African markets and business updates

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Republic of Kenya over the victims of a fire at a girls’ school dormitory in Nakuru County, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries among the students. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Kenya over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.…

The Pitcher Awards, the pan‑African benchmark for creative excellence, has announced the winners of its 2026 edition, celebrating groundbreaking work from across the continent and beyond. This year marks a historic milestone as the festival welcomed entries from Mozambique and the United States of America for the very first time, underscoring its expanding global reach and commitment to celebrating creativity without borders. Reflecting on this year’s achievements, Dr. Nnamdi Ndu , Chairman of the Pitcher Festival…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Office in Accra commemorated the 78th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers with a solemn Flag-Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremony on 29th May, 2026 at the Forecourt of the State House under the theme “Invest in Peace”. Delivering his remarks, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable James Gyakye Quayson (MP) emphasized that peace requires deliberate commitment, strategic investment and collective action.…

Col. Solomon Seium, head of follow-up of national federations and the Olympic and Paralympic committees at the Commission of Culture and Sports, announced that Asmara Marathon 2026 will be held on 7 June on the streets of Asmara. Col. Solomon said that the Asmara Marathon will be held for the seventh time and that athletes from five countries, namely Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Uganda, are expected to take part. Indicating that a 21 km race for female athletes will be organized for the first time…

“Peace doesn’t happen by chance. It is a shared responsibility.” This is the simple but powerful message on the importance of investing in peace issued by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Speaking at an official commemorative ceremony in Juba, Anita Kiki Gbeho, stressed the immense harm caused by persistent conflict in South Sudan…

The World Health Organization (WHO) actively participated in the 2nd Summit on Health Care Integration in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), held from 13 to 15 May 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a meeting that brought together policymakers, experts and partners to promote the integration of healthcare in CPLP countries. The focus of this Summit was the sharing of experiences, evidence and best practices to address the current challenges facing health systems…

Merck Foundation ( www.Merck-Foundation.com ), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their programs in partnership with H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabonese Republic, also the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, the programs which started in 2024 with the aim to transform patient care, build healthcare capacity, break the stigma of infertility, empower women, support girl education in Gabon and the rest of Africa.…

The region's favourite meal may also be its clearest route towards sovereignty, jobs, and regional growth.

Crude Oil: Power, Turnaround and Transformation in Angola – the latest work from NJ Ayuk, widely recognized as Chairman of the African Energy Chamber ( www.EnergyChamber.com ) and one of the most influential voices on African energy policy, investment and industrial development – has emerged as a Top 3 Amazon New Release following its launch on May 20, 2026. The book offers a rigorous and deeply researched examination of Angola’s energy landscape, tracing its evolution through cycles of reform…

The African Energy chamber (AEC) ( ) held high-level meetings in Brazzaville on May 18 with the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), reinforcing a renewed push to accelerate investment, expand LNG infrastructure and strengthen local operational capacity. Discussions centered on positioning Congo as a premier regional gas hub while transforming SNPC into a more active upstream operator with broader international ambitions. Against this backdrop…