Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] While the global economy is reshaping and advanced countries are slowing down, hopes for global economic rebounding rely on emerging ones. Coface
• [New] The African Union's transition from the Malabo CAADP Agenda to the new Kampala Agenda (2026-2035) emphasizes building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems and boosting intra-African agricultural production. ExportFocus Africa
• [New] The planned fertilizer plant in Ethiopia, backed by one of Africa's richest investors, could significantly expand regional fertilizer supply, reduce costs, and strengthen maize, wheat, and other crop production. ExportFocus Africa
• [New] Firms equipped with AI-driven analytics will be able to adjust their international trade strategies more quickly, gaining competitive advantages in a volatile global economy. TradingView
• [New] Potential Effects from Chinese Trade Slowdown: As China faces potential tariffs from Trump's policies, any economic slowdown there could reduce demand for Australian exports, such as iron ore. Property Lovers
• [New] Output is expected to fall in key economies, including the US (-4.5% in 2026), Mexico (-1.1% in 2026), South Korea (-6.3% in 2026) and Germany, while Europe as a whole remains in troubled waters with shrinking margins, higher credit risk and only a modest production rebound in 2026. CIN
• [New] By 2025, gross natural gas production in Africa is projected to reach 331 billion cubic meters, driven primarily by Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt. APAnews - African Press Agency
• [New] For India to achieve its goal of becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2027, it is critical to expand production capacity, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance services both domestically and across global supply chains. Maritime Gateway - South Asia's Premier Shipping and Lo
• [New] Overall energy consumption, measured in oil-equivalent units, is expected to grow 23% by 2050 to 378 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, underscoring oil's enduring role in global development. GCC BUSINESS WATCH
• [New] China, once a significant driver of global oil consumption, is now expected to add less than 2 million bpd by 2050. GCC BUSINESS WATCH
• [New] Global benchmark Brent prices will average $68.91 per barrel in 2025, higher than the $68.76 it forecast in November. Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Ev
• [New] Prices of U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude will average $65.32 per barrel in 2025, up from its estimate last month of $65.15 per barrel. Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Ev
• [New] Global South economies will account for over 65% of global GDP growth by 2035, driven by population expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure investment. RUSSIA'S PIVOT TO ASIA
• [New] 2030 energy portfolio projections assume successful implementation could establish nuclear as a 20-25% share of state electricity generation, providing reliable baseload capacity that enables continued economic expansion while supporting renewable energy integration. Discovery Alert
• [New] Successful nuclear expansion could increase nuclear's share of electricity generation from 10% to potentially 20-25% by 2030, providing baseload capacity for continued economic growth and technology sector expansion. Discovery Alert
• [New] The potential erosion of the dollar's global dominance could lead to increased volatility in traditional markets-think stocks, bonds, and even commodities. Interactive Crypto
• By 2030, Sarawak Metro hopes to hit 240,000 tonnes of hydrogen production annually - a bold target that could back a huge fleet of fuel cell buses and maybe even green exports. Hydrogen Fuel News
• With global energy consumption expected to rise by nearly 50% by 2050 - requiring cumulative investments exceeding US$ 275 trillion - the event gains greater importance. tradearabia
• Emerging economies are grappling with an annual shortfall of USD 3.7 trillion in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) finance required to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Financial Express
• Shadow IT Explosion: By 2028, 40% of new production software will be created using vibe coding techniques by non-technical staff. Baytech Consulting
• The projected 5.1% rise outpaces the expected 3.1% expansion of the global economy, underscoring the continued strategic importance of media investment despite ongoing macroeconomic volatility. Marketing-Interactive

Last updated: 30 December 2025