Africa Business News

In Senegal's Saint-Louis, traces of slave-trading past are being erased

In Senegal's Saint-Louis, traces of slave-trading past are being erased

August 20, 2026

The first French trading post in sub-Saharan Africa was established in Senegal's Saint-Louis in 1659 and the island soon became a holding point for thousands of captive Africans before they were shipped abroad. But Saint-Louis' role in the transatlantic slave trade is little known.

UAE's indefinite trade embargo puts further pressure on Iranian economy

UAE's indefinite trade embargo puts further pressure on Iranian economy

August 20, 2026

Analysts say the decision will deepen the hardship of ordinary Iranians already under strain.

DRC: M23 tightens movement controls as Ebola outbreak surpasses 5,000 cases

DRC: M23 tightens movement controls as Ebola outbreak surpasses 5,000 cases

August 20, 2026

The AFC/M23 rebel alliance in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is tightening restrictions on movement after two travellers from a government-held area tested positive for Ebola in rebel territory, adding another challenge to efforts to contain the country’s rapidly expanding outbreak.

DRC: Will the copper export ban finally deliver mineral sovereignty? {Business Africa}

DRC: Will the copper export ban finally deliver mineral sovereignty? {Business Africa}

August 20, 2026

The DRC’s cobalt and copper export ban targets billions in refining margins—but a 2,000-megawatt power shortfall could threaten its industrial ambitions, while Zambia’s copper boom is attracting billions in green-energy investment, but citizens are asking: who really benefits?

Tibetan protesters in New Dehli denounce China with shaved heads and prayers

Tibetan protesters in New Dehli denounce China with shaved heads and prayers

August 20, 2026

Hundreds of Tibetan exiles gathered in New Delhi on Thursday, 20 August, to protest against China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.

Zambian opposition leader to challenge presidential poll results in court

Zambian opposition leader to challenge presidential poll results in court

August 20, 2026

Brian Mundubile alleges his campaign documented 'serious irregularities' and inconsistences in the conduct, counting, transmission, and declaration of results.

Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis

Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis

August 20, 2026

South Korea held a nationwide civil defence drill on Thursday, 20 August, as part of the annual Ulchi Exercise, with authorities rehearsing responses to a national emergency such as an air raid.

Former Zambian minister killed in post-election security raid

Former Zambian minister killed in post-election security raid

August 20, 2026

A former Zambian cabinet minister was shot dead during a security operation at the home of opposition leader Brian Mundubile, police said Wednesday, days after President Hakainde Hichilema won a second term amid opposition claims of irregularities and intimidation.

Former Liberian vice president charged in transnational drug probe

Former Liberian vice president charged in transnational drug probe

August 20, 2026

Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offences in an investigation into an alleged transnational narcotics network.

Kyiv residents rescued as Russian strikes damage buildings across the city

Kyiv residents rescued as Russian strikes damage buildings across the city

August 20, 2026

Russia’s overnight missile barrage killed at least 12 people in Kyiv on Thursday, 20 August, as residents were rescued from damaged buildings and firefighters battled fires across the capital.

Regional body says Haiti need help ahead of holding first election in a decade

Regional body says Haiti need help ahead of holding first election in a decade

August 20, 2026

The Caribbean country is due to hold its first polls in a decade amid ongoing violence by gangs who control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

China showcases next‑gen humanoid robots as US curbs push firms abroad

China showcases next‑gen humanoid robots as US curbs push firms abroad

August 20, 2026

At the World Robot Conference in Beijing on 19 August, more than 300 companies displayed humanoid, industrial and service robots, highlighting the sector’s push into factories and commercial settings.

Death toll rises above 100 in Central African Republic mine collapse

Death toll rises above 100 in Central African Republic mine collapse

August 20, 2026

The death toll from a gold mine collapse in western Central African Republic has risen above 100, with several others still missing or trapped underground. The disaster struck an artisanal mine near the Cameroon border, highlighting the dangers facing thousands of informal miners.

Senegal opposition presses president to set local election date

Senegal opposition presses president to set local election date

August 20, 2026

Senegal’s opposition is urging President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a date for local elections, turning the vote into a potential early showdown with former ally Ousmane Sonko.

UN flag at half-mast to honour humanitarian workers killed in line of duty

UN flag at half-mast to honour humanitarian workers killed in line of duty

August 19, 2026

Marking World Humanitarian Day on Wednesday, the United Nations flag was lowered to half-mast at the UN headquarters in Nairobi. The gesture recognises the humanitarian workers who lost their lives while serving others.

Tanzanian newspaper suspended for six months over report on government divisions

Tanzanian newspaper suspended for six months over report on government divisions

August 19, 2026

Tanzania has suspended a weekly newspaper for six months over alleged breaches of media law, the information ministry said Wednesday, after the outlet published a story alleging government divisions.

Sudan war: 318 RSF fighters defect to army in latest blow to paramilitary

Sudan war: 318 RSF fighters defect to army in latest blow to paramilitary

August 19, 2026

Sudan’s army says 318 Rapid Support Forces fighters, including four commanders, have defected and joined its ranks in the latest apparent surrender by paramilitary personnel. The move comes as defections increase and fighting continues to devastate the country more than three years into the war.

Inflation and security top voter concerns as Nigeria election campaign kicks off

Inflation and security top voter concerns as Nigeria election campaign kicks off

August 19, 2026

Campaigning for Nigeria’s general election got underway on Wednesday and voters are already making one thing clear: they want straight answers from the candidates about how they’ll improve the lives of citizens.

Wembanyama named France captain as star returns to Les Bleus

Wembanyama named France captain as star returns to Les Bleus

August 19, 2026

Victor Wembanyama has been named captain of France for four games in August, marking a new leadership role for the NBA star as he returns to the national team. The 22-year-old will lead a squad featuring veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier in World Cup qualifying.

South Africa: Consumer inflation rate eases in July for first time in five months

South Africa: Consumer inflation rate eases in July for first time in five months

August 19, 2026

Statistics SA attributes the slowdown to softer food inflation, slower municipal tariff increases, and lower fuel prices.

Kenya helicopter crash kills seven in Samburu, including six tourists

Kenya helicopter crash kills seven in Samburu, including six tourists

August 19, 2026

Seven people, including six tourists and the pilot, have died after a helicopter came down near Mount Ololokwe in central Kenya, according to air accident officials.

Chad welcomes back French military less than two years ending defence agreement

Chad welcomes back French military less than two years ending defence agreement

August 19, 2026

Less than two years after France handed back its last military base in Chad, the two countries appear to be rebuilding their military ties.

Infrastructure centre of South Africa's agenda as chair of SADC

Infrastructure centre of South Africa's agenda as chair of SADC

August 19, 2026

South Africa says it’s putting infrastructure development at the centre of its agenda as chair of the Southern African Development Community.

DR Congo says Ebola cases exceed 5,000 with 2,378 deaths

DR Congo says Ebola cases exceed 5,000 with 2,378 deaths

August 19, 2026

Responders are warning the deadly haemorrhagic virus is spreading at an unprecedented rate, outpacing efforts to slow it in the remote eastern part of the country.

Russia and Ukraine Exchange 103 Prisoners Each in Latest Swap

Russia and Ukraine Exchange 103 Prisoners Each in Latest Swap

August 19, 2026

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 103 prisoners each in their latest wartime swap, with the United Arab Emirates acting as mediator. The release offers another rare point of cooperation between the two sides as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain largely stalled.

UN calls on Zambia to stop arbitrary arrests of opposition figures

UN calls on Zambia to stop arbitrary arrests of opposition figures

August 19, 2026

The United Nations rights chief has called on Zambia to stop arbitrary arrests and uphold the rights of all those detained. The statement from UN High Commissioner Volker Türk follows reports of arrests and detention of opposition figures in Zambia before and after Thursday’s election.

Dozens killed in Central African Republic gold mine collapse

Dozens killed in Central African Republic gold mine collapse

August 19, 2026

A landslide at an illegal gold mine in the western Central African Republic has killed several dozen people, with local sources estimating the toll at up to 100. Rescue teams are searching for survivors as authorities struggle to establish the final death toll.

ICC slams United States sanctions against top court staff

ICC slams United States sanctions against top court staff

August 19, 2026

It measures against the ICC president and a senior trial lawyer are the latest salvo by Washington against the court which it accuses of being "politicised".

Ebola fears keep pregnant women away from healthcare in eastern DRC

Ebola fears keep pregnant women away from healthcare in eastern DRC

August 19, 2026

Fear of Ebola is keeping pregnant women away from healthcare facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, raising the risk of stillbirths, premature births and maternal deaths as the country's deadliest Ebola outbreak continues to disrupt routine medical care.

Children in Khartoum slowly return back to school amid war

Children in Khartoum slowly return back to school amid war

August 19, 2026

It’s a new school day in Khartoum, where children are slowly returning to classrooms as security improves. But recovery will be long, with damaged schools, overcrowded classes and too few teachers and supplies.

Kenya triples long-term power target for renewable energy

Kenya triples long-term power target for renewable energy

August 19, 2026

The plan aims to expand the use of nuclear and geothermal energy, but this may not make prices more affordable for consumers.

Bayern Munich's Musiala reveals neurological issue after second collapse

Bayern Munich's Musiala reveals neurological issue after second collapse

August 19, 2026

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala says he is dealing with a neurological condition after collapsing during a preseason game for the second time in four days. The Germany international says he has been diagnosed with temporary absence seizures and is receiving medical care.

WHO chief says the DR Congo's Ebola outbreak remains a global emergency

WHO chief says the DR Congo's Ebola outbreak remains a global emergency

August 19, 2026

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was moving faster than any previous one and had a high risk of spreading to other countries in the region.

Libya’s power crisis deepens as UN warns of fuel diversion and infrastructure strain

Libya’s power crisis deepens as UN warns of fuel diversion and infrastructure strain

August 19, 2026

Libya’s worsening power crisis is putting pressure on critical infrastructure and fueling public frustration over deteriorating living conditions.

Nigeria election 2027: Can Tinubu win a second term as cost of living bites?

Nigeria election 2027: Can Tinubu win a second term as cost of living bites?

August 19, 2026

Campaigning kicks off in Nigeria Wednesday, five months ahead of elections set to be dominated by crushing inflation and President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms.

Somalia: Dozens killed in fighting to control key city of Baidoa

Somalia: Dozens killed in fighting to control key city of Baidoa

August 19, 2026

Armed forces repelled rebel fighters in the key city after hours of intense fighting that left nearly 100 wounded.

Nigerian influencer arrested over alleged international cocaine trafficking network

Nigerian influencer arrested over alleged international cocaine trafficking network

August 19, 2026

Nigerian authorities have arrested a social media personality they say was a senior figure in an international cocaine trafficking operation following the seizure of 184.5kg of the drug in Lagos.

Liberia agrees to accept up to 1,200 US deportees under Trump migration deal

Liberia agrees to accept up to 1,200 US deportees under Trump migration deal

August 19, 2026

Liberia has agreed to accept hundreds of people deported from the United States, in one of the largest such arrangements under the Trump administration’s migration policy. The deportees will arrive over a year, with the first group of 20 expected Thursday.

Angélique Kidjo makes history as first black African honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angélique Kidjo makes history as first black African honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame

August 19, 2026

Five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo on Tuesday became the first Black African to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

WHO says attacks on ambulances affecting DRC Ebola response

WHO says attacks on ambulances affecting DRC Ebola response

August 19, 2026

Hostility from local communities at the heart of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is leading to regular attacks on WHO ambulances, one of the lead doctors involved in the epidemic response says at a briefing.

Zimbabwe: Lake Kariba ferry disaster death toll rises to 94

Zimbabwe: Lake Kariba ferry disaster death toll rises to 94

August 18, 2026

The death toll from a ferry disaster in Zimbabwe last week rose to 94 on Tuesday, police said, with the recovery of two more bodies

Israel strikes Syrian airbase, drawing US and Turkish condemnation

Israel strikes Syrian airbase, drawing US and Turkish condemnation

August 18, 2026

Israel has carried out eight airstrikes on a Syrian military airbase in the northwest, damaging its runway and storage facilities, according to Syrian state media. The attack drew condemnation from Damascus and Ankara and criticism from a US envoy who called it an “unnecessary escalation.”

Senegal elite girls' school empowers students to imagine a new future

Senegal elite girls' school empowers students to imagine a new future

August 18, 2026

At the Mariama Ba School of Excellence, students are encouraged to challenge what has traditionally been expected of girls across the predominantly Muslim West African nation

Patrick Vieira takes charge of Senegal after World Cup disappointment

Patrick Vieira takes charge of Senegal after World Cup disappointment

August 18, 2026

Senegal have appointed former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, turning to the Dakar-born France legend to rebuild the national team after a disappointing World Cup campaign and the dismissal of Pape Thiaw.

Ramaphosa urges regional countries to tackle irregular migration

Ramaphosa urges regional countries to tackle irregular migration

August 18, 2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa called regional leaders Monday for joint efforts to tackle migration to South Africa, after a backlash against foreign nationals that led thousands to flee

Ethiopia: Authorities in Tigray accuse Addis Ababa of drone strike near Mekelle

Ethiopia: Authorities in Tigray accuse Addis Ababa of drone strike near Mekelle

August 18, 2026

Authorities in Ethiopia's Tigray region have accused the federal government of launching a drone strike near the state capital Mekelle. Tensions between Tigray and Addis Ababa have been mounting in recent weeks, with both parties massing forces on either side of the regional border.

Gazans turn to gold as hedge against financial uncertainty

Gazans turn to gold as hedge against financial uncertainty

August 18, 2026

Palestinians buy gold at jewellery shops in downtown Gaza City, as the precious metal commodity in the war-torn territory is increasingly becoming their hedge against financial uncertainty

Senegal tightens asset disclosure rules amid Faye-Sonko rift

Senegal tightens asset disclosure rules amid Faye-Sonko rift

August 18, 2026

Senegal’s parliament has approved a law requiring the president, prime minister and speaker of parliament to declare and publish their assets both when taking office and when leaving, amid a growing political rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former prime minister Ousmane Sonko.

Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until US meets Iran's demands, top negotiator says

Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until US meets Iran's demands, top negotiator says

August 18, 2026

More than five months into the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's parliament speaker says the waterway will remain closed until the US meets Tehran's demands. The announcement comes as a ship transiting the Strait was hit and damaged by an "unknown projectile," resulting in a crew...

OAS, CARICOM back Haiti security and election efforts

OAS, CARICOM back Haiti security and election efforts

August 18, 2026

A high-level OAS and CARICOM delegation has arrived in Haiti to support efforts to restore security, strengthen state institutions and prepare for elections, as authorities seek to counter gang violence and create conditions for a December presidential and legislative vote.

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