African markets and business updates

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.…

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Ulinzi Taekwondo Team delivered a commanding performance at the Mazingira Cup Taekwondo League Championship held in Kisumu from 10 to 11 October 2026, emerging overall champions and reaffirming its position as a formidable force in national competitive sports. Competing against 20 teams from across the country, Ulinzi secured first place in both the men’s and women’s categories, claiming an impressive 18 medals comprising 11 gold, four silver and three bronze. The outstanding performance demonstrated the team’s technical proficiency, discipline, resilience and teamwork across various weight categories.…

The planned adoption of the National Identification Number (NIN) as the primary tax identification number for individuals will expand Uganda’s tax base, eliminate duplicate registrations and improve tax administration, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Planning), Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, has said. The Minister said the reform is intended to establish a reliable and unified system for identifying individual taxpayers.…

Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Howard and the Office of Sudan Affairs hosted a reception in Cairo bringing together approximately 60 Sudanese business leaders, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumni, and representatives from U.S. Embassy Cairo’s Foreign Commercial Service. The gathering focused on strengthening U.S.-Sudanese commercial ties and building networks that can support Sudan’s eventual post-war economic recovery. The reception connected prominent private-sector leaders with YALI alumni, whose ties to the United States, local expertise, and professional networks make them valuable potential partners for American businesses.…

The African Development Bank and UNDP plan to begin implementing their $10 billion AI investment initiative in five countries, expanding to 20 by the end of 2027. Launched in February 2026, the initiative aims to mobilize $1 billion annually over 10 years to support AI projects ...

Dr. Rasha Kelej , CEO of Merck Foundation ( www.Merck-Foundation.com ) , highlighted the importance of creating an environment in which girls are encouraged to learn, pursue their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Through Merck Foundation’s “Educating Linda” programme and their partnerships with African First Ladies , she is advocates for a broader approach to girls’ education that combines educational opportunities with sustained efforts to change the expectations surrounding girls at home and in their communities. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Retd.) shares, “A girl may have the ability to become a doctor, a scientist, an engineer, an entrepreneur or a president.…