African markets and business updates

NSF Acting CEO joins Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube and Director-General Sishi in backing Team South Africa. Twenty-nine young South Africans are flying the national flag in Shanghai this week as they take on some of the world's best young skilled professionals at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition, taking place from 22 to 27 September 2026. Team South Africa is competing in 27 skills categories, including Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, Plumbing and Heating, Refrigeration, Construction and Water Technology, among other technical and vocational skills.…

Ghana is taking steps to strengthen its capacity to conduct and oversee high-quality clinical trials, following an assessment of 15 public and private research and health institutions supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), with funding support from the European Union-funded Vax & Pharm Initiative. Clinical trials generate the evidence needed to develop and evaluate vaccines, medicines and other health technologies. Strengthening the institutions that conduct and oversee these studies can help Ghana accelerate health innovation, improve preparedness for health emergencies and expand access to safe and effective health technologies.…

Lesotho’s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, attended the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa and Global Cooperation, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The panel was chaired by Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and brought together senior African leaders and international partners, including H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; H.E. Cheikh Niang, Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of Senegal, representing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye; and H.E.…

Beyond safeguarding the nation and protecting its people, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to contribute to building peaceful, resilient and cohesive communities. Through sustained engagement with young people and local communities, KDF supports initiatives that nurture responsible citizenship, mutual respect and a culture of peaceful coexistence. On Monday, 21 September 2026, KDF, in partnership with the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Secretariat Peace Operations Department, joined students from Lang’ata Barracks Primary and Secondary Schools to commemorate the International Day of Peace.…

Strong communities thrive when education, health, welfare and security reinforce one another, creating an environment in which people can pursue opportunity and build a more resilient future. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) conducted a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activity and Key Leadership Engagement at Hoosingo Junior School, bringing together community leaders, educators, pupils and residents. The engagement was attended by local leaders, including the District Officer and village elders, alongside the school administration and teachers.…

The Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), held a truly forward-looking and substantive meeting, on 20th September 2026, with Her Excellency Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, in the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Their discussions focused on Ghana’s priority areas when President John Mahama assumes the Chair of the AU in 2027 as contained in Ghana’s AU Chairmanship Strategy Document which was commissioned by President Mahama. They also reviewed the state of the AU and President Mahama’s vision for attaining Agenda 2063.…

The Dangote Refinery IPO is set to be the largest share offering in African history and will transform the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The World Health Organization (WHO), through the Pandemic Fund Project, has handed over ICT and media equipment valued at GHS 258,000 to the School of Public Health of the University of Ghana to strengthen teaching, research, knowledge-sharing and documentation. The equipment comprises six laptops, three desktop computers, two television sets and a camera. The support is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s public health workforce and institutional capacity to prevent, detect and respond effectively to public health emergencies.…

For years, Adama watched helplessly as her daughter Jaminatu withdrew from the world around her. Severe burn contractures forced the 11-year-old out of school and into isolation. “Jaminatu couldn’t socialize much for fear of mockery,” Adama revealed. “Those challenges made me cry a lot.” The contractures affecting Jaminatu’s left axilla and elbow severely restricted the movement of her arm, making everyday activities difficult. As a result, Jaminatu spent most of her time alone indoors. “I want to go to school, but I’m unable. Seeing other children do things I’m unable to do breaks my heart,” she shared.…

Strengthening strategic partnerships remains critical to enhancing air power capabilities, operational readiness and professional development. This was underscored during a visit to India by the Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Bernard Waliaula, which provided an important platform to deepen the longstanding defence relationship between the Kenya Air Force and the Indian Air Force. During the visit, the Commander held high-level engagements with the leadership of the Indian Air Force, including the Chief of the Air Staff, Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and other senior defence officials.…