Next Africa

Metal Markets Mayhem Sends Africa a Wake-Up Call

Turmoil has put currencies, stocks and bonds under pressure.
A truck transports ore at a Gold Fields mine in Tarkwa, Ghana.Photographer: Francis Kokoroko/Bloomberg

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The wild swings in the precious-metals market over recent days highlight the risk to African economies of over-reliance on commodity exports.

Stocks, bonds and currencies from South Africa to Zambia came under pressure after prices of gold, silver and platinum plunged, and industrial metals including copper followed suit.