Discover the 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in October 2026, led by Malawi, Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone

Sudan records the world’s highest debt-to-GDP ratio at 334.4% in 2026, according to IMF estimates, as conflict continues to weaken its economy

Senegal debt crisis deepens as Ousmane Sonko warns that a G20-backed restructuring plan could delay solutions and create political tensions

Zimbabwe economy reaches a projected $65.92 billion in 2026, ranking 14th in Africa, although Tanzania remains larger and grows faster

Zimbabwe’s ZiG currency struggles to gain public trust as citizens and businesses continue to prefer the US dollar despite central bank reforms

Egypt develops an $8.7bn railway to connect Red Sea and Mediterranean ports, offering an alternative freight route amid Suez Canal disruptions

Middle East economy faces a 0.3% contraction in 2026 amid the Iran war, IMF says, while Sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to grow 4.5%

Dangote refinery IPO extended by 10 days as the company seeks to raise $2.1 billion and attract more African investors to fund refinery expansion

Africa medicine imports exceed 70%, Ghana’s president says, calling for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, investment and stronger healthcare supply chains

Dangote refinery crude oil supply faces constraints as Nigeria struggles to meet domestic allocations ahead of plans to double refining capacity

Africa’s most innovative countries in 2026 are led by Mauritius, Morocco and South Africa. Discover the top 10 and their global innovation rankings

Zimbabwe’s lithium sales reached $2.16 billion in the first nine months of 2026, helping drive mineral export earnings to a reported $4.7 billion

Nigeria announces a 30-day petrol discount for public transport operators as fuel prices reach 1,400 naira per litre ahead of January elections

Nigeria’s Zungeru hydropower plant is supplying just 350MW of its 700MW capacity, prompting a government review of operational challenges

The Dangote refinery IPO is targeting 10 million retail investors as the company seeks up to $1.6 billion to fund a major expansion

The Etihad Ibom Air deal will connect Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu to Etihad’s international network from March 2027

Lockheed Martin is seeking more Moroccan aerospace manufacturers for its global supply chain as Morocco expands its aviation and defence industries

UK student visa rules are putting pressure on international recruitment as Sunderland University plans £40 million in annual budget cuts

African investment is in focus at a major Egypt business summit as leaders call for more domestic capital, regional trade and cross-border partnerships

Morocco military cyber defence plans are expanding as Rabat seeks US help to test new teams and considers cyber scenarios for African Lion

Abu Dhabi Africa investment is expanding as a $300 billion investment vehicle targets ports, logistics and new international trade corridors

Tunisia leads the strongest currencies in Africa by nominal value against the US dollar in September 2026, followed by Libya and Morocco

Royal Air Maroc’s fleet has reached 70 aircraft as Morocco pursues plans to expand the airline to 200 planes and increase airport capacity by 2030

Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto have launched construction of a $16 billion Kenya oil refinery in Lamu. The facility is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is scheduled for completion by 2030. Business Insider Africa reported that the project is intended to serve growing petroleum demand across East Africa while reducing the region’s dependence on imported fuel. Regional governments have also been offered a combined 30% equity stake in the project. Construction begins on $16bn Kenya oil refinery President Ruto announced the start of construction on Wednesday as work formally began on the Lamu project. The refinery is expected to become a major part of East Africa’s energy infrastructure. Dangote has said the broader aim is to increase Africa’s ability to meet its own energy needs. “What we are trying to do is to make sure that we become self-sufficient in whatever we consume,” Dangote said, according to Reuters. The Lamu facility is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil each day once completed. Project expected to create thousands of jobs The project is also expected to support employment and related industries in Kenya. President Ruto said the development could create about 60,000 jobs. Kenyan officials expect the refinery to support industries including bitumen and petrochemicals. The facility could also process crude oil from other countries in the region as East African producers develop their energy industries. Uganda, for example, is advancing plans to produce its own crude oil. East African governments offered refinery stake Regional governments have been offered a combined 30% equity stake in the refinery, Business Insider Africa reported. The proposal could give neighbouring countries a direct financial interest in the project. Dangote has previously highlighted Africa’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products. During a press briefing in Nairobi, he said most African countries continue to import petroleum products despite the continent’s energy resources. The new Kenya oil refinery is intended to help meet regional demand and reduce spending on imported fuel. Lamu project faces land and environmental concerns The start of construction comes despite an ongoing dispute over part of the proposed refinery site. Local residents have raised concerns over land ownership, while conservation groups have warned about possible environmental effects around Lamu. Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the surrounding area contains sensitive marine ecosystems. Following a petition by residents, a Kenyan court ordered the status quo to be maintained on disputed land pending a hearing. The order could affect some site activity, although Dangote has said it will not stop the wider project from moving forward. Reuters reported that Dangote attributed opposition to the project partly to traders and businesses whose commercial interests could be affected by the refinery. The land claims and environmental concerns remain contested as construction of the wider project begins. Refinery targets completion by 2030 The refinery is scheduled to be completed by 2030. If completed as planned, the 700,000-barrel-per-day facility would significantly increase refining capacity in East Africa. The project forms part of Dangote’s broader expansion beyond Nigeria, where his company already operates a major oil refinery. Construction in Lamu will now proceed as the company works toward the 2030 completion target while legal and environmental issues surrounding the project continue to be addressed.