African markets and business updates

Container freight rates surged again this week as early peak season demand pushed prices higher across major East-West trade lanes. The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 23% week-on-week to US$3,433 per 40-foot container. Drewry said stronger demand across Transpacific and Asia-Europe trades drove the sharp increase. The company added that this year’s peak season started earlier than usual. Transpacific routes recorded the largest gains. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles jumped 31% to US$4…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has handed over critical Ebola preparedness equipment and supplies to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, reinforcing national capacity to detect and respond to emerging public health threats. The consignment includes personal protective equipment (PPE), laboratory reagents, infection prevention and control materials, and specimen transportation supplies to support preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.…

Nigeria airlines recorded Africa’s fastest domestic seat capacity growth in June 2026, rising 21.7% year-on-year.

Sonko alluded to his split with Faye in a speech broadcast by the Pastef party.

In a Tehran neighbourhood dotted with shops selling football jerseys and sporting goods, 10-year-old Helma was already feeling World Cup fever.

Fincantieri’s subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding with Magellan Aerospace to explore industrial cooperation aimed at strengthening Canada’s underwater defense capabilities. The agreement was signed during CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa. The partnership focuses on supporting Canada’s defense sovereignty and expanding domestic industrial participation in underwater defense programs. The companies will explore opportunities in heavyweight torpedoes and torpedo countermeasure systems.…

The lender disclosed the suspension of its engagements on X in a post on Sunday, urging customers to halt interactions with its ‘Wema’ and ‘Alat’ accounts on the platform till further notice.

On World Food Safety Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), join South Africa and the global community in recognising that safe food is essential for good health, good nutrition, decent livelihoods, fair trade and public trust in the food system. Every meal should nourish people, not put them at risk. Food safety matters in every part of daily life: in homes, schools, farms, markets, factories, shops and health facilities.…

BUA Foods Plc emerged as the highest-yielding stock among the seven companies that paid dividends to shareholders last week, with a dividend yield of 2.98%, according to a Nairametrics analysis of the price adjustment data published by the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly's controversial N110 billion expenditure on vehicles and allowances for lawmakers, ruling that the spending violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations and the public trust.