African markets and business updates

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.…

Kenya’s energy story is no longer confined to developing its nascent oil industry or expanding its already substantial renewable power base. In 2026, the country has emerged as a potential hub for both upstream and downstream investment, while continuing to build out the electricity infrastructure needed to support a growing economy, with Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum James Opiyo Wandayi set to bring Kenya’s evolving energy agenda to African Energy Week 2026. At the center of that shift is the proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu, which Dangote Industries plans to develop at a cost of around $15-16 billion.…

The Council today agreed to strengthen EU support to the Djibouti Armed Forces under an existing assistance measure adopted in 2025 through the European Peace Facility. The financial support provided will increase from €10 million to €20 million . This increase in the financial reference amount reflects the strengthening of the EU-Djibouti partnership in the field of security and defence and reinforces the EU's support for Djibouti's efforts to enhance maritime security in the region. Today's decision further contributes to the EU's broader efforts to provide an integrated response to the deteriorating security situation in and around the Red Sea and to safeguard freedom of navigation.…

The French diplomat also discussed with General Diop the security situation in the ECOWAS region. The two leaders addressed the security challenges hindering peace and stability in West Africa, including terrorism, organized crime, insecurity, cybercrime, cross-border crime, misinformation, and disinformation. Marc Fonbaustier reiterated France’s commitment to further supporting ECOWAS’s efforts to address these challenges and promote regional peace, security, and stability. He congratulated the new Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission and assured him of his support in fulfilling and successfully carrying out his mission within the regional organization. Gen.…

Visa ( www.Visa.co.in ), a global leader in digital payments, announced today renowned Congolese music superstar Fally Ipupa as the official Brand Ambassador for Visa Pay, during an exclusive media event in Kinshasa. The partnership marks a significant milestone for digital payments and financial inclusion in the DRC, bringing together one of Africa’s most influential cultural icons and a global payments leader to make digital payments more accessible, convenient and relevant to millions of consumers in support of the Central Bank's 2027 cashless agenda.…

New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service strengthens Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and supports growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets DHL Express ( www.DHL.com ) has marked an important milestone in its regional aviation network with the successful operation of the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa. The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter.…

Growing up in Djibouti, Lt. Col. Ahmed Adan Abdullahi dreamed of becoming a military officer, a childhood ambition he realised years later. Today, Lt. Col. Ahmed commands the 13th Djiboutian National Defence Forces (DNDF) Battalion serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Sector 4. Based in Beletweyne, he oversees Djiboutian forces deployed across Beletweyne, Buula Burde, Jalalaqsi and Dhusamareb. For Lt. Col. Ahmed, becoming a military officer is not simply a career achievement. It is the fulfilment of a long-held dream and an opportunity to serve his country and support the people of Somalia.…

The UN World Health Organization ( WHO ) said on Monday that 20,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have been allocated for the research vaccination programme in Ituri province. The aim of the trial is to improve understanding of how effective the vaccine is against Ebola Bundibugyo virus – and to protect individuals most exposed to it. Under the microscope The Ervebo vaccine has been “highly effective” against Ebola Zaire virus in the past, but it is not yet known whether it can provide “meaningful protection” against Ebola Bundibugyo disease, which is still spreading in the DRC.…

Faith, family unity and spiritual growth is fundamental to nurturing a strong and resilient military community. In this spirit, Roman Catholic faith and their families gathered at St Raphael Catholic Church, Defence Force Memorial Hospital (DFMH), for a Family Day and Confirmation Mass, an occasion that brought together worship, fellowship and celebration. The event provided a unique opportunity for families to step away from their daily routines and share moments of prayer, reflection and togetherness. Beyond the spiritual significance, the celebration reinforced the importance of family support in promoting the wellbeing, morale and resilience of service personnel.…