Business & Macro
Kenya Airways–Qatar Airways Partnership
Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways have expanded their cooperation through a codeshare agreement covering 19 destinations. Effective October 26, 2025, the deal allows Kenya Airways passengers to connect via Doha to 10 global destinations, while Qatar Airways customers gain access to eight Kenyan and regional routes. Executives from both airlines said the partnership strengthens connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, enhancing Nairobi’s role as a regional hub Marhaba Information Guide Cape Town ETC.
NCBA Market Surge on Acquisition Talks
Kenya’s NCBA Bank saw its market value rise by $175 million in three days after reports confirmed that Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest lender by assets, is in talks to acquire a controlling stake. If concluded, the merger would create Kenya’s third-largest bank with combined assets of about KES 1.1 trillion ($8.5 billion). NCBA’s share price surged nearly 10% on the Nairobi Securities Exchange following the news Capital News Techish.
Climate & Energy
Leapmotor Launch in South Africa
Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor, in partnership with Stellantis, has launched its C10 range-extended electric SUV in South Africa. Priced at around $44,000, the vehicle combines electric drive with a 1.5-litre petrol engine to extend range up to 970 km. The move marks Leapmotor’s first entry into Africa, aligning with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition goals and Stellantis’ broader EV expansion strategy ZAWYA Just Auto.
Geopolitics & Policy
Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Push
Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF has resolved to amend the constitution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure by two years, potentially keeping him in office until 2030. The decision, endorsed at the party’s annual conference in Mutare, has sparked criticism from opposition groups, who argue it undermines constitutional limits. Legal experts note that such a change would require a constitutional amendment and possibly a referendum GhanaWeb Aljazeera.
Ebola Outbreak Nears End in DR Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai Province was discharged on October 19, 2025. The outbreak, declared on September 4, recorded 64 cases and 43 deaths. A 42-day countdown is now underway before the outbreak can be officially declared over. WHO praised the rapid response by Congolese health authorities and international partners ABC News Al Jazeera | MSN.
Tech & Deals
Axian Energy Expands in Zambia
Madagascar-based Axian Energy has acquired an 85.6% stake in Zambia’s Bangweulu Solar PV plant, a 54.3 MW facility in Kafue District. The plant generates 87 GWh annually, enough to power 82,500 homes, under a 25-year power purchase agreement with state utility ZESCO. The acquisition marks Axian’s entry into Zambia’s energy market and expands its renewable portfolio across Africa Ecofin Agency Billionaires.Africa.
Human Rights
Business & Rights Forum – Lusaka
The African Business and Human Rights Forum in Lusaka urged stronger corporate accountability and remedies for affected communities, aligning with the UN Guiding Principles and AU Agenda 2063.
NANHRI Forum – Banjul
At the NANHRI Forum in Banjul, over 150 delegates called on governments to embed human rights into development strategies, stressing accountability and inclusion.
AU Roadmap
The African Union advanced its 2025 Human Rights Roadmap, prioritising peace, governance reforms, and humanitarian access in conflict zones such as Sudan and the Sahel.
✅ Summary: Africa’s business landscape was marked by major airline partnerships, banking consolidation talks, renewable energy expansion, and political maneuvering. While Zimbabwe faces constitutional controversy, the DRC edges closer to ending its latest Ebola outbreak, and South Africa welcomes a new EV brand into its market.
