Major Regional Trends Across East, West and Southern Africa

Africa’s political, economic and environmental landscape is shifting rapidly, with major developments unfolding across East, West and Southern Africa. From climate emergencies and security pressures to economic reform and cultural activity, the latest developments reflect a continent managing both opportunity and risk. Fuel Supply Concerns Emerge Amid Global Tensions Governments across East Africa are assessing contingency measures as global oil supply routes face disruption linked to tensions between the United States and Iran. Kenya’s Ministry of Energy said it is monitoring supply levels an

Africa’s political, economic and environmental landscape is shifting rapidly, with major developments unfolding across East, West and Southern Africa. From climate emergencies and security pressures to economic reform and cultural activity, the latest developments reflect a continent managing both opportunity and risk.

Fuel Supply Concerns Emerge Amid Global Tensions

Governments across East Africa are assessing contingency measures as global oil supply routes face disruption linked to tensions between the United States and Iran. Kenya’s Ministry of Energy said it is monitoring supply levels and reviewing contingency plans, warning that prolonged disruption could place pressure on regional fuel imports.

Somalia Announces Cabinet Reshuffle

Somalia’s Prime Minister has dismissed two state ministers in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at improving coordination across government, particularly in security operations and public service delivery. The move comes as authorities face continued attacks by Al-Shabaab and pressure to consolidate control in areas affected by insurgent activity.

Flooding Kills Dozens in Kenya

Severe flooding in Kenya has killed at least 88 people and displaced more than 34,000 residents across 21 counties, according to Kenya's Ministry of Interior and National Administration. Roads and bridges have been damaged, complicating rescue efforts as heavy rains continue in several regions.

A woman walks through flood waters following heavy rains in Ahero, Western Kenya, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. /AP Photo

Manufacturing Sector Gains Visibility at Propak Event

The region's manufacturing and packaging sector is attracting renewed attention, with Propak East Africa 2026 held at Nairobi's Sarit Expo Centre from 3 to 5 March, highlighting new technologies and investment opportunities. Tetra Pak, which won the Best Booth Award at the event, showcased advanced food processing and packaging solutions, signalling continued investor interest in regional industrialisation.

Dewji Retains Status as Region’s Only Billionaire

Tanzania's Mohammed Dewji is the only billionaire from East Africa on the 2026 Forbes list, with a net worth of $2.1 billion. The businessman leads MeTL Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, agriculture and logistics.

Dewji is now ranked 14th among Africa's richest individuals, having dropped two places from his previous ranking of 12th, according to the Forbes list published on 9 March 2026.

Tanzania's Mohammed Dewji is the only billionaire from East Africa on the 2026 Forbes list. /TC

UN Adopts Resolution on Transatlantic Slave Trade

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted resolution A/80/L.48, describing the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. The measure, introduced by Ghana, was adopted on 25 March 2026 with 123 votes in favour, three against, the United States, Israel and Argentina, and 52 abstentions, including the United Kingdom and all 27 European Union member states. The decision has renewed debate over reparations and historical accountability.

A stone marker at the Badagry Slave Route in Nigeria, one of West Africa's most significant historical sites commemorating the transatlantic slave trade. /Democracynews

Ghana Urges Acceleration of Trade Reforms

Ghana's Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called on West African governments and business associations to accelerate the removal of trade barriers and modernise logistics systems, warning that inadequate infrastructure, fragmented standards and restricted access to finance continue to constrain intra-regional trade. He was speaking at the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry Summit held in Accra.

AI Training Programme Expands

More than 100 professionals from Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia have completed advanced artificial intelligence training under a United States-supported initiative delivered through US Embassy American Spaces across Accra, Abuja, Lagos and Monrovia. The programme, run in partnership with Google Ghana, focused on practical AI deployment, governance frameworks and digital governance capacity across finance, journalism, architecture and security sectors.

Cameroon on Alert Over Cross-Border Threats

Security agencies in Cameroon are on heightened alert as militant activity linked to Islamic State West Africa Province intensifies across the Lake Chad basin, including direct attacks on Cameroonian military outposts in the Far North Region. According to the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, militant-related fatalities in the basin rose 7 per cent over the past year to 3,982, with civilian targeting at its highest level since 2016. Analysts warn the trend could further destabilise already fragile border areas.

GTCO Deal Highlights Market Activity

An international equity offering by Guaranty Trust Holding Company, which made history as the first West African financial institution to list on the London Stock Exchange, has been named the Brunswick West Africa Deal of the Year at the DealMakers AFRICA Annual Gala Awards held in Lagos. The recognition underscores continued investor engagement with the region's financial markets.

Guaranty Trust Holding

South Africa Seeks to Reassure on Fuel Supply

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has told the National Assembly that South Africa's fuel supply is secured until the end of April, with eight million barrels held in strategic reserves, dismissing calls for panic-buying.

Minister Gwede Mantashe said the government was in talks with suppliers. /AFP Getty Images

However, Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom said between 70 and 75 % of farmers report they cannot access fuel, with some receiving as little as 20 % of their usual monthly diesel allocations, a situation Western Cape Premier Alan Winde called unacceptable given the pressures on the agricultural sector.

Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom. /CBN

Cape Town Jazz Festival Returns

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival returned to the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 27 and 28 March for its 23rd edition, attracting approximately 30,000 attendees and featuring over 40 local and international artists, according to Xinhua. Headlined by seven-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier, the festival officially billed as Africa's Grandest Gathering, drew audiences from across the continent and beyond.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival Free Concert Greenmarket Square /`Reuters2024

Concerns Rise Over Attacks on Legal Professionals

South Africa's legal community has raised alarm over a surge in targeted killings involving lawyers, prosecutors and insolvency practitioners, with the most recent victim  a Sibanye-Stillwater attorney, shot dead near the CCMA offices in Johannesburg on 23 March 2026. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who condemned the killing, acknowledged the government is spending R34 million annually on prosecutor protection. Jo-Anne Mitchell-Marais of the South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association warned the trend is deterring professionals from taking on high-profile cases, threatening the integrity of the justice system.

Sibanye-Stillwater lawyer in Joburg. /LinkedIn

Severe Weather Warnings Issued

The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms across the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, the extreme south-eastern Lowveld of Limpopo and the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, warning of heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail that could cause flash flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements. A simultaneous Level 2 warning has been issued for Free State, North West, Gauteng and parts of the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Agricultural Expansion Observed Near Johannesburg

New satellite imagery shows expanding circular irrigation systems around Johannesburg, indicating continued investment in commercial agriculture despite broader economic pressures.

Across Africa, current developments point to a continent balancing economic expansion and technological progress with persistent security threats and climate-related risks. The ability of governments to respond effectively to both domestic and global pressures will remain a defining factor in Africa's near-term trajectory.