 46% of the continent's outstanding debt with the institution.
Forty-eight African countries collectively owed around $125 billion, representing 31% of the total global debt of $408 billion. These are the top ten countries from 1970 to 2022.
In 2023, Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, and Morocco dominated Africa's steel industry, accounting for 88% of the continent's production.
Egypt led the charge, contributing 43% of Africa's total steel output. Despite this, Africa's 23.92 million tonnes only make up 1.26% of global production.
Over the past six decades, African economies have experienced both rapid growth and severe contractions.
Nigeria and South Africa, often considered the continent’s economic heavyweights, have consistently ranked among Africa's top three economies since 1960.
North African Libya, Algeria and Egypt have also been in the top three in the period.
As of 2023, Egypt led the continent's GDP rankings.
