African markets and business updates

Two decades after its founding, the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) partnership opens a new chapter in Seoul next week, with artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure at the heart of discussions on Africa’s economic transformation. The 8th KOAFEC Ministerial Conference ( ) will run from 8 to 11 September under the theme “Harnessing AI and Digital Infrastructure for Africa’s Transformation.” It will bring together African ministers, senior Korean officials, development partners, private sector leaders, investors, innovators and start-up founders. They will explore how technology, investment and value creation can accelerate Africa’s development.…

The Right Honourable, the Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane formed part of the Heads of State and Government who attended the African Union Extraordinary Session in Luanda, Angola. The session brought together African leaders to deliberate on matters of continental importance and strengthen collective efforts towards Africa’s development and integration. Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane also visited United Capital Fertilizers (UCF) in Zambia where he toured the facility lead by UCF Board Chairperson, Mr. Chance Kabaye and his team.…

The Nigeria NOW! takes place on 19 and 20 November at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, under the patronage of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake. Between 500 and 600 delegates are expected across energy, infrastructure and mining. The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is partnering with EnergyNet to deliver the first Nigeria NOW!, and has committed to remain involved through the preparatory period rather than at the event alone. The Ministry hosted the Abuja launch, secured the patronage of the Honourable Minister, and convened three further federal ministries as deliberate participants. Speaking at the launch through Engr.…

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria successfully conducted a Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Event at the Rosebank Sunday Market, Johannesburg, on 30 August 2026, showcasing the country’s diverse tourism attractions and experiences to an international audience. Rosebank is one of Johannesburg’s popular destinations and attracts visitors from various countries. The event provided a platform for the High Commission to promote Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, wildlife, cuisine and diverse travel experiences to a broad and multicultural audience. A range of Sri Lanka tourism promotional materials was distributed among visitors.…

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) strongly condemns the aerial attack that hit two trucks carrying WFP food assistance outside of Dilling, South Kordofan, on 30 August 2026. The trucks were destined for Kadugli, South Kordofan, and were clearly marked with WFP banners and flags. The attack destroyed more than 50 metric tons of WFP food – including cereals, yellow split peas, vegetable oil and salt - enough to provide lifesaving assistance to 5,800 people for one month. In Kadugli, WFP is supporting nearly 58,000 people facing emergency levels of food insecurity or worse through in-kind food assistance.…

bp Supply, Trading & Shipping – the distribution business of energy major bp – has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference and Exhibition as a Gold Sponsor, bringing the expertise of one of the world’s leading energy marketing, operations and trading businesses to discussions around Angola’s position in global oil and gas markets. Connecting producers and suppliers with customers and markets worldwide, bp Supply, Trading & Shipping sits at the intersection of energy production, transportation and consumption.…

On the afternoon of September 2 local time, President Xi Jinping and his wife Madame Peng Liyuan visited the Grand Egyptian Museum accompanied by President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi. The magnificent museum stands a short distance away from the millennia-old pyramids on the Giza Plateau. Upon arrival, President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan were warmly greeted by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his wife. Inside the museum, the two couples posed for a group photo in front of the statue of Ramesses II and listened to a briefing on the museum and the ancient Egyptian history.…

The UN agency strongly condemned the attack which occurred on 30 August outside the city of Dilling. The trucks carried 50 metric tonnes of WFP food including cereals, yellow split peas, vegetable oil and salt—enough to provide lifesaving assistance to 5,800 people for one month. They were heading to Kadugli, where WFP is supporting nearly 58,000 people facing emergency levels of food insecurity or worse, and were clearly marked with its banners and flags. End ‘unacceptable’ attacks WFP said the attack was the latest example of the complex operating environment facing it and other humanitarian agencies in Sudan.…

“What we are missing are integrated solutions to complex problems. None of the challenges we are facing are isolated.” This statement by Terekeka County Commissioner, Emmanuel Loku, is a prime example of why the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is prioritizing integrated patrols, comprising of military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, to locations across the country. While military patrols are critical to providing a protective presence and deterring violence, the inclusion of civilian personnel offer even greater opportunities. “It means we reach people who may not be so happy to engage with a military-only patrol.…

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the Banque de l'Habitat de Côte d'Ivoire (BHCI) signed a CFAF 10-billion financing agreement on 2 September 2026 to support housing finance and strengthen access to funding for SMEs and SMIs operating across Côte d'Ivoire's real estate value chain.