African markets and business updates

The lessons, sacrifices and strategic decisions that shaped some of West Africa’s most consequential peace interventions took centre stage on 27 August 2026 as ECOWAS unveiled a series of strategic publications in Abuja, Nigeria, convening senior government officials, military leaders, diplomats, academics and development partners to examine how decades of regional peace support operations can inform more effective responses to contemporary and emerging security challenges across the region. The publications represent a landmark contribution to consolidating ECOWAS’ accumulated knowledge and experience in peace support operations, mediation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.…

On August 27, officials announced approximately $7 billion USD (nearly 4 trillion CFA) in new and expanding American investment and trade opportunities at various stages of development during the inaugural U.S.-Cameroon Bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue. These opportunities span sectors including technology, critical minerals, infrastructure, energy, forestry, and logistics. The two sides also discussed ways to further improve Cameroon’s business climate for U.S. investors, including taxation, shipping and logistics, and mining sector reform.…

Several women were killed, including by current or former partners in Cameroon between August 6 to 26, some in the presence of their children. These killings are the latest signs that women in Cameroon, including domestic violence victims and survivors, have little protection or access to justice . The Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family (Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Famille or MINPROFF), tasked with creating, implementing, and reviewing policies that protect women’s rights, has acknowledged a surge in reported femicides since 2023, and warned that the government’s figures represent the “tip of the iceberg.” Femicide is the intentional killing of women and girls with a gender-related motivation, according to the United Nations .…

The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation recently concluded a week-long oversight visit to assess the construction status of up to 30 bridges countrywide. During the inspection visits to the districts of Manafwa, Tororo, Madi-Okollo and Arua, the lawmakers discovered that construction works on several bridges, for example, in the West Nile sub region have stalled, despite the availability of funds. The committee, during the oversight visit from Monday, 17 to Friday, 21 August 2026, discovered that whereas Shs28 billion was allocated towards construction of Odrua, Alla and Osu bridges in Arua District, works have stalled since 2021.…

Measles is among the most contagious infectious diseases known to humanity. Yet despite the availability of a safe, highly effective, and inexpensive vaccine, the disease continues to threaten children in countries across the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2026 nearly 11 million people will contract the virus that causes measles. Most cases are expected to occur in Africa and Asia, but outbreaks are also being reported in countries across the Americas and Europe, affecting hundreds and, in some places, thousands of people. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles outbreaks are currently occurring in every region of the world.…

Mr. Gebrehiwet Tekeste, head of healthcare services in the Teseney sub-zone, called on the public to strengthen its participation in efforts to eradicate harmful practices. Underscoring that female genital mutilation and underage marriage are still practised in some areas, Mr. Gebrehiwet said that awareness-raising activities are being conducted in 11 administrative areas of the sub-zone. He further called for a stronger role and greater contribution from religious leaders and area administrators in the effort. Underlining that maternal deaths during childbirth can result from the consequences of female genital mutilation and underage marriage, Mr.…

The inaugural Africa Business Investment Summit saw a target of $500m of structured commitments, a royal keynote and an unusually candid accounting of why capital still hesitates.

Asantehene presented a royal vision for Africa’s economic renaissance Day 1 proceeded under the theme - The Vision Day: Unlocking Africa’s Century, A Diaspora Mandate” Fireside chat with Boris Kodjoe on The Diaspora Return The Africa Business Investment Summit 2026 opened this morning at the MGM National Harbor, in Washington D.C. Metro, with a royal keynote by the Summit’s Patron, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, as the Millennium Excellence Week hosts its first event outside of Ghana.…

The Federal Government has activated an emergency task force to contain the outbreak of diphtheria among children in parts of Katsina and Kano States, with immediate measures being deployed to strengthen surveillance, close immunisation gaps and ensure timely access to treatment. The directive was issued by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, as part of the Federal Government’s continuing commitment to protect the health of Nigerian children and strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.…

Liberia’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Lewis G. Brown II on Monday hosted a working lunch in honor of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the 10 elected members of the Security Council. The lunch held at UN Headquarters in Manhattan, positioned Liberia at the center of United Nations diplomacy. Liberia, coordinating both the A3, Africa’s three Council members and the E10 — the 10 non-permanent members since August 1, held the lunch to align positions ahead of one of the busiest months on the Council’s calendar.…