African markets and business updates

The South African delegation to the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly on Monday called for a legally binding international instrument to regulate the military use of artificial intelligence (AI). The delegation called for clear safeguards to ensure that AI-enabled systems do not operate beyond meaningful human control during discussions of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security at the Assembly, currently underway in Arusha, Tanzania. A member of the parliamentary delegation, Ms Doris Mpapane, participated in a panel discussion on the role of parliaments in upholding peace in a time of military AI.…

The Ministry of Education has resumed the distribution of school health and hygiene kits across the counties, with teams reaching three schools in Bomi County today. A total of 690 learners, 354 males and 336 females, were reached at: 1. C. H. Dewey Central High School: 400 learners 2. St. Dominic Catholic School: 95 learners 3. Bomi Junior High School: 195 learners The distribution forms part of ongoing efforts to support healthier and safer learning environments for students across Liberia. Distribution will continue in additional counties in the coming days. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Benin has approved a draft 2027 budget of CFAF 4,757 billion ($8.11 billion), up 14.7% from the revised 2026 budget. Spending will prioritize agriculture, industry, tourism, technology, education and healthcare to support economic growth and reduce poverty. Benin projects 7.5% economic growth in ...

Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, CBS hosted a delegation from the Malawi Defence Force Command and Staff College led by the Commandant of Malawi Defence Force Command and Staff College Major General Vincent Moyo. In his remarks, Eng. Tanui underscored the value of sustained partnership, urging that stakeholders "continue to build bridges of knowledge, innovation, and strategic collaboration to ensure a safer, more prosperous, and digitally secure African continent." Later, the delegation engaged Secretary Administration J.N. Kinama, OGW, Director ICT, Cyber Security Division, Pius Cheruiyot, and Lt.…

Shelter Afrique Development Bank plans to raise CFAF 60 billion ($102 million) through its first sustainable bond offering to finance affordable housing across WAEMU. The bonds offer interest rates of 6.10% over five years and 6.30% over seven years, with subscriptions open from October ...

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paul Mashatile, has officially resumed work since the beginning of the week, following his full recovery. The Office of the Deputy President wishes to extend its appreciation to all South Africans and various stakeholders for the messages of goodwill and support. "Your thoughts, prayers and calls have been greatly appreciated," said the Deputy President, "they have all made a positive impact on the journey towards recovery. For that, I am most grateful."…

On October 7, 2026, His Excellency Mr. Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, received a delegation from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) led by Ms. Nelly Banaken, Commissioner for Gender Promotion, Human and Social Development. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the progress of preparations for the third edition of the International Exhibition on Women’s Entrepreneurship in Central Africa, held under the theme: “Central African Women in Action: Economic Integration, Cross-Border Solidarity, and Diaspora Dynamism.” This event, held under the high patronage of Her Excellency Mrs.…

The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on Wednesday expressed concern about waste-management failures and gaps in climate monitoring. The committee warned that weak environmental governance increases risks to communities and the environment. The concerns were raised after a briefing today by the Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on the audit outcomes of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and its entities for the 2025/26 financial year.…

Nationals residing in Europe, the UK, and the US have conducted various activities aimed at strengthening their organizational capacity and awareness. Accordingly, a training-of-trainers program was organized in Malmö, Sweden, under the theme “Progressive Leadership for Sustainable Development.” The training was attended by 48 nationals from 10 European countries, heads of YPFDJ, and heads of Public and Community Affairs at Eritrean missions. At the event, Mr. Fesehatsion Petros, Eritrea’s Ambassador to Italy and non-resident Ambassador to the Scandinavian countries, gave a briefing on the objective situation in the homeland.…

The Ministry of Health, through the National Eye Health Program (NEHP), has joined local and international partners to commemorate World Sight Day, calling for increased investment in eye-care services, specialized health workers, early screening and expanded access to treatment across Liberia. The celebration brought together Ministry of Health officials, eye-health professionals and representatives of Lions Club International, Sightsavers, OneSight, Samaritan’s Purse, the World Health Organization (WHO), Good Vision and New Sight. In a remark, Dr.…