African markets and business updates

The Government of Lesotho has set a target to ensure that all Basotho have access to electricity by 2030 through the implementation of the Mission 300 and Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation ( ASCENT) programme in Lesotho. Speaking at the press briefing, Minister of Energy and Mining Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane said the ministry has a mandate to ensure that all Basotho households are connected to electricity, adding that the government is working towards achieving universal electricity access. He said the target will be achieved through grid extension, mini-grids or solar home systems, with the programme expected to benefit about 14,000 households.…

The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) has engaged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to assess the implementation, progress and challenges confronting five major government programmes aimed at transforming Ghana’s land and natural resource sector. The meeting focused on the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development (rCOMSDEP), Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, Reclamation of degraded land sites, and Green Mining, with emphasis on identifying bottlenecks and accelerating the delivery of results.…

The African Development Bank has activated a $10 million guarantee with Exim Bank Tanzania to cover up to 100% of eligible non-payment risks for confirming banks. The facility is expected to support up to $60 million in trade transactions over three years, including imports of fertilizer, ...

Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary General of the Common Wealth paid a courtesy call to Hon. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kampala. The meeting was a buildup of a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Hon. Ayabare’s inaugural participation at the 81st UNGA as Minister of Foreign Affairs, where they discussed good governance, Uganda’s participation in the forthcoming CHOGM Summit in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1-4, 2026 and Hon. Botchwey’s visit to Uganda from 7th - 9th October, 2026. Hon.…

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina says the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is making a significant contribution to the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in South Africa. The Deputy Minister was speaking in Johannesburg recently at the culmination of this year's Eskom Expo International Science Fair. The two-day event, held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, brought together 316 selected young scientists from 35 Eskom Expo regions across South Africa and 24 international participants from Brazil, India, Ireland, Russia, Lesotho and Namibia, among others who participated virtually.…

Zimbabwe's foreign currency inflows increased 33.7% year-on-year to $15.9 billion in the first nine months of 2026, generating a cumulative surplus of $4.3 billion. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe raised foreign exchange reserves to nearly $2 billion in September from $1.4 billion in June, strengthening external buffers.

Rwanda has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the first review of its Extended Credit Facility programme after meeting all measurable targets for June 2026. The agreement could unlock about $35.7 million after the IMF Executive Board completes its review in December.

Deputy President Mashatile on Wednesday, 07 October 2026, met with the Steering Committee as they continue the important work of building a National Dialogue that is inclusive, credible and responsive to the aspirations of South Africans. Over the past months, different sectors have been meeting, hosting dialogues and engaging on issues affecting the people of South Africa. Among the notable developments are the following: - The Youth Sector has developed its own coordination framework, resolved internal organisational matters, and commenced preparations for youth-led dialogue processes.…

PETROSEN, Qatar Foundation, Ville de Dakar, Wave Côte d’Ivoire and Woodside Energy Support Refurbishments, Including First BAL4HER Courts on the Continent Refurbishments Support NBA Africa’s Commitment to Build or Renovate 1,000 Courts on the Continent Over the Next Decade The Basketball Africa League (BAL) ( www.BAL.NBA.com ) today announced that the league is unveiling six newly refurbished basketball courts in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Senegal in support of NBA Africa’s commitment to build or renovate 1,000 courts across the continent over the next decade. Collectively, the courts are expected to reach thousands of youth and community members annually.…

Gold Fields has agreed to acquire BHP’s Kambalda Nickel Concentrator and associated mineral rights in Western Australia, expanding its direct exposure to nickel. The deal would add dedicated nickel-processing infrastructure to a portfolio still dominated by gold, while complementing Gold Fields’ existing copper production and stake ...