Group 1: Ethiopia and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) - The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa's largest hydropower project, has been inaugurated with an estimated cost of $5 billion and aims to generate over 15,700 gigawatt hours annually, providing electricity to Ethiopia and neighboring countries [3][4][6] - Ethiopia anticipates significant economic impacts from the dam, including industrialization, with the industrial sector growing at an annual rate of 10% and energy demand from this sector increasing by 40% yearly [8] - The Ethiopian government aims to generate $1 billion annually from power exports, with current exports to Djibouti, Kenya, and Tanzania [8][9] - The dam has caused tensions with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan, which are concerned about reduced water flow and have called for a legally binding agreement on the dam's operation [5][12][14] Group 2: South-South Trade and Automotive Industry - The trade war initiated by Donald Trump has accelerated South-South trade, particularly between India and South Africa, with Indian automaker Mahindra expanding its presence in South Africa's Bakkie market [32][33] - South Africa's automotive industry faces challenges from imports, especially affordable vehicles from India and China, leading to concerns about potential job cuts in local manufacturing plants [36][43] - Mahindra's assembly plant in Durban has become a significant player in the market, producing nearly a thousand pickups each month, while Tata Motors plans to enter the South African market with SUVs [41][42] Group 3: E-commerce and Supply Chain Shifts - Jumia, Africa's largest e-commerce player, reports that shifting global supply chains are improving its ability to bring goods from China to Africa, with increased stability in currency aiding operations [44][46] - The trade tensions between China and the US have indirectly benefited Jumia by securing more supply for Africa as Chinese manufacturers adjust their markets [47] - Jumia focuses on e-commerce for physical goods targeted at the middle class in Africa, adapting its business model to the specific purchasing power of its markets [50][54]