I'm traveling at the moment after most of the last month in Ethiopia, and still processing everything I've seen and heard. A few stories reinforced long-held beliefs. But mostly I’m impressed about how fast things can change. And as always, the headlines only tell part of the story.

This week: inflation through the lens of a pot of jollof rice, Africa's strong showing at the World Cup, foreign exchange reserves strengthened in 2025, the diaspora's economic influence, growing weather risks from a potential Super El Niño and how tourism is helping save one of Africa's most endangered predators.

Last week's purchasing power map measured economic potential. Jollof rice measures economic reality. The Economist this week reports that a family-sized pot in Nigeria now costs nearly 40% of the monthly minimum wage after another surge in food and fuel prices.

Why it matters: Jollof is a real-time measure of household purchasing power. While Ghana's recently strong currency has helped absorb rising ingredient costs, Nigerian families continue to face mounting pressure from inflation, transport costs and food insecurity. Hoping to present a wider data set from across the continent soon! 

Africa's momentum continued in Week 2. Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast have all secured places in the knockout stage, while Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana, Algeria, Senegal and DR Congo still have one group match remaining. For week 2 through June 25, African teams have played 14 matches, recording 6 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses for 21 points.

Watch next: Egypt faces Iran and Cape Verde takes on Saudi Arabia on June 26. Ghana, Algeria and DR Congo all play decisive final group matches on June 27 as they look to join Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast in the knockout stage. Read more: FIFA

According to an Afreximbank report, Africa's foreign exchange reserves strengthened in 2025, with average import cover rising to nearly five months, well above the IMF's three-month benchmark for external stability.

Why it matters: Higher commodity exports, tourism and remittances helped rebuild reserves across much of the continent, supporting stronger currencies in countries like Ghana and South Africa. But reserve holdings remain heavily concentrated, leaving many smaller economies vulnerable to external shocks.

Africa's diaspora sends tens of billions of dollars home each year, with remittances accounting for more than 20% of GDP in several countries.

Why it matters: These flows are increasingly more stable than foreign aid or investment, making emigrants one of the continent's largest, and most resilient, sources of economic financing. Read more: Les Africa Nistes.

Super El Niño Alert: A rare "Super El Niño" is becoming increasingly likely, with forecasters putting the odds at 63% as the weather pattern strengthens toward 2027. Scientists say it could become one of the strongest El Niño events since records began in 1950.

Why it matters: East Africa often gets wetter during El Niño years, increasing flood risks, while other regions face drought, crop losses and power disruptions. The last major event caused trillions in global economic damage. For Africa, the stakes span food security, hydropower generation, commodity markets and infrastructure resilience. Read more: Bloomberg.

African wild dogs have become one of the continent's most sought-after safari sightings, turning tourism into a powerful engine for conservation. Who knew? National Geographic is beautiful as always. 

Why it matters: Safari operators are funding research, protecting habitat, tracking packs with AI and helping rebuild populations of one of Africa's most endangered predators. Conservation is increasingly becoming an economic business model, not just a charitable one.

Thanks for reading. Be sure to visit our Calendar of Events page to see relevant events across the continent. And as always, email us at [email protected].