African markets and business updates

The COMESA Monetary Institute (CMI), in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK Statistics Authority, conducted a training on Big Data for Macroeconomic Statistics from 31 August to 4 September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The training was attended by officials from ten (10) COMESA member central banks, namely: Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia. Speaking during the opening session, Dr. Lucas Njoroge, Director of the CMI, emphasized the growing importance of big data in supporting evidence-based policymaking.…

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennaway said President El-Sisi welcomed the Greek Prime Minister’s visit to Egypt, emphasizing Egypt’s pride in the historical relations binding the two countries. The President underscored Egypt’s commitment to further advancing ties across various spheres to serve the shared interests of the two friendly peoples and strengthen the ongoing strategic partnership between Egypt and Greece.…

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurates the second edition of El Alamein International Air Show 2026 “EIAS 2026” at El Alamein International Airport. President El-Sisi will also receive President of the Republic of Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides, who is participating in the airshow, alongside Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.…

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi welcomed the Cypriot President’s visit to Egypt, commending the profound historical ties between the two countries. The President affirmed the necessity to further advance the constructive cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, as well as energy, tourism, and transport.…

This morning, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated the second edition of El Alamein International Air Show 2026 “EIAS 2026”, at El Alamein International Airport. Upon their arrival at the exhibition hall, President El-Sisi and President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, were received by Prime Minister, Dr. Moustafa Madbouly; Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher; Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa; Minister of Aviation, Dr. Sameh El Hefny; and Commander of the Egyptian Air Force, Lieutenant General Pilot Amr Saqr.…

As war is driving people's health needs in Sudan, humanitarian aid funding cuts are leaving people without lifesaving care. As more clinics close, people are forced to take longer, more dangerous journeys to reach care. Governments and institutional donors must protect funding for essential health services, and provide flexible transitional financing where facilities are at risk of closure. Amidst a brutal ongoing war and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, people in Sudan face reduced access to healthcare as facilities across the country close their doors. The impact of broad and historic international aid funding cuts by governments has begun to take hold.…

Former President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has expressed his appreciation to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio for facilitating his return to Sierra Leone from Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to national cohesion, peace and the continued development of the country. Former President Koroma made the remarks when he visited President Bio at State House in Freetown, where he personally thanked the President for the decision and support that enabled his return home. Accompanied by Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the former President expressed his joy at being back in Sierra Leone and thanked President Bio for facilitating his homecoming.…

Following the retirement of Mr Patrick Andre as Principal Secretary for Land Transport, the Office of the President has announced changes in the leadership of the Land Transport and Homeland Security Departments. Ms Sheryl Vangadasamy has been appointed as the new Principal Secretary for Land Transport. At the time of her appointment, Ms Vangadasamy was Principal Secretary for Homeland Security. Ms Vangadasamy is an experienced public sector professional with a diverse background spanning public administration, law enforcement, national security, legislative affairs, financial regulation and compliance.…

The State Department for Foreign Affairs has begun a review of its Staff Wellness Policy as it seeks to strengthen the wellbeing, resilience and effectiveness of officers serving at Headquarters and Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad. The review is being undertaken through a retreat bringing together officials and staff to assess the existing policy framework, examine emerging workplace and psychosocial challenges, and identify practical measures to strengthen support for employees across the Foreign Service.…

Nearly four decades of poetry, reflection and creative expression were brought to State House today as renowned Seychellois poet Tony ‘Raspyek’ Joubert presented his book, Verses in Dialogue, to President Dr Patrick Herminie during a courtesy call. President Herminie commended Mr Joubert for his longstanding dedication to poetry and his contribution to Seychelles’ literary and cultural heritage. Sharing his own passion for poetry, the President reflected on his experience as a writer and spoke about A Path to Utopia, a work particularly close to him. Their exchange highlighted a shared appreciation of poetry as a powerful means of expression, reflection, and dialogue.…