African markets and business updates

The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) warns that chronic shortages and high costs of digital vehicle number plates are crippling dealers and eroding public confidence in the automotive trade. While appearing before the Committee on Physical Infrastructure chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, KACITA Chairperson, Issa Sekitto expressed deep skepticism about the production capacity of the current service provider under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS). He added that they are not confident that the contractor can maintain adequate stocks of vehicle numbers plates and manufacturing materials.…

The Egyptian banking industry has hunkered down and is emerging stronger than expected. Is privatisation finally on the cards?

The 2026 summer season confirms the shift in the scale of air traffic for Airports of Morocco (formerly the National Airports Office – ONDA), with historic traffic levels recorded at several of the Kingdom's airports. These summer peaks are part of a growth trajectory that is now structural, Airports of Morocco stated in a press release, noting that at Casablanca Mohammed V, one of the highlights of this season was recorded during the first weekend of August with a historic peak of 46,439 passengers welcomed in 24 hours. This intensification of activity is evident across the network.…

Dr Allan Mugarura had just completed a grueling night shift in the maternity unit at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital when his phone rang late in the evening of 15 May 2026. Uganda had declared an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. As a trained member of Uganda’s national Emergency Medical Team (EMT), Dr Mugarura was asked one question: Was he ready to deploy? He agreed without hesitation, packed his bags and set off through the night for Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala. “Once it was clear that I was ready to deploy, I was asked to travel right away,” Dr Mugarura recalls.…

In the stifling heat of Mongbwalu General Reference Hospital in Ituri Province, the epicentre of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the clatter of disinfection buckets echoes through the corridors. The scent of chlorine lingers in the air as health workers dash from ward to ward. Amid the bustle, Nadège Esangowale Yangala walks with quiet determination. An Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) specialist, she is on the frontlines of the Ebola response, working as a consultant with the World Health Organization (WHO).…

A catalytic financing facility designed to support the growth of high-potential women- and youth-owned or led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The Fund will support eligible MSMEs that demonstrate strong growth potential, innovation, and the ability to generate inclusive economic impact.…

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi, congratulates Mr. Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho, following his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa as Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with effect from 01 September 2026. Mr. Lekgetho's appointment follows his service as Acting Head of the SIU since February 2026, following the departure of Advocate Andy Mothibi to take up his role at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). His career reflects extensive experience in investigations, forensic work and organisational leadership, developed over nearly two decades within the SIU.…

At the gateway to the Red Sea, Djibouti is emerging as a vital engine of trade for the Horn of Africa. At the heart of that transformation, CAC International Bank is financing the flows of goods and capital, pioneering cross-border trade finance and helping businesses turn the region's strategic advantage into economic growth.

G-24 director Iyabo Masha says that developing countries should focus on domestic policies given falling overseas support.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has been following with concern the situation in Niger following the serious events that occurred in Niamey during the night of 28 to 29 August 2026, marked by armed clashes and attacks against several sensitive sites in the capital, resulting in casualties and significant material damage. The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns the use of violence and any attempt to seize power by force. He calls on all actors to exercise restraint and to safeguard the security of the population and the stability of the country.…