energy imports

African nations are building major infrastructure projects at an unprecedented rate to boost energy independence and improve logistics. The war in the Middle East, which supplies much of Africa’s fuels, has accelerated efforts to build new refineries and pipelines, while competition between China and the US for influence has brought billions in infrastructure investment. Rising debt payments and aid cuts, however, are squeezing public finances, with The Economist warning that ambition alone will not be enough.

South Korea stocks declined following the Bank of Korea's first rate increase in three years under Shin Hyun-song. The move addresses concerns about the weakening won and the country's dependence on energy imports.

Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 17.48% year-on-year to $34.76 billion in the first 11 months of FY26, driven by a 5.94% rise in imports to $62.66 billion and a 5.61% decline in exports to $27.91 billion. Structural issues, including heavy reliance on energy imports and a narrow export base dominated by textiles, perpetuate the imbalance, with energy imports alone surging 13.7% to $14.9 billion.