Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been experiencing intense conflict leading to a halted economy, a collapsed financial system, and soaring food and transport prices. Sudan's oil production has drastically decreased from 500,000 barrels per day in 2008 to 60,000 barrels per day, exacerbated by South Sudan's independence in 2011 and decades of corruption under Omar El Béchir's rule. The power-sharing between generals Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and Hamdane Daglo has deterred international support following the 2021 coup. Peter Biar Ajak from Harvard Kennedy School suggests that a ceasefire is necessary without legitimizing the generals, who are seen as warlords clinging to power. He advocates for a civilian transfer of power and long-avoided reforms. Additionally, the article touches on the revision of Sino-Congolese cooperation and efforts in Benin to produce ecological charcoal to combat deforestation and climate change.

Africa can advance its digital transformation by expanding access to broadband at a lower cost. The World Bank estimates that $100 billion is needed by 2030 to ensure continent-wide high-speed internet access and an additional half-million kilometers of fiber to cover Africa. Funding disparities for startups exist, with challenges including access to mentor networks and a lack of confidence in women-led startups. In Burundi, agriculture and livestock are vital to the economy, and Cédric Niyongabo is innovating with hydroponic fodder to enhance his farming operations.

Africa faces challenges in reducing internet costs and achieving digital transformation, requiring $100 billion by 2030 for high-speed access and additional infrastructure. Disparities in startup financing persist, with issues such as limited mentor networks and biases against women-led startups. In Burundi, agriculture and livestock are vital, with innovations like hydroponic fodder by Cedric Niyongabo enhancing production.

Intra-African trade accounts for only 17% of the continent's exchanges, with the African Union advocating for pan-Africanization to strengthen regional integration. The 5th UN Conference on Least Developed Countries highlighted financing for SMEs as crucial, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where women, who produce up to 70% of food, face significant gender inequalities impacting earnings. The Afcfta and Rwanda have signed an agreement to establish a $10 billion fund to facilitate trade within the free trade zone, with insights from Gérard Amoi Amangoua, managing Director of NAG in Côte d'Ivoire.

South Sudan, with the third largest oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa, is facing economic challenges with over 7 million people reliant on humanitarian aid. Corruption and instability have led to the country benefiting from only a fraction of its oil production. Dr. Peter Biar Ajak from the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University provides insights on the situation.

Global growth is projected to be weak in 2023, not exceeding 2% according to the IMF, affecting Africa's economic outlook. Economists recommend that African states diversify their economies, focusing on agriculture and industrialization to reduce reliance on external markets. In Togo, the minimum wage has increased to support the poorest classes. Morocco's argan oil sector has seen significant growth, with plans to double production and modernize the industry.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to soaring global prices for commodities like wheat, sunflower, and crude oil, affecting African economies that trade with Russia. Maghreb countries, heavily reliant on Russian and Ukrainian wheat imports, face supply shortages. Sub-Saharan exports of coffee, tea, and citrus fruits to Russia could decrease. Conversely, Algeria may benefit as Europe's third-largest gas supplier. Rwanda's agricultural export earnings grew by 39% in 2021, attributed to post-COVID economic recovery.

A bill was adopted in May 2020 to transition from the CFA franc to the Eco and end the centralization of West African states' foreign exchange reserves with the French Treasury. However, no official plan has been implemented. The Eco's creation is seen by some as a political move to address calls for ending French colonial remnants. Ivorian economist Youssouf Carius, Founder and Director of Pulsar Partners, discusses why the Eco has not been launched. The episode also explores the strongest currencies in Africa and the impact of South Africa's alcohol sales ban on bar managers in Johannesburg amid efforts to curb Covid-19.

Lesotho has recorded its first case of coronavirus a week after lifting its lockdown.

Dominique, a 10-month-old girl from Côte d'Ivoire born with four legs and two spinal columns, has returned to her country after undergoing successful surgery in a Chicago hospital on March 8. The rare condition is a result of twins not fully separating during development. Dominique spent two months in the U.S. for the operation, which involved a team of fifty doctors and careful procedures to avoid damaging her spinal cord and urinary functions. She returned home in time for her birthday in May.