African markets and business updates

BIMCO has launched the Seafarer’s Digital Certificates Charter to support wider adoption of digital certification across shipping. The initiative aims to create a shared framework for secure and interoperable digital seafarer certificates. BIMCO said the charter encourages the use of digital certification solutions that meet clearly defined criteria. The organization aims to improve trust, consistency and efficiency as maritime digitalization accelerates. BIMCO has already secured support from LEDGID…

The Ghana edition of Cooking with Gamechangers was officially introduced to the media at a press briefing held at Labadi Beach Hotel, ahead of what promises to be one of the most refreshing reality TV formats to hit Ghanaian screens. Far from being just another food show, Cooking with Gamechangers brings together food, culture, entertainment […]

Hallmark Health Services Limited (Hallmark HMO), a subsidiary of Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc is set to host the 2026 edition of its annual Stakeholders Engagement Forum on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at The Colossus Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, by 9:00am. With the theme, “Collaborating for Sustainable Healthcare Systems: Financial Stability, Intelligent Systems, Regulatory Excellence, and […]

A high-level Norwegian delegation led by Andreas Kravik, Norway’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Lagos today to engage with key participants in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, underscoring growing international interest in the country’s entrepreneurial talent, technology sector and long-term economic potential. Hosted at the headquarters of OmniRetail, the award-winning B2B e-commerce and supply chain technology […]

CMA CGM announced new Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates from the Indian Subcontinent to multiple regions, reflecting continued pricing pressure across global trade lanes. The new rates to Central America, the Caribbean and South America’s west coast will apply from June 10, 2026, based on gate-in dates at origin ports. The carrier will apply the rates to dry and hazardous cargo moving from the Indian Subcontinent. Among Latin American destinations, La Guaira and Puerto Cabello recorded the highest pricing levels.…

MTN Nigeria put its data consumption on trial and invited its subscribers to be the jury, while renown consulting firm KPMG served as the referee.

Japan’s six major ports handled 1.21 million TEUs of oceangoing containers in March, increasing 1.2% year-on-year. Export growth supported the increase, while imports declined during the month. Export volumes reached 616,578 TEUs, up 4.8%, while imports fell 2.2% to 594,926 TEUs. Tokyo remained the largest container gateway among the six ports. The port handled 353,753 TEUs, down 0.8% year-on-year. Exports increased strongly by 9.4% to 167,458 TEUs. Imports moved lower, declining 8.4% to 186,295 TEUs.…

A new class of seasoned energy executives is steering Africa’s downstream transformation in 2026, bringing together decades of experience across global oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Many have worked across major international operators, led refinery start-ups, and managed large-scale production and supply chain systems spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Now leading some of […]

OpenAI is planning the biggest redesign of ChatGPT since its 2022 launch, with plans to transform the chatbot into a "superapp" combining coding tools, AI agents, and third-party integrations, according to a report by the Financial Times.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company will withdraw its Indus Express service connecting the US East Coast with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, ending a service that has been operating since 2014, according to DynaLiners. The carrier previously extended the service into the Middle East Gulf, although network adjustments over recent years have reshaped the product offering. At the time of its withdrawal, the Indus Express rotation connected Port Qasim, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Caucedo, Freeport, Savannah…