African markets and business updates

Mali's army and its Russian paramilitary allies have killed civilians in violation of international law, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch. The army's rebel opponents have done the same, the report claims.

Kodal Minerals plc has taken a significant step in expanding its West African operations by securing the rights to acquire up to 80% of a lithium exploration project in Ghana. This move extends the company’s footprint beyond its existing Bougouni operation in Mali. The company has entered into a binding agreement with GH Geo-Consult Limited …

Nile Luxury Cinemas has signed a partnership agreement with Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, to bring The Pod, its private luxury cinema concept, to the hotel. The signing ceremony marks an expansion of the concept into one of Lagos’ established hospitality destinations, combining private moviegoing with the hotel’s hospitality offering. This agreement, formalised at a signing […]

Cameroon’s Finance Minister Louis-Paul Motaze has called for greater access to concessional financing and stronger support from international financial institutions to help developing countries meet their financing needs. He made the appeal on October 17, 2026, at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Bangkok, where he addressed the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) on behalf of a group of African countries. Motaze argued that developing countries cannot rely solely on their own resources to finance their development needs, particularly as debt servicing costs continue to put pressure on public finances.…

The Question Most People AvoidThere comes a point when wealth is no longer the primary question. The more important, and often more difficult, question is this: What happens to it after me?For many individuals, this question is not urgent. It sits quietly in the background, postponed by more immediate priorities and, in some cases, avoided […]

By Isha Johansen, former CAF ( www.CAFonline.com ) Executive Committee Member and the first West African woman to serve on the FIFA Council. For years, Africa has been known for its growth story. Investment has flowed, new tech has been growing fast, and a young, active population has inspired hope for the future. Women’s football now offers another lens through which to consider that progress.…

Maersk has completed what it describes as the world’s largest ethanol bunkering operation, supplying approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of ISCC-certified bioethanol to Maersk Halifax in Singapore. The operation marks the first ethanol bunkering of a retrofitted vessel in Maersk’s fleet. Maersk Halifax is the company’s first container ship to be converted to dual-fuel operation. The […] Maersk has completed what it describes as the world’s largest ethanol bunkering operation, supplying approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of ISCC-certified bioethanol to Maersk Halifax in Singapore. The operation marks the first ethanol bunkering of a retrofitted vessel in Maersk’s fleet.…

Kowatek Solar LTD ( www.Kowatek.com ) observes that two neighbouring markets have moved distributed and grid-support solar from announcement to money, offering a practical template for the segment Nigeria’s new Distributed Renewable Energy Fund is designed to finance. On 2 October 2026 the African Development Bank said Qair’s Gassi and Lamadji hybrid plants in Chad had reached financial close and first disbursement. The projects total 30 MWp of solar with 8 MWh of battery storage, under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Tchadelec. A €37.9 million package was structured by the Bank with Proparco, the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa and the Green Climate Fund.…

Nigeria’s portfolio investment rose by 45% to $6.51 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up from $4.49 billion in the previous quarter, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CBN’s Q2 2026 statistical bulletin showed that portfolio investment increased by approximately $2.03 billion between March and June, reflecting a rise […]

A new bonded warehouse in Kuje, Abuja, is expected to create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years, as Nigeria faces growing demand for inland logistics infrastructure to move increasing cargo volumes beyond its seaports. TRÏNŪ Bonded Warehouse, a subsidiary of Sirlyon Limited, has commissioned a customs-licensed logistics facility with […]