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issue 639 | 26 Apr 2026

World

Global aviation faces turbulence as Iran crisis, costs reshape outlook

The global aviation industry is enjoying one of its strongest recovery phases in recent years, but emerging geopolitical tensions, rising operating costs and supply chain disruptions are beginning to cloud the outlook, industry experts warn. Latest data from the International Air Transport Association shows air cargo demand rose by 11.2% in February 2026 compared to a year earlier, supported by stronger global trade, improving manufacturing activity and resilient supply chains. Passenger demand also remained robust, rising by 6.1%, with airlines recording record February load factors of 81.4%, signalling strong recovery momentum across both passenger and cargo segments. Despite this positive trajectory, aviation stakeholders caution that the outlook remains fragile due to escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, where ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran are already disrupting global air operations.

Source: The Citizen

World

Lusophone Compact Steering Committee meets in Washington, D.C. to enhance cooperation among its members and partners

The Lusophone Compact has convened its 8th Steering Committee Meeting at the headquarters of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. The gathering brought together Deputy Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, Dr Olavo Avelino Garcia Correia, and governors of all eight member countries – Brazil, Angola, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The meeting, held on 15 April, was convened under the leadership of Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, and Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Regional Vice President for Africa. The meeting reviewed progress achieved under the 2024–2027 Work Program, covering the reporting period from June 2025 to April 2026, and set the strategic course for the Compact’s next phase of implementation. A defining moment for the Compact was the 12-month extension of the Lusophone Compact Guarantee Programme, signed in February 2026, alongside the deployment of its first-ever guaranteed transaction. Cabeólica wind energy expansion in Cabo Verde has been added to the reference portfolio with 85% principal loan coverage, demonstrating the programme’s capacity to crowd in private capital. Three further projects are currently under assessment for inclusion. The Compact’s institutional partners have significantly deepened their engagement across the region.

Source: AfDB

World

Solar becomes biggest supplier of global electricity demand growth

Global energy demand grew by 1.3% in 2025, slowing from 2% in 2024. At the same time, solar photovoltaic (PV) became the largest single source of global energy supply for the first time, meeting more than 25% of the world’s electricity demand, followed by natural gas, which accounted for 17%. This was the first time on record that a renewable energy source contributed the largest share of growth in global energy demand. The 600 terawatt-hour (TWh) increase in solar PV was the largest-ever increase in electricity generation from a single source in one year (outside the post-COVID-19 recovery period). This rise in solar PV met ~70% of electricity generation growth. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says renewables “now virtually match total global generation from coal”. “Low-emissions sources combined – solar, wind, nuclear, hydropower and other renewables – contributed nearly 60% of the growth in global demand,” said the IEA in its Global Energy Review 2026. “Global renewable generation increased by around 8.5% year-on-year in 2025, slightly slower than the 9.6% rise observed in 2024 but much faster than the around 6% average of the previous decade. “This was despite declines in hydropower output in Europe and Eurasia and lower-than-normal wind speeds, particularly in Europe, which tempered growth. “Solar PV saw its largest-ever increase in generation, rising by about 600 TWh. About 55% took place in China, but growth was otherwise broad-based geographically,” the IEA explained.

Source: ESI Africa

Africa

Africa pulls in USD16-billion in early 2026 as investors make fewer, bigger bets on infrastructure

Africa’s private capital market opened 2026 with a surge in value, even as the number of deals slowed, pointing to a shift in how investors are approaching the continent. Total disclosed deal value reached USD16.1-billion in the first quarter, according to Stears’ latest Private Capital in Africa Activity Report, while transaction volume fell to 172 deals, down from 188 in the previous quarter and 201 a year earlier. Rather than signalling a downturn, the data reflects a clear pivot toward fewer, larger investments focused on critical sectors. That shift was most visible in Nigeria, where two transactions alone reshaped the quarter. The USD6.2-billion MTN–IHS deal and the USD4-billion Dangote Refinery financing together accounted for roughly two-thirds of total disclosed value. The scale of these deals highlights sustained investor appetite for infrastructure-heavy assets, particularly in telecommunications and energy, two sectors widely seen as essential to unlocking growth across Africa’s largest economy. This trend aligns with bigger global capital movements. As interest rates remain relatively high in advanced economies and risk appetite stays selective, investors are increasingly concentrating funds in projects with clear, long-term returns. In Africa, that often means infrastructure, where demand remains structurally strong and gaps are still wide.

Source: Business Insider Africa

Africa

African ports advance data harmonisation to strengthen competitiveness and investment readiness

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has convened a workshop for 104 port statisticians and maritime stakeholders from across Africa under the African Ports Connectivity Portal Project. Held in Abidjan from 23 to 27 March 2026, the five-day Data Validation and Capacity Building Workshop set out to validate data to be used in the project, and to strengthen capacity in aligning port performance measurement practices through the introduction of a harmonised set of key performance indicators and the African Port Index.Through interactive discussions and technical support, the workshop fostered knowledge exchange and built consensus on best practices for data management. It also marked a key milestone in the preparation of the African Port Data Book 2025 and the development of the African Port Index – two flagship outputs aimed at strengthening data-driven decision-making and improving the performance of Africa’s port sector. The participants represented 38 port authorities from across the continent, including 21 from Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, 12 from Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa, and five from Union of Port Administrations of Northern Africa. In addition, five continental industry bodies were represented by six delegates, highlighting the broad engagement and collaboration across Africa’s maritime sector.

Source: AfDB

Africa

EU and AfCFTA Secretariat strengthen their partnership to promote intra-African trade and investment

The European Union (EU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 20 April 2026, strengthening their partnership to accelerate the AfCFTA, which is the largest free trade area in the world. The EU-AfCFTA partnership ambitions to boost regional and continental economic integration on the African continent and to align European and African interests along strategic priorities. The MoU was signed by Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, on the sidelines of the EU-Ethiopia Business Forum which took place from 20–22 April in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The MoU builds on the broader AU-EU partnership based on the Joint Vision for 2030 reaffirmed at the 7th AU-EU Summit last year in Luanda, where EU and African heads of state and government committed to continue promoting a prosperous, stable, and sustainable Africa and Europe. “With this MoU, the [EU] reaffirms its commitment to support the economic and trade integration of the African continent under the AfCFTA in order to boost new investment opportunities on the continent for African and European businesses, sustainable growth, and decent jobs for African citizens”, remarked Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships.

Source: EU External Action

Botswana

Botswana flags BWP6.29-billion in illicit money flows

Botswana has recorded an estimated BWP6.29-billion in suspected proceeds of crime, according to a National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment, which rates the country’s overall money laundering risk as medium, driven by oversight gaps and regulation lapses. The assessment, coordinated by the country's financial authorities, including the central bank and enforcement agencies such as the Financial Intelligence Authority, consolidates sector-level risks into a single national framework. This year, the report identified five dominant domestic predicate offences generating illicit proceeds over the review period: tax crimes, obtaining by false pretence, corruption, fraud, and stealing by servant. Tax crimes emerged as the highest-risk domestic source of illicit funds, driven largely by underdeclaration of income and non-remittance of PAYE.

Source: Mmegi

Botswana / Oman

Botswana signs energy and mineral exploration deals with Oman

Botswana's president has clinched multiple agreements with Oman, including on mineral exploration, oil storage infrastructure and renewable power, during a visit to the Gulf nation designed to strengthen economic ties, the Presidency said recently. Botswana has been seeking to engage Gulf states as part of its strategy to diversify beyond diamond mining and into critical minerals such as copper, gold, graphite, and iron ore. President Duma Boko presided over ⁠the signing of deals with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, the Presidency said. They included a joint mineral exploration deal under which Botswana will seek to increase mining exploration, targeting unexplored areas covering roughly 70% of its territory. Revenue from diamond sales, which typically account for about a third of Botswana's national revenue, has fallen as the global diamond market has been weakened by economic uncertainty and the rise in popularity of lab-grown stones.

Source: Reuters

Cameroon

Cameroon seeks F.CFA890-billion to rebuild key Douala–Bangui trade corridor

Cameroon estimates it will need around F.CFA890-billion to rehabilitate the Douala–Bangui road corridor, a key route for trade with the Central African Republic and a strategic link for Central Africa’s economy. The section within Cameroon stretches close to 800 km. The Ministry of Public Works designed the programme to reduce transport costs and shorten travel times along the corridor. Authorities also expect it to open up remote areas, improve living conditions for local populations, and support economic activity. The project is structured in three phases. The first phase, scheduled to start in 2027, is estimated at F.CFA425-billion. It includes the reconstruction of the Yaoundé–Douala road, with priority given to the most damaged and heavily used sections, the construction of a second bridge over the Dibamba River, and rehabilitation work along the Yaoundé–Ayos–Bonis–Bertoua–Garoua Boulaï route. This phase will also cover reforms related to road maintenance and axle load control, as well as preparatory studies for the second phase. It includes support for access to basic services for refugees in the Central African Republic. The government is counting on partners such as the World Bank, the French Development Agency, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank to finance this stage. According to the ministry, it should restore traffic on priority sections and improve road safety. The second phase will focus on improving the corridor’s logistics. It is expected to fund trade facilitation measures, logistics upgrades, transport cost reductions, and smoother border crossings. Planned to begin in 2028, this stage will also strengthen the institutional framework and prepare for greater private sector involvement.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Cameroon

Cameroon’s shrimp sector moves to meet EU, US export requirements

Cameroon is working to regain access to European and American shrimp markets, launching a training drive to bring the country's export practices in line with regulatory standards that have barred its products from those trade routes. A two-day workshop held in Douala from 15–16 April, brought together shrimp industry operators, government agencies and technical partners to close compliance gaps in traceability, hygiene and food-contact materials – the areas where Cameroonian exporters have fallen short of requirements enforced by the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). The event was organised under the Fish4ACP programme, a Food and Agriculture Organization-led initiative funded by the EU and Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, which holds ISO 17025 accreditation for food and environmental quality control, delivered the technical content. Cameroon's shrimp sector generates roughly USD85-million a year, according to a Fish4ACP and Institute of Fisheries Sciences assessment, with industrial operators accounting for about 80% of catches and artisanal fishers the remainder. The sector employs around 2 000 people, a third of them women.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Democratic Republic of the Congo / South Africa

DRC minister to sign Inga-3 supply contracts with South Africa as USD250-million unlocks 18-year stalemate

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will sign electricity supply contracts with South Africa tied to the Inga-3 hydropower project, Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity Aimé Sakombi Molendo confirmed recently at the Invest in African Energy forum in Paris. “I will meet my South African counterpart so that we can renew our instruments, sign our electricity supply contracts, and multiply the capacity of the project,” he said. Inga-3, which carries a potential installed capacity of 32 000 MW, stagnated for 18 years before the current government secured USD250-million to advance it. The minister also flagged the Tumba Epuita project at 1 450 MW, for which detailed studies have been completed, with half of its output earmarked for the mining sector. The DRC’s broader hydro potential stands at 167 000 MW across more than 350 sites, though only one in five Congolese currently has access to electricity – up from 8% to 22% in recent years. “We want to transform the potential into effective supply,” Molendo said. “All investors are welcome – we need real partners.”

Source: Prospect

Democratic Republic of the Congo / United States

DRC signs major deal to supply copper to the US

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is sharply increasing copper exports to the United States (US), marking a decisive shift in global minerals trade and signalling a move to rebalance its long-standing reliance on Chinese buyers. State-owned miner Gécamines is at the centre of the strategy, committing to supply 100 000 tonnes of copper from early 2026 as part of a broader plan to ramp up exports to 500 000 tonnes annually, a fivefold increase on previous levels. The shift is already gaining momentum. Trade data shows Congolese exports to the US reached USD1.3-billion in the first seven months of 2025, surpassing the combined total recorded over the previous seven years. For decades, the DRC relied on joint ventures where foreign operators, largely Chinese firms, controlled the sale of copper and cobalt, leaving the state to collect dividends. That model is now changing. Through its newly established subsidiary, Gécamines Trading, the government is moving to directly market its share of production. The material will largely come from the state’s minority stakes in large-scale operations, including the Tenke Fungurume mine and the Kamoto Copper Company. The move is aimed at strengthening control over pricing, offtake agreements and revenue flows, as Kinshasa looks to assert greater commercial authority over its mineral resources.

Source: Mining Review Africa

Gabon

Gabon targets 50 000 bpd surge as Grand N’Gongui field ramps up production

Gabon’s Minister of Petroleum and Gas Clotaire Kondja has announced that the Grand N’Gongui field will reach 10 000 barrels per day (bpd) within two months, before scaling up to 50 000 bpd. The ramp-up underscores the growing importance of oil exploration and production company Assala Energy’s portfolio following its state-backed acquisition. Announced in Paris on 22 April, Minister Kondja emphasised that the Grand N’Gongui field – brought online in April 2026 – forms part of a broader strategy to reverse production decline and accelerate new upstream developments. Gabon’s production outlook is closely tied to an aggressive deepwater expansion strategy running from 2024 to 2026, targeting a sedimentary basin that remains more than 70% unexplored. Minister Kondja noted that only a fraction of the country’s 800 km coastline has been tapped, leaving significant upside. “The acquisition of Assala was a vision of our President [Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema] and this vision has become production,” Minister Kondja said. Recent agreements highlight renewed global interest.

Source: Prospect

Namibia / Angola

Namibia funds NAD4-billion power link with Angola

The governments of Namibia and Angola have finalised a NAD4-billion agreement to build the Angola-Namibia Interconnector. The deal, signed in Luanda on 14 April, activates an infrastructure project that will link Angola to the Southern African Power Pool for the first time. Namibia is solely financing the total project cost of NAD4-billion through its National Energy Fund. NamPower says the significant capital outlay allows Namibia to build and own essential infrastructure even within Angolan territory. “The NAD4-billion total cost is a strategic investment in our future. By funding this through the National Energy Fund, we are fulfilling our mandate to ensure energy remains both accessible and affordable for all Namibians, while building the backbone of a regional energy market.” The financial structure includes a negotiated tariff that allows Namibia to recover its investment costs over time, effectively turning the NAD4-billion expenditure into a long-term asset. The interconnector includes a 160 km transmission line (400 kV) running between the Cahama substation in Angola and the Kunene substation in Namibia. It includes a 270 km supporting line in Namibia connecting Omatando and Otjikoto. The NAD4-billion will also fund a high-tech infrastructure, including 400 kV/330 kV transformation systems and a static var compensator in the Kunene region to ensure voltage stability.

Source: The Namibian

Tanzania

Government considers introducing lobbyists’ registry to protect investors, fast-track crucial PPP projects

The government is considering introducing a formal system to register lobbyists as part of wider efforts to protect investors, enhance transparency and accelerate the implementation of development projects. The move, being spearheaded by the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Centre, is also expected to strengthen revenue collection and improve confidence among both local and foreign investors. PPP Centre Executive Director, Mr David Kafulila, said the proposed framework would regulate lobbying activities and streamline investment facilitation, making it easier for investors to participate in strategic projects. He made the remarks in response to concerns raised by business stakeholders over bureaucratic procedures within institutions overseeing PPP projects. The comments were made during a PPP capacity-building forum themed Navigating PPP Projects and Frameworks in Tanzania, organised in collaboration with the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Public Private Partnership Act No. 4 of 2023, and assessed progress on projects in the pipeline. “Lobbyists play an important role in economic development. Even in developed countries such as the United Kingdom, there are structured systems governing lobbying activities. That is why we are planning to introduce a formal framework to register lobbyists in Tanzania,” said Mr Kafulila.

Source: The Citizen

Tanzania

Government reforms to boost private sector role in economic growth

The government has outlined a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the private sector’s role in driving economic growth, positioning it as a central pillar in the country’s long-term development agenda. Responding to a question by Kigamboni Member of Parliament, Haran Nyakisa Sanga, in Parliament recently, the Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Dr Pius Chaya, said the government is finalising key policy frameworks to improve the business and investment climate. Dr Chaya said the recently completed National Development Vision 2050 envisages the private sector contributing about 70% of the country’s economic growth. “To realise this goal, the government is finalising the second phase of the Business and Investment Environment Improvement Plan,” he told the House. He added that a new investment policy and its implementation strategy are also being prepared to ensure a more conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors. Dr Chaya further revealed that in the 2026/27 financial year, the government plans to develop a comprehensive policy, legal framework and strategy for private sector development. The measures will include the introduction of guidelines for assessing private sector performance, as well as tools to measure its contribution to the targeted 70% share of the economy.

Source: The Citizen

Togo / Canada

Togo, Canada reaffirm ties, expand economic and security cooperation

Togo and Canada have pledged to strengthen their bilateral relationship, focusing on diversifying trade and promoting regional stability. The two sides reaffirmed this commitment in Lomé on Saturday, 18 April 2026, when Council President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé met with Canadian High Commissioner Myriam Montrat. The two countries already maintain commercial ties, with bilateral trade estimated at USD132.4-million in 2023. The talks focused on broadening the economic partnership. Canadian exports to Togo consist primarily of vehicles and equipment, while Togo exports agricultural products to Canada, mainly soy products. Beyond trade, cooperation extends to education, healthcare and gender equality, supported by Canadian development aid of nearly USD24.9-million for the 2022–2023 period. The two sides also emphasised peace and security during the meeting, describing them as essential to investment attractiveness. Canada already supports Togo through several capacity-building programmes targeting transnational crime, terrorism and money laundering. This cooperation includes technical training and maritime security assistance in the Gulf of Guinea, amid growing security risks across West Africa.

Source: Togo First

Zimbabwe

IMF management approves a Staff Monitored Program for Zimbabwe

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) management has approved a 10-month non-financing Staff Monitored Program for Zimbabwe. The programme aims to consolidate recent stabilisation gains, strengthen macroeconomic management, and support the authorities’ efforts to advance re-engagement with the international community. Zimbabwe’s economic recovery continues, supported by tight monetary policy, improving fiscal discipline, and favourable external conditions. Growth strengthened in 2025, with solid performances in agriculture and mining, supported by high gold prices and recovering platinum and lithium output. Inflation declined sharply, reaching 4.4% in March 2026, aided by a stable foreign exchange rate and tight monetary conditions. Sustained policy efforts will help entrench macroeconomic stability, deepen confidence in the ZiG, enhance foreign exchange market functioning, rebuild reserve buffers, and reinforce the foundations for durable and inclusive growth. The programme supports the authorities’ commitment to prudent budget execution and sound expenditure control. In line with the 2026 budget, spending in the first half of the year will be anchored on a conservative revenue outlook to ensure alignment with available resources and avoid the accumulation of new domestic arrears. The authorities will strengthen fiscal discipline and transparency through enhanced monitoring and reporting of domestic arrears and clearer institutional responsibilities.

Source: IMF