Datastream is in the process of ramping up its data coverage of the African continent. Once finished, the new dataset will comprise 500,000 nationally sourced time series covering 54 African nations. Fathom Consulting, meanwhile, has been increasing its analytical focus on the continent, and looks forward to making use of this expanded dataset in its analysis. One area of particular focus for Fathom has been China’s emerging role on the continent. China’s integration into the global trade and financial system has accelerated since the country’s admission into the World Trade Organization in 2001, as highlighted by the charts below. Refresh

Economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa fell below zero for the first time in more than a quarter of a century in 2020. Official COVID-19 case and mortality figures have been relatively low in Africa. However, even with less severe health outcomes and looser restrictions on economic activity, many countries on the continent have suffered from weak international demand and its consequent impact on commodities prices, while tourist-reliant economies have also fared poorly. Meanwhile, reduced fiscal space has meant that governments have been unable to support households and businesses as much as in the advanced economies. As a result, there is