African markets and business updates

Africa's economies have shown encouraging resilience, but resilience is not immunity, warns IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane.

The patient, a 39-year-old man, is a relative of Kenya’s first case – related to the ongoing deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – who died in hospital on 5 October. He was among contacts who were placed in quarantine and developed symptoms on 13 October. ‘We all have a role to play’ “I congratulate the Government for taking this important step to ensure that contacts are listed and quarantined,” WHO Representative Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo told UN News in Nairobi, a day after the Ministry of Health confirmed the new case. “But to defeat this disease, it's not about the Government, it is not about partners It is about everybody,” she insisted.…

Burkina Faso’s Bomboré gold mine produced 116,188 ounces in the first nine months of 2026, exceeding its full-year 2025 output of 110,014 ounces. Canadian operator Orezone Gold expects production to reach 160,000–180,000 ounces in 2026, supported by a new processing plant commissioned in late 2025. Burkina Faso ...

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) will venture into green hydrogen products in Uganda as part of its environmental preservation campaign. This revelation was made by Amin Mawji OBE, the AKDN Diplomatic Representative in Uganda when he paid a courtesy call on the Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Mawji said the plant will extract nitrogen from water at a much lower cost than ordinary fertilizer so that Ugandan farmers no longer depend on external supplies. He added that AKDN is in negotiations with the Ministries of Energy and Finance for support.…

Intensifying geopolitical competition, emerging security threats and shifting global alliances continue to reshape the international security environment, underscoring the importance of strategic diplomacy, informed leadership and coordinated national security responses. On 14 October 2026, the National Defence College (NDC) hosted the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH for a Lecture of Opportunity delivered to participants of Course No. 29 for the 2026/2027 academic year. The lecture focused on global geopolitical developments, Kenya’s foreign policy priorities and emerging regional security dynamics.…

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) marked KDF Day 2026 with a powerful display of patriotism, remembrance and compassionate service, honouring fallen heroes, celebrating the dedication of military personnel and extending humanitarian support to vulnerable communities across Kenya, while reaffirming its commitment to regional peace and security. The commemorations, held on 14 October 2026, reflected the enduring values of courage, sacrifice, discipline and selfless service that define the KDF, reinforcing the bond between the military and the people it is sworn to protect.…

Liberia has launched a new licensing round for 15 offshore oil blocks. Interested companies have until April 15, 2027, to submit letters of intent. The previous round led to eight contracts with TotalEnergies and Oranto Petroleum. Liberia launched a new oil licensing round on Wednesday, ...

The IMF raised its 2026 growth forecast to 4.5%, up 0.2 percentage points from April. Energy disruptions, El Niño and tighter global financing conditions threaten growth. High debt costs and declining foreign aid limit governments' ability to respond to new shocks. Sub-Saharan Africa's economy is ...

The Director of Medical Services (DMS), Major General (Dr) Francis Kuria, visited Lang’ata Level II Hospital and the Defence Forces Wellness Centre (DFWC) at Lang’ata Garrison on 14 October 2026, reaffirming the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) commitment to quality healthcare, comprehensive rehabilitation and the physical and psychological wellbeing of service personnel and their families. The visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of KDF medical facilities following his recent appointment, aimed at assessing healthcare delivery, strengthening professional standards and identifying opportunities to enhance medical services across the Defence Forces.…

The General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Luka Kutto, visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Kismayo, reaffirming the importance of operational readiness, troop welfare and leadership engagement in sustaining mission effectiveness. The visit formed part of an ongoing tour by KDF General Officers to engage personnel deployed in operational areas, assess their preparedness and recognise their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding regional peace and security.…