Category: Africa

LOMÉ, Togo (NPA) — The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Biashara Afrika 2026 Forum has officially kicked off in Lomé, Togo, bringing together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners to accelerate African trade integration. The three-day event, hosted at the Palais des Congrès from 18–20 May 2026, is jointly convened by the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Government of Togo under the theme “Powering Africa’s Economic Transformation through the AfCFTA.”

Speaking at the opening, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, highlighted significant progress in advancing intra-African trade, noting that the growth already recorded is “clear evidence that the AfCFTA is working.” He reiterated the Secretariat’s continued support for SMEs and the private sector, stressing that “there can be no trade without businesses.” Mene pointed to ongoing efforts to digitalise trade through tools such as digital payment systems, non-tariff barrier reporting mechanisms, and the e-Certificate of Origin, which are helping accelerate Africa’s digital trade transformation.

Also addressing the forum, Hon. Badanam Patoki, Togo’s Minister of Economy and Strategic Monitoring, and Hon. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Incoming Chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, emphasised the importance of translating the AfCFTA’s promise into tangible opportunities. Dr Oduwole called for coordinated and practical action to dismantle barriers to trade, including restrictions on the movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.

Over the next three days, Biashara Afrika 2026 will feature high-level plenaries, exhibitions, B2B meetings, and technical workshops covering trade facilitation, agribusiness, manufacturing, digital commerce, and innovative financing. Special emphasis is being placed on SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led businesses, to strengthen supply chains, promote value addition, and expand inclusive participation in Africa’s economic future.

The forum, covering a market of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3 trillion, is expected to serve as a flagship platform for consolidating AfCFTA gains and driving Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — Sporadic protests have broken out across Kenya as transport operators launched a nationwide strike on Monday, 18 May 2026, over soaring fuel prices. The demonstrations left commuters stranded, schools closed, and businesses disrupted in major towns, including Nairobi and Mombasa, with police clashing with protesters in several regions.

The strike, described as one of the largest coordinated industrial actions in Kenya’s history, was backed by the Matatu Owners Association, Truckers Association, and Digital Taxi Association. Matatu operators, boda boda riders, taxi drivers, and cargo transport companies halted operations, paralysing public movement and forcing schools to suspend classes due to safety concerns and lack of transport. The protests quickly escalated in Nakuru, Narok, and Machakos, where residents blocked highways and engaged in running battles with police. Teargas was fired in Nakuru and Narok to disperse crowds, while businesses in Nairobi’s central district shut down amid fears of violence.

Protesters demanded the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase, reduction of petrol and diesel costs to about Sh152 per litre, accountability for the alleged importation of substandard fuel, and the dismissal of the Energy Cabinet Secretary.

The fuel hike is linked to the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies. Yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran in a Truth Social post that “time is running out,” raising fears of renewed military confrontation that could further destabilise energy markets.

The ripple effect of this geopolitical standoff has been immediate and severe for Kenya. Transport operators, already struggling with high operating costs, have passed the burden onto commuters, sparking widespread anger.

Kenya’s situation highlights the fragile link between international security and local stability. As tensions escalate in the Gulf, countries across Africa that rely heavily on imported fuel face mounting risks of inflation, social unrest, and political instability. The protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other towns are therefore not just about fuel—they are a stark reminder of how global confrontations can ignite local upheaval, forcing governments to balance diplomacy abroad with urgent economic relief at home.

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) —The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has reaffirmed that airport runways across the country remain safe and fully operational, even as the tendering process for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) nears completion. JKIA, last rehabilitated in 2016, has faced congestion during peak hours, affecting its runway system and passenger terminals.

Speaking at the 7th EAC Aviation Symposium in Mombasa, organised by the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), KCAA Acting Director General Nicholas Bodo said the Ministry of Transport is intensifying efforts to strengthen aviation safety and security. He explained that the expansion project will include runway upgrades, a partial parallel taxiway, and rapid exit taxiways to reduce runway occupancy time and improve efficiency.

Bodo stressed that infrastructure, especially runways, must be maintained to proper standards to ensure passenger safety. He noted that JKIA’s current terminal was designed for 7.5 million passengers annually but now handles 8.6 million, creating capacity constraints. Plans are underway to expand the existing terminal and build a new one capable of handling 10 million passengers annually.

The Acting DG also highlighted the shortage of aviation professionals, calling for a regional training fund to support pilots and engineers. He backed harmonisation of aviation regulations across East Africa, saying it would allow operators to function more seamlessly within the region.

CASSOA Acting Executive Director Francis Lichuma said the agency has made progress in harmonising aviation regulations among partner states, including unified safety standards and examination systems. He explained that pilots across the region now sit for the same exams, aligning with the wider EAC vision of integration.

KCAA Chairman Brown Ondego emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, noting that air transport remains the safest mode of travel due to strict regulation. He said harmonised legislation and technical guidance would further strengthen safety across East Africa’s airspace.