African markets and business updates

KFC is bringing new investment to Zambia, with more locations, world-class operational expertise and hundreds of jobs. With 17 restaurants across Lusaka and the Copperbelt, and 25 more in the pipeline, KFC is making a long-term commitment to Zambia and demonstrating its confidence in the country’s future growth. Streetwise is the platform making KFC accessible and relevant to everyday Zambians across all income levels. Local leadership, skills transfer and local supply chain development are central to KFC’s long-term presence in Zambia. KFC ( ) is launching a new growth phase Pa Zed, showing up bigger, bolder and more locally rooted than ever before.…

Developed by Songon Energies S.A., Songon power plant is built to strengthen energy security and support future growing electricity demand in Greater Abidjan GE Vernova 9E turbine technology to support reliable power delivery for industrial growth and millions of households Infrastructure development expected to create up to 1,400 new jobs and drive positive community impact GE Vernova ( ) announced today that it will provide the gas power technology for the new Songon combined-cycle power plant, located in the Songon region near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.…

Algeria plans to increase the share of hydrocarbons processed domestically from about 32% to more than 50%, reducing its reliance on imports of refined products. The government has earmarked nearly $13 billion for refining under a $71.6 billion investment program through 2030, with several petrochemical plants ...

Egypt signed $84.6 million in contracts with private companies to operate and maintain 11 desalination plants with a combined capacity of 485,000 cubic meters per day. The agreements aim to reduce equipment breakdowns, improve water supply reliability and energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of ...

Orange Fab has supported 47 startups through its accelerator program over the past decade. Its incubation program will quadruple its annual capacity from 20 to 80 startups in 2026. The initiative now places greater emphasis on business management, commercial growth and access to customers. Turning ...

A former Rwandan soldier who became a prominent critic of President Paul Kagame has been found beheaded in Uganda, raising fresh concerns about the safety of Rwandan opposition figures living in exile.

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has reported a fire aboard the vessel Espirito Santo Express while it was sailing from Singapore to Santos. The vessel is deployed on ONE’s East Coast South America Express 1 (SX1) service. According to ONE, the vessel’s head owner has confirmed that all crew members are safe and that the necessary […] Ocean Network Express (ONE) has reported a fire aboard the vessel Espirito Santo Express while it was sailing from Singapore to Santos. The vessel is deployed on ONE’s East Coast South America Express 1 (SX1) service.…

President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a strong call to action for mining companies in Zambia, emphasizing the importance of utilizing mineral licenses effectively to foster national economic growth and job creation. Speaking at the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka, President Hichilema highlighted his administration’s commitment to a “use it or lose it” …

The World Bank has set conditions for Nigeria to access a $500 million loan under the Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (NAIJA) Development Policy Financing programme.

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned mining companies against holding mineral licences for speculative purposes, saying Government will enforce a “use it or lose it” policy to ensure Zambia’s mineral wealth contributes to economic growth and job creation. Speaking at the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka today, President Hichilema said Zambia’s target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually could be achieved by unlocking stalled mining projects, expanding operations and increasing exploration across all provinces.…