African markets and business updates

As part of her virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform, “Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact,” Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation ( ) , has published a new leadership article titled “Leadership Beyond the Obvious: Universal Rights Need Local Understanding.” Through the article, Dr. Kelej reflects on why universal principles must be translated into action that responds to local realities, priorities, cultural contexts and the needs of the communities being served. To read the full article and access the platform, visit: Speaking about the article, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)…

Liberia will launch its 2026 offshore direct negotiation licensing round in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) using a Houston investor event to outline acreage opportunities, regulatory terms and data supporting the next exploration cycle. The strategy was presented in Houston during Liberia Investor Day, organized in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, where LPRA Director General Marilyn Logan outlined the authority’s mandate, licensing framework and approach to attracting companies with different levels of tactical readiness.…

The Western Cape Government has invested over R30 million into a shared sports facility at Lentegeur Senior Secondary School and Cornflower Primary School in Mitchells Plain. Learners from 68 other schools in the area now have access to two rugby fields, a cricket oval with three pitches and three practice cricket nets, a clubhouse, and an artificial surface for rugby, football and hockey. The Western Cape School Sport Strategy commits R130 million over three years, with 624 no-fee and low-fee schools set to receive sport equipment.…

The refinery in Lamu County is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day from its planned completion in 40 months.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) ( www.Afreximbank.com ) congratulates the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya, led by H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto, on the groundbreaking of the Dangote oil refinery in Lamu. The landmark investment has the potential to significantly expand Africa’s refining capacity, strengthen regional energy security and accelerate the continent’s transition from exporting raw materials to trading value-added products. The approximately US$16 billion refinery is planned to have capacity to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is expected to create approximately 60,000 jobs.…

Africa's Green Economy Summit (AGES) has launched the preview brochure for its 5th edition, taking place in Cape Town from 23 to 26 February 2027. The City of Cape Town has been confirmed as host city once again, continuing a partnership that has anchored AGES in the city since its earlier editions. The launch comes as the world turns its attention to COP31, the UN Climate Change Conference. AGES is positioned to carry that global momentum forward, turning the commitments and conversations of COP31 into the partnerships and financing decisions that deliver Africa's sustainable development on the ground.…

In its first full financial year, ended 30 June 2026, and the first since the merger of ENL and Rogers, ER Group ( ) recorded revenue of MUR 46.3 billion (USD 969 million) and profit after tax of MUR 5.4 billion (USD 113 million), excluding non-recurring items. The Group exceeded the operating profit target announced during the year and reduced its gearing. This financial strength is translating into concrete progress in Mauritius, from tea cultivation to electric mobility and sustainable finance, and into new steps across the region, which the Group will build on through its strategic plan to 2029.…

GE Vernova ( www.GEVernova.com ) and PROTEC today celebrated the graduation of 27 students from Next Engineers Engineering Academy, a global college- and career-readiness programme designed to help increase opportunities for young people in engineering. The graduation ceremony, held at The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, marks the programme’s third graduating class and highlights its contribution towards bridging the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills gap in South Africa, exposing learners to hands-on engineering experiences and career pathways.…

Strengthening defence cooperation, professional engagement and military-to-military relations formed the focus of a courtesy call by the Commander of the French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ), Brigadier General Olivier Poncet, on the Commander Kenya Air Force (KAF), Major General Bernard Waliaula, at KAF Headquarters, Moi Air Base, on 30 September 2026. The engagement provided an opportunity for the two commanders to discuss matters of mutual interest and review areas of existing cooperation between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the French Forces in Djibouti.…

Senior Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) leaders have received prestigious French national decorations in recognition of their distinguished service and contribution to strengthening defence and security cooperation between Kenya and France. During a ceremony held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at the Residence of France in Nairobi, the French Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Wadid Benaabou, conferred the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) on Lieutenant General John Omenda and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Gense. Lieutenant General David K. C.…