African markets and business updates

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, was this evening hosted by Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of #Mauritius. Minister Ramful expressed appreciation to the Chairperson for his visit & for his support to Mauritius’ efforts to host the official launch of the African Credit Rating Agency. They also exchanged on strengthening regional cooperation, including in the area of maritime security.…

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Republic of Zimbabwe following a helicopter crash, which resulted in a number of deaths. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the Republic of Zimbabwe and its people over this tragedy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On 6 October, the 2nd EU-Morocco High-Level Security Dialogue was held in Brussels. Building on the 1st EU-Morocco High-Level Security Dialogue in May 2024 and the EU-Morocco Association Council held in January this year, this iteration forms part of a shared commitment to strengthen political consultations and enhanced co-operation on peace and security. The delegations exchanged views on respective peace and security engagements in the Maghreb and in Africa, including the Sahel region. The talks also covered the security situation in the Middle East, including Iran, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon and Syria, as well as in Ukraine.…

Rwanda recorded the strongest policy and institutional performance among 40 IDA-eligible Sub-Saharan African countries in 2025, with an overall CPIA score of 4.2. Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Cabo Verde, Kenya and Togo were also among the region’s top performers, while 13 countries improved their scores ...

IMF staff and the Rwandan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on policies and reforms needed to complete the first review of Rwanda’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. Upon completion of the review by the IMF Executive Board, Rwanda will have access to approximately US$35.7million. The staff-level agreement reflects strong program performance under the ECF-supported program and the authorities’ continued commitment to prudent policies that safeguard macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while advancing the development agenda.…

The World Bank now expects Sub-Saharan Africa to grow 4.3% in 2026, above the 4.1% projection published earlier this year. Forecasts were upgraded for nearly three-quarters of the region’s economies, including Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Zambia. The stronger outlook comes with a warning ...

Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusu has called for prudent use of public resources as Government prepares the 2027 National Budget, with increased expenditure pressures expected from the expansion in the number of constituencies, salaries, maize arrears and the possible impact of El Niño. Mr Nkulukusu said Government will remain focused on economic stability, inclusive growth and the Grow Zambia Agenda, while ensuring available resources are used efficiently to improve service delivery and living standards. He said the budget hearings will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to identify challenges and propose solutions as Government balances competing demands on public finances.…

President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to move from commitments to action and turn the Lobito Corridor into a catalyst for trade, investment, industrialisation and job creation. Speaking at the 2nd Lobito Corridor Coordinating Meeting in Lusaka today, President Hichilema said the corridor was of vital importance and should strengthen connectivity among the three countries by facilitating the efficient movement of goods, services and people, while opening markets and attracting investment.…

Ethiopia’s central bank is raising the amount of foreign currency offered through regular auctions by 68% this quarter, despite both September sales being undersubscribed. Auction demand has been highly volatile, swinging from heavy oversubscription in August to bids below the amount offered in September.

Ethiopia is hosting the 2026 Joint Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ESAE) and the Pan-African Society of Agricultural Engineers (PASAE), bringing together agricultural engineers, researchers, policymakers, academics, private-sector representatives, technology developers, and development partners from across Africa and beyond.…