African markets and business updates

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.…

On August 22, Ambassador Zhao Weiping was invited to attend, together with Namibian President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the inauguration ceremony of Ohangwena Time Square Complex in Helao Nafidi Town, which was developed and invested in by Chinese business people. In his remarks, Ambassador Zhao commended Chinese entrepreneurs for their positive contributions to Namibia’s economic and social development. He stressed that President Ndaitwah’s recent state visit to China has injected strong impetus into the deepening of China-Namibia economic and trade cooperation. The Chinese side stands ready to work closely with the Namibian side to implement the important consensus reached by H.E.…

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources held regional public hearings on the East African Community Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, 2025 from 26th to 28th August 2026, with Members of the Committee drawn from the eight EAC Partner States conducting the hearings simultaneously in their respective capitals.…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with effect from tomorrow, Tuesday, 1 September 2026. President Ramaphosa has made this appointment in terms of section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (SIU Act), Mr Lekgetho succeeds Adv Andy Mothibi who exited his position as Head of the SIU on Feburary 1 to become the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Lekgetho was subsequently appointed to act as head of the SIU. He has now been appointed as permanent Head to secure the stability of the Unit and its ongoing impact in the fight against crime.…

For a group of young Seychellois, a visit to State House became a moment to be remembered, as the Twinkle Little Stars 2026 participants met President Dr Patrick Herminie during a courtesy call at State House on Tuesday. The young participants, accompanied by Mr Bennet Accouche and members of the Twinkle Team, brought their youthful energy and enthusiasm to the Salon des Gouverneurs, where they had the opportunity to interact with the President and share a special moment with him.…

Today, at Cairo International Airport, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the First Lady Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi, received the President of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping, and his spouse, at the beginning of the Chinese President’s official visit to Egypt. Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the reception ceremony was marked by warmth and hospitality in honor of Egypt’s distinguished guest. A group of children and youth participated in the reception, holding the flags of Egypt and China to greet the visiting President.…

Assab, 1 September 2026 – The 65th anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle for Eritrean independence was colorfully celebrated in the port city of Assab today. The celebratory event, in which Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region, and other dignitaries in the region took part, featured cultural and artistic performances depicting the significance of the day to the Eritrean people, as well as the immense sacrifices they made.…

From 5 to 10 September 2026, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Dr. Maxime Houinato, will be in Ziguinchor alongside Ms. Arlette Mvondo, UN Women Representative in Senegal. At a time when women's and girls' rights face growing setbacks across the region, this mission carries a clear ambition: to amplify women's voices, strengthen their agency, and advance equality for the next generation. Amplifying Women's Voices in Peacebuilding In Casamance, women have contributed for decades to dialogue, mediation, and social cohesion. But contributing to peace is not enough. Women must also have a meaningful influence on the decisions that sustain and consolidate it. Dr.…

President Dr Patrick Herminie received the Letters of Credence of H.E. Mr. Saad Abdullah Alnofaia, Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Seychelles, during an accreditation ceremony held this morning at State House. Following the ceremony, President Herminie and Ambassador Alnofaia held discussions on the bilateral relations between Seychelles and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the long-standing friendship between the two countries and their shared interest in further strengthening co-operation. The discussions covered a wide range of areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on tourism, investment, trade, energy and development co-operation.…

IMF staff and the Senegalese authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the key economic policies that could underpin a new Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement to support the authorities’ comprehensive economic reform program. The agreement is subject to IMF Executive Board approval. The authorities’ reform program aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, reduce fiscal and external vulnerabilities, increase social spending, and support sustainable, private sector-led growth.…