African markets and business updates

France plans to propose additional humanitarian funding for DR Congo’s Ebola response during its upcoming budget discussions. DR Congo’s revised 180-day response plan requires $1.3 billion, more than five times the initial estimate of about $240 million. The outbreak remained active across 63 health zones in seven provinces at ...

President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana is open for business, inviting Indian companies to capitalise on expanding opportunities in the country’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing sectors. Speaking during a courtesy call at the Presidency by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, President Mahama pledged continued policy reforms under the government’s #ResettingGhana agenda and the ‘Accra Reset’ initiative to secure health sovereignty across Africa. Pointing to a rebound in economic fundamentals, Mahama said Ghana is an increasingly attractive destination for global capital. “Ghana’s economy is doing well. It is stable.…

Zambia on October 3rd 2026 hosted American singer, songwriter and dancer Jason Derulo at the Stanbic Music Festival, with Government and industry stakeholders highlighting the event’s potential to promote music, tourism and opportunities for young creatives. Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the festival, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe said the event reflects the growing potential of the country’s creative industry. Mr Chileshe said the creative sector goes beyond performance, creating opportunities in production, event management, content creation, technology, marketing and entrepreneurship.…

Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, Resident Representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Benin, inaugurated on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, two meeting rooms at the Representation, dedicated to the memory of two distinguished figures who left their mark on the history of ECOWAS. They are Marcel de SOUZA, former Chair of the ECOWAS Commission (2016–2018), and Lamine CISSE, founding President of the Union of ECOWAS Nationals.…

Government has committed K3 million towards the completion of the Kwilimuna Youth Resource Centre in Mpongwe, with plans to further develop the facility into a space where young people can access skills training, sports, arts and recreational activities. The investment is expected to support the completion of the Centre and create a stronger foundation for expanding youth services and opportunities in the area. Speaking on the development, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, said the Centre should, once completed, be enhanced with appropriate spaces for sports and arts. Mr.…

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has arrived in the Republic of Mauritius to attend the official launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (#AfCRA), scheduled to take place tomorrow. The Chairperson was received upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by H.E. Ms. Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning of the Republic of Mauritius. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, is training statistical leaders from ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania from October 5th to 09th, 2026, in Monrovia, Liberia, to strengthen leadership and management capacity and enhance the effectiveness of National Statistical Systems (NSS) across the region.…

This evening, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived at Seoul Air Base at the start of his state visit to the Republic of Korea. Upon his arrival, the President was received by the Korean Minister of Environment, the Director of Protocol, Egypt’s Ambassador in Seoul Hazem Zaki, along with members of the Egyptian Embassy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr Kangwa Chileshe, is leading a team of Ministry officials on a series of stakeholder engagements on the Copperbelt aimed at strengthening partnerships and supporting the development of Youth, Sport and Arts. As part of the engagements, Mr Chileshe held discussions with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), focusing on possible areas of partnership and support for the three sectors. The company also expressed interest in partnering with the ministry in the three sectors. Mr Chileshe also engaged artistes from Chingola and Chililabombwe, where he encouraged them to recognise the arts as an important avenue for wealth and job creation.…

Beyond the uniform and demands of duty lies a bond that keeps soldiers together, the spirit of family. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) came together in Kismayo and Dhobley to mark Family Day, providing an opportunity for fellowship, reflection and appreciation of the bonds that unite them while serving away from home. In Kismayo, the celebration was held at St Michael Catholic Church and was graced by the Deputy Sector 2 Commander, Colonel Daniel Musau.…