Sanele Mjikane
Europe’s cities are at a critical point, with population stagnation, weakened industrial competitiveness, and acute housing crises weighing heavily on economic prospects. The EU’s Agenda for Cities update and first-ever Housing Affordability Plan are therefore arriving at a crucial moment, offering much-needed guidance for cities navigating these challenges.
This report highlights the critical role silver plays in data centres and artificial intelligence (AI), automotive and electric vehicles (EVs), and solar energy photovoltaics (PVs). With these sectors expected to expand significantly over the coming years, we expect future silver demand to be strong.
The scaling of climate finance for developing countries will take centre stage at the 30th
Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) starting today, in Brazil. Leaders will grapple with how to plug the gaping shortfall in
funds needed to help developing economies curb emissions and adapt to climate shocks.
Reforming the global financial architecture will be a key discussion.
Uncertainty around global growth has widened the range of possible outcomes for oil consumption. While demand growth currently lags behind supply, stronger-than-expected trade or industrial activity could lift demand above projections. This brief explores whether Nigeria and Algeria are positioned to take advantage of such an upside.