African markets and business updates

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 ...

Gold Fields agreed to acquire BHP's Kambalda Nickel Concentrator (KNC) project in Australia, subject to regulatory approvals, with completion targeted for 2027. The acquisition would give Gold Fields direct access to nickel-processing infrastructure, strengthening its diversification beyond its traditional gold business. The deal comes despite ...

The AI boom has become a powerful driver of global trade, outweighing tariffs and geopolitical shocks The trade outlook has improved, with growth through 2029 now forecast to outpace the previous decade Sub-Saharan Africa recorded strong trade value growth of 11% in the first five months of 2026 U.S.-China ties declined significantly, but U.S. allies are not following the same path Globalization reached a record level of 25.8% Sub-Saharan Africa recorded strong trade value growth in 2026 despite higher tariffs, geopolitical tensions and disruption to major trade routes.…

South Africa's Capitec has demonstrated that a challenger bank can attract large numbers of customers while achieving high profit levels.

Rwanda narrowed its budget deficit to 4.8% of GDP in 2025/26, helped by stronger tax collection and lower fuel subsidy costs. The IMF’s first review could unlock about $35.7 million in new financing after Rwanda met all end-June quantitative performance criteria. Strong economic growth is being accompanied by ...

Liberia plans to build an offshore oil logistics base in Buchanan so more support for future drilling can be handled domestically rather than from neighboring countries. Nigerian group LADOL will finance and conduct the feasibility study and coordinate engineering work for the planned 83.6-hectare facility. The project ...

PAFTRAC's survey of 2,500 business leaders reveals that four in five expect their cross-border activity to increase over the next twelve months, despite AfCFTA implementation hurdles and financing constraints.