🔅 "Banel & Adama": A New Dawn in African Cinema & Senegal's Opposition Released
Plus, Africa's Happiest Country & Mozambique's Gas Treasure
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Market Mondays
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Mauritius’ inflation climbed to 6.2%, caused largely by the increase in the price of chillies, one of the country's most widely used ingredients.
Zimbabwe's tobacco is to drop at least 10% from its biggest-ever crop last year due to the effects of El Nino.
Kenya’s shilling has gained close to 20% against the dollar over the past couple of months, making it the world’s best performing currency in the world during that period. It was the worst performer last year.
*Data accurate as of the close of markets across the continent
Spotlight Stories
Ramata-Toulaye Sy's Love Letter to African Stories: "Banel & Adama"
Let's talk about Ramata-Toulaye Sy, who decided to rewrite the African narrative playbook. This is a 37-year-old French Senegalese filmmaker who, rather than make a movie about the continent's woes, set out to showcase Africa's heart—the passionate, complex love stories that thrive beyond the shadow of misery and conflict. And boy, does she deliver with her debut, "Banel & Adama," a film that waltzes onto the Cannes red carpet, not just to attend but to compete!
Think of this love story as Juliet meets Lady Macbeth, with a splash of magical realism set against the backdrop of rural Senegal. Our lovebirds, Banel and Adama, are so entwined that their village throws side-eyes like confetti. But Banel isn't your stereotypical damsel either; Sy has made a complex and compelling character who breaks stereotypes.
Sy's journey to the director's chair wasn't a straight line. Initially dreaming of novel writing and screenwriting while growing up in Paris, she eventually found herself orchestrating this cinematic gem, with a cast largely plucked from everyday life—all this amidst the scorching Senegalese sun in a village untouched by electricity, where Sy embraced the gruelling challenge of directing, fueled by her father's words: excel in whatever you choose.
Senegal: Sonko and Faye's Cinematic Release
Senegal's opposition heroes, Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, have dramatically re-entered the stage, free men. Their release turned Dakar into a jubilation epicentre as thousands of supporters turned the streets into a fiesta.Â
In a move that surprised all, President Macky Sall announced an amnesty that saw the duo released. It comes just in time for the much-anticipated elections, now set for March 24.
Mr. Faye, the presidential hopeful, is now set to hit the campaign trail harder than a blockbuster's opening weekend. Despite his stint behind bars, he has emerged as a favourite in the race, and his charges of inciting insurrection now seem more like a badge of honour than a stain on his character.
Mozambique's Gas Bonanza
Thanks to its natural gas exports, Mozambique is on the verge of an economic glow-up, projected to inflate its piggy bank by $91.7 billion.
Last week, the powers that be put their heads together and hashed out some rules for the country's brand-new sovereign wealth fund—a super-secure vault to stash the money. The finance minister noted that this gas cash will peak at $6 billion annually by the 2040s.Â
To keep things on the up and up, they're rolling out an independent supervisory committee tasked with overseeing the treasure chest—making sure the money goes in, stays safe, and is used wisely. This committee will report to Mozambique's parliament.
Tanzania: Africa's Beacon of Bliss
Tanzania is claiming the title of Africa's happiest country. According to the Global Mind Project's latest report, the country has made its way up to the third spot on the global happiness leaderboard, only trailing behind the smile champions that are Sri Lanka and the Dominican Republic.
This joyous revelation comes from a survey as grand as the Serengeti itself, canvassing the views of 500,000 folks across 71 countries.Â
However, not all is sunny on the continent. South Africa finds itself on the other end of the spectrum, wearing the not-so-coveted crown of Africa's least happy country. It seems a significant chunk of its residents are navigating a stormy weather of distress and struggles, casting a shadow over the Rainbow Nation.
Food for Thought
“When you show the moon to a child, it sees only your finger."
— Zambian Proverb