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issue 649 | 05 Jul 2026

Angola

Angola Government and AfDB launch Science and Technology Park to build a more sustainable and diverse economy

The Angolan Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group have inaugurated the Luanda Science and Technology Park (Luanda Tech) in the capital, as part of a USD100-million Science and Technology Project that has seen dozens of science facilities refurbished, and 1 500 science teachers trained. AfDB’s Country Manager, Pietro Toigo, said the Bank-government partnership was ready to create additional technology corridors across the country’s provinces in the project’s second phase. Toigo reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to Angola’s youth and highlighted the role of science, technology and innovation in driving the country’s economic transformation. “This is not merely the launch of an important infrastructure asset. It is the celebration of a national vision: a vision of an Angola that invests in knowledge, empowers its youth, strengthens its scientific capabilities, and builds new engines for economic diversification and inclusive growth,” Toigo said.

Source: AfDB

Botswana

Government moves to overhaul Tourism Act

Government has launched a comprehensive review of the Tourism Act of 2009, a move aimed at modernising Botswana’s tourism regulatory framework, improving the ease of doing business and positioning the sector as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation. The review follows the adoption of the National Tourism Policy in 2021 and the subsequent development of the country’s 10-year National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan (NTSMP), which sets out a roadmap for sustainable tourism growth and increased private sector participation. Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, explained that the reform process marked a significant milestone in government’s efforts to transform the tourism industry into a more competitive and inclusive sector. “The review reflects government’s commitment to creating a modern, responsive and enabling legal framework for tourism development,” Mmolotsi said during a stakeholder consultation on the review of the Tourism Act held in Gaborone recently. According to the minister, the strategy is anchored on creating an enabling business environment, strengthening destination marketing and branding, and improving infrastructure and support services. Crucially, the NTSMP identified the need to harmonise tourism-related legislation to create a more coherent and investment-friendly regulatory framework. The review of the Tourism Act is expected to serve as the first phase of broader legislative reforms affecting several sectors linked to tourism.

Source: Mmegi

Burkina Faso

IMF Executive Board concludes the 2026 Article IV consultation, completes the fifth review under the ECF arrangement and approves the request for augmentation, and completes the first review under the RSF arrangement with Burkina Faso

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the fifth review under the 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, which was approved on 21 September 2023, and approved an augmentation of access under the ECF arrangement. The augmentation of 50% of quota (SDR60.20-million) brings total access under the arrangement to 240% of quota (SDR288.96-million). The completion of the fifth review under the ECF arrangement and approval of the augmentation enable the immediate disbursement of SDR60.20-million, bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under the ECF arrangement to SDR180.60-million. The Executive Board also completed the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, which was approved by the IMF Executive Board on 18 February 2026 for a total amount of SDR90.30-million, enabling the disbursement of SDR16.42-million. The Executive Board also completed the 2026 Article IV consultation. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.

Source: IMF

Burundi

Burundi prime minister and development partners inaugurate the Mulembwe hydroelectric dam to power homes, businesses and industries

The Mulembwe hydroelectric power plant in Burundi, officially inaugurated by Prime Minister of Burundi Nestot Ntahontuye, on 16 June, marks a new milestone in national efforts to strengthen electricity production in Burundi. The inauguration of the Mulembwe hydroelectric power plant (17 MW), following that of the Jiji power plant (32.5 MW) in June 2025, marks the completion of a major programme aimed at achieving energy self-sufficiency and promoting economic development in Burundi. These facilities were designed to meet the country’s growing energy needs while promoting sustainable economic growth. Located in Burunga Province, in the country’s southwest, these power plants mark a significant milestone in the country’s energy development, with a combined generating capacity of 49.5 MW. Together, the two plants will have an annual output of 239 gigawatt-hours and will supply power to 7 000 businesses and 1 700 industrial facilities across the country, as well as 15 000 households in the project area. The additional energy produced will promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and will also support investment, job creation, and economic growth.

Source: AfDB

Côte d’Ivoire

IMF Executive Board completes the sixth reviews under the EFF/ECF arrangements and the fifth review under the RSF arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the sixth reviews of Côte d’Ivoire’s arrangements under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the fifth review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. The completion of these final reviews makes available SDR247.774-million under the EFF, SDR123.884-million under the ECF, and SDR243.9-million under the RSF, equivalent to about USD832.8-million. These arrangements have helped Côte d’Ivoire restore macroeconomic stability, substantially reduce fiscal and external imbalances, strengthen debt sustainability and improve economic resilience to climate-induced shocks. Programme implementation under the EFF/ECF-supported programme – approved in May 2023 in the amount of SDR2 601.6-million (equivalent to 400% of quota or USD3.5-billion) – has remained strong. All end-December 2025 quantitative performance criteria under the EFF/ECF arrangements were met, and all structural benchmarks for the sixth reviews were implemented. Over the course of these arrangements, the authorities implemented sustained revenue-based fiscal consolidation, reducing the fiscal deficit to the West African Economic and Monetary Union ceiling of 3% of GDP in 2025, while the current account deficit narrowed significantly.

Source: IMF

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Congo set to take advantage of critical mineral boom with its first-ever stock exchange

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is in the process of initiating its inaugural stock exchange, as the emergence of AI is driving demand for some of the country’s most critical minerals. The exchange, which is set to begin next year, intends to list its local currency, the Congolese franc, and the United States dollar, according to the DRC’s Finance Minister, Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi. Speaking to Bloomberg, the minister revealed that the International Finance Corporation and the government are collaborating to develop a capital markets framework. Furthermore, the minister noted that the government plans to take advantage of the increasing international interest in Congo’s economy and expand the sources of funding available to businesses, including the proposed Kinshasa Stock Exchange. Officials expect that over time, the dual-currency exchange will bolster usage of the Congolese franc. “The reality of our economy is that it is strongly dollarised,” Li-Botayi said in emailed comments, noting that more than 95% of total banking system deposits and over 80% of public securities are held in dollars. “We cannot design a stock exchange that ignores that reality.” “We are building for the market as it exists today, while keeping sight of where we want it to go,” he added.

Source: Business Insider Africa

Democratic Republic of the Congo

IMF Executive Board concludes the 2026 Article IV consultation and completes the third review under the ECF arrangement and the second review under the RSF arrangement for the DRC

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation and completed the third review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), both approved on 15 January 2025. The completion of the third review of the ECF-supported programme allowed for a disbursement equivalent to SDR190.4-million (approximately USD258.2-million), bringing the aggregate disbursement to date to SDR761.3-million (about USD1 032.4-million). The completion of the second review of the RSF allowed for a disbursement of SDR66.6-million (approximately USD90.3-million). The security situation in eastern DRC remains volatile despite the December 2025 Washington Accords, with continued fighting and recurring violations of ceasefire commitments. The humanitarian situation remains severe, with widespread food insecurity and large-scale displacement. Rising global, political, and health risks – including disruptions from the war in the Middle East, rising domestic political tensions, and the ongoing Ebola outbreak – add to uncertainty and could further constrain policy implementation.

Source: IMF

Ethiopia

IMF Executive Board completes the fifth review under the ECF arrangement for Ethiopia

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the fifth review of the 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Ethiopia. The Board’s decision allows for an immediate disbursement of about USD464-million (SDR342.05-million), helping Ethiopia meet its balance of payments and fiscal financing needs. The completion of the review brings total disbursements under the arrangement to about USD2.647-billion, with about USD200-million in additional resources to help respond to pressures resulting from the war in the Middle East, especially the significantly higher price of imported fuel. Ethiopia’s ECF arrangement for a total of SDR2.556-billion (850% of quota) or about USD3.4-billion at the time of programme approval on 29 July 2024, is aimed at supporting the authorities’ Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda to address macroeconomic imbalances and lay the foundations for private sector-led growth. Programme performance overall was in line with programme commitments. All quantitative performance criteria and most indicative targets were met.

Source: IMF

Kenya / Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kenya and Congo emerge as Africa’s top debt winners as Iran war trade unwinds

A sharp decline in global oil prices is reshaping investor sentiment across Africa’s sovereign debt markets, with Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) emerging among the continent’s strongest-performing eurobond issuers as investors rotate away from oil-exporting economies. According to Bloomberg data, Kenya and the DRC delivered returns of 2.04% and 1.95%, respectively, in June, outperforming the broader emerging-market debt average. Senegal led the continent with a 2.83% return, driven by fiscal reform efforts rather than commodity price movements. The shift comes as Brent crude has fallen below USD73 per barrel, down more than 20% this month. Lower oil prices have weakened the appeal of bonds issued by Africa’s oil-exporting nations, while improving the outlook for net oil importers whose economies benefit from lower energy costs. For countries like Kenya and the DRC, cheaper crude eases pressure on foreign exchange reserves, reduces import costs, and improves fiscal balances.

Source: Business Insider Africa

Kenya / Rwanda

Kenya, Rwanda sign fuel import deal to boost supply security

Kenya and Rwanda signed three pacts recently, setting up a government framework for Rwanda-bound fuel imports, the Kenya Pipeline ‌Company (KPC) and Rwanda’s Trade Ministry said in statements on X. The agreements comprise a memorandum of understanding, a tripartite agreement and a transport and storage agreement, setting up a government-to-government framework. Rwanda said the partnership ⁠would boost security and continuity of petroleum supply, free up logistical bottlenecks and make import flows more predictable. The deal supports Rwanda’s strategy to diversify import routes, strengthen fuel security and make petroleum products available for economic growth and industrial development. Designated institutions such as Rwanda National Energy Company and KPC will begin implementing ‌the ⁠deal, working with both countries’ government agencies, Rwanda said. Landlocked Rwanda imports all its petroleum products overland through two main ports, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in ⁠Kenya. The new arrangement aims to move a greater share of Rwanda’s fuel imports to the Mombasa route, using Kenyan storage ⁠and pipeline infrastructure. KPC said the first cargo covered by the deal is set to arrive at ⁠Mombasa between 4 and 6 September to launch operations under the partnership.

Source: Reuters

Liberia

IMF staff concludes staff visit to Liberia

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr Daehaeng Kim, Mission Chief for Liberia, visited Monrovia from 10-23 June 2026, to conduct the fourth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. At the conclusion of the mission, Mr Kim issued the following statement, in part: “The authorities have made solid progress in macroeconomic stability. Programme performance against quantitative targets is robust. Real GDP growth is projected to remain buoyant at 5.5% in 2026, supported by continued strong expansion in mining activities, primarily iron ore production, alongside manufacturing and construction. Despite the recent surge in global fuel prices, inflation increased only modestly to 5.3% (year-on-year) in May, from 4% at end-2025, on account of the low weight of fuel in the consumer price index basket and limited second-round effect so far amid the stable exchange rate. Fiscal performance is expected to remain in line with programme objectives, supported by continued progress in domestic revenue mobilisation. The current account deficit is projected to widen significantly in 2026 to about 18% of GDP from 7% of GDP in 2025, due to higher fuel imports and increased capital goods imports related to mining expansion and construction activities. Nevertheless, the medium-term outlook remains positive.”

Source: IMF

Mauritania

IMF Executive Board approves 42-month arrangements under ECF/EFF and completes fifth review of the RSF arrangement

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has approved 42-month arrangements under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in the amount of SDR70.82-million (equivalent of 55% of quota or USD95.8-million) and the fifth review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. These decisions enable an immediate disbursement of SDR78.78-million (about USD105.6-million). Amid an increasingly uncertain and shock prone environment, the new arrangements will help preserve external buffers while supporting the authorities’ efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and implementing structural reforms to address Mauritania’s large development needs and the outstanding structural reforms. Under the 2022-2026 ECF/EFF, Mauritania has shown a strong track record of policy implementation. Macroeconomic stability was maintained. A robust reform agenda has helped strengthen fiscal policy, develop the financial sector, including the foreign exchange market, overhaul the governance legal framework, and strengthen resilience to climate change. Programme performance has been strong, with all end-December 2025 quantitative performance criteria met and the structural benchmark on the institutionalisation of the fiscal rule into law implemented with some delay.

Source: IMF

Mauritania / Mali

Desert to Power: AfDB witnesses signing of three contracts paving the way for construction of 1 373 km of power transmission networks between Mauritania and Mali

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has witnessed the signing of three project implementation contracts with the Manantali Energy Management Company (SOGEM), marking a major milestone in the implementation of the 225 kV Mauritania-Mali Power Interconnection Project. The contracts were signed in April 2026 with SOGEM, the entity within the Senegal River Basin Development Organization responsible for delivering major electrification projects. The 225 kV Mauritania-Mali Power Interconnection Project involves the construction of a 225 kV high-voltage transmission line linking several strategic areas between Mauritania and Mali to improve the reliability of electricity supply, facilitate energy trade between the two countries, and contribute to the stability of their national power grids. The signings mark a significant step forward in the implementation of this project, which will help strengthen regional energy connectivity and support economic and social development in both Mauritania and Mali. The three agreements, signed by SOGEM’s CEO, Julien Charles Bernard Sagna, and the contracting companies, will enable the construction of the 225 kV double-circuit high-voltage transmission line linking Kiffa–Tintane–Yélimané, a key corridor connecting Mauritania and Mali, to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

Source: AfDB

Mauritius

The new DPO regulations: Five things Mauritian organisations need to know

The publication of the Data Protection (Designation, Tasks and Position of Data Protection Officers) Regulations 2026 (the Regulations) marks an important development in Mauritius’ data protection framework. The Regulations give a concrete form to what was previously a broadly stated obligation under the Data Protection Act 2017 (the DPA). Under section 22(2)(e) of the DPA, controllers have long been required to designate “an officer responsible for data protection compliance issues” as part of their broader obligation to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures. However, the DPA itself was silent on the qualifications, tasks, and protections to be afforded to such an officer. The Regulations now fill this gap comprehensively by providing a detailed regulatory framework that prescribes who may serve as a data protection officer (DPO), what they must do, and how their independence must be safeguarded. In broad terms, a controller is a person or public body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. As such, these requirements will apply to persons and entities that exercise decision-making power over the processing of personal data.

Source: ENS – click here to read the full ENSight

Mauritius / United States / Mexico

Mauritius secures US and Mexican support to enhance exclusive economic zone security

The State Partnership Programme Agreement with the New Mexico National Guard and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement with the United States (US), will contribute to strengthen the operational capabilities, resilience and preparedness of Mauritius in addressing contemporary security challenges through cooperation with trusted international partners. The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, made this statement recently, in response to a Parliamentary question in the National Assembly. The prime minister recalled that the challenges of the Western Indian Ocean require collective action, thus the necessity of robust bilateral and multilateral partnerships. He emphasised that by collaborating with key global allies – including India, France, the United Kingdom, the US, and the European Union – alongside international organisations such as the International Criminal Police Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mauritius is actively working to strengthen its maritime security, enhance law enforcement, and improve disaster response capabilities. These cooperative frameworks, he stressed, are vital to advance maritime domain awareness, conduct joint surveillance, and ensure long-term security in the Indian Ocean.

Source: Government of Mauritius

São Tomé and Príncipe

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe on the third review under the ECF arrangement

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr Slavi Slavov, Mission Chief for São Tomé and Príncipe, held meetings in São Tomé from 26 March to 8 April 2026, followed by virtual discussions to assess progress on the authorities’ reforms and policy priorities in the context of the third review of São Tomé and Príncipe’s 52-month programme supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The arrangement was originally approved by the IMF Executive Board for a total amount of SDR18.5-million (around USD25-million) on 19 December 2024. The Board approved a 12-month extension and an augmentation of the ECF of SDR4.4-million (about USD6.1-million) on 19 December 2025. At the end of the mission, Mr Slavov issued the following statement, in part: “The São Toméan authorities and IMF staff team have reached a staff-level agreement on the steps needed to conclude the third review of São Tomé and Príncipe’s economic programme supported by the ECF arrangement. Subject to the completion of the agreed prior actions and approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, São Tomé and Príncipe would have access to about SDR4.4-million (USD6.1-million), bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under the current arrangement to around SDR14.5-million (about USD19.9-million).”

Source: IMF

Seychelles

Africa’s richest island economy feels tourism squeeze as visitor arrivals decline

Seychelles’ tourism industry is showing fresh signs of losing momentum after powering the island nation’s economy to record growth last year, with new data revealing fewer international visitors and a sharp decline in cruise tourism as global travel headwinds begin to weigh on Africa’s richest island economy. According to the Seychelles National Bureau of Statistics, the country welcomed 27 201 visitors in May 2026, down 3.4% from 28 161 in the same month a year earlier. The figure included 27 172 stopover visitors and 29 transit passengers. The slowdown extends beyond a single month. Between January and May, stopover visitor arrivals fell 11.7% to 145 858, compared with 165 155 during the corresponding period in 2025, suggesting demand has weakened after last year’s exceptional performance. The decline comes just weeks after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that Seychelles’ economy was becoming more vulnerable to weaker tourism demand and geopolitical disruptions. The Fund expects economic growth to slow sharply to 1.5% in 2026 from an estimated 5.1% in 2025, when record tourist arrivals helped drive one of the country’s strongest economic performances in recent years. The IMF said the conflict in the Middle East poses a particular risk because around 60% of tourists travelling to Seychelles connect through Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, making the island nation highly exposed to disruptions affecting major Gulf aviation hubs.

Source: Business Insider Africa

Tanzania

Tanzania targets 60% medical self-sufficiency by 2030

President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Tanzania has set a target of achieving 60% self-sufficiency in medicines and medical supplies by 2030, directing the newly appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, to fast-track its implementation. Speaking at State House, Magogoni, in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, during the swearing in of recently appointed senior government officials, President Hassan said the appointments come at the start of a new five-year development plan and the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050. Those sworn in included Dr Magembe; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Community Affairs, Mr Charles Kadonya; and Public Service Commission Secretary, Mr Norasco Kipanda. After administering the oath of office, President Hassan told the officials they were assuming office at a critical time, stressing that there was “no time to relax” if the country's ambitious development agenda was to be realised.

Source: The Citizen

Tanzania

TAZARA revival to boost freight capacity, ease pressure on roads

The planned revitalisation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is expected to significantly boost freight capacity, improve service reliability and operational efficiency, while shifting more cargo from road to rail to ease pressure on highways, reduce maintenance costs, enhance road safety, and cut carbon emissions. The assurances were made on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, during the launch of activities marking the Authority’s Golden Jubilee, where government and railway officials outlined how the multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation programme is expected to reposition the railway as a key transport and logistics corridor for Tanzania and the wider region. Speaking at the event, Temeke District Commissioner, Mr Sixtus Mapunda, described the rehabilitation of TAZARA as a strategic investment that will strengthen the country’s transport network while improving efficiency at the Port of Dar es Salaam. “A modern and efficient TAZARA will significantly improve freight capacity, service reliability, and operational efficiency,” he said. Mr Mapunda said about half of the cargo transported through TAZARA consists of transit goods destined for neighbouring countries, while the remaining 50% serves the domestic market.

Source: The Citizen

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe launches landmark public procurement reform roadmap

Zimbabwe has taken a major step towards strengthening transparency and efficiency in public procurement with the launch of the Zimbabwe Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) Report 2026, unveiled by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga during the inaugural Southern Africa Public Procurement Forum. Developed jointly by the Zimbabwe Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s public procurement systems against international benchmarks and outlines a roadmap for strengthening governance, digital procurement, and institutional transparency. Launching the report, Vice President Chiwenga described public procurement as a driver of economic transformation, sustainable development, and regional integration. He called for procurement to be repositioned from an administrative function to a strategic policy instrument capable of advancing infrastructure development, industrialisation, job creation, value for money, transparency, and improved public service delivery.

Source: AfDB