Kenya’s private sector contracted in March 2026 for the first time since August 2025, with the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropping to 47.7 from 50.4 in February. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in business activity, marking a notable shift in economic momentum.

The slowdown was linked to weaker consumer spending, tighter household budgets and reduced cash flow, pressures that have dampened demand for goods and services across industries. Geopolitical tensions, such as the war in the Middle East, have also compounded the strain by disrupting logistics and driving up transport and energy costs.

While the wholesale and retail trade segments exhibited some resilience, most sectors reported declines in output and new orders. Survey respondents reflected broad unease about future demand, signalling continued challenges ahead for businesses reliant on domestic and regional markets.

President William Ruto’s administration has been monitoring the fallout from global price volatility and supply disruptions. Officials said they were assessing measures to stabilise supplies and support key sectors, while the finance ministry maintained a positive overall growth forecast of about 5.3% in 2026, up from previous years.

Kenya’s private sector has also been affected by fuel shortages linked to the Middle East conflict, with about 20% of fuel outlets reporting supply issues as price freezes clash with higher global oil costs.

Cameroon has officially confirmed that 16 of its citizens were killed while fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war, marking the first time the Central African state has publicly acknowledged such fatalities.

The statement, broadcast on state media and backed by a diplomatic note, said the deceased were described as “military contractors” in Russian‑designated conflict operations.

Details surrounding how these Cameroonians were recruited and transported to the conflict zone remain unclear. The Russian embassy in Yaounde has not responded to requests for comment, deepening questions about the mechanisms that brought these nationals into foreign combat.

This confirmation follows reports by Ukraine that thousands of African fighters have joined Russian forces, either through private intermediaries or contracted arrangements. Independent analyses suggest that African recruits may be drawn by economic incentives, raising diplomatic and humanitarian concerns across the continent.

Cameroon’s defence ministry reiterated that it does not officially send troops into foreign conflicts unless under international or regional mandates. Families of the deceased have been urged to contact the foreign ministry for support, as Yaounde seeks to clarify circumstances and provide consular assistance.

The confirmation may trigger diplomatic engagements with Russia and international partners to address recruitment practices and protections for African nationals. It also spotlights a growing concern among African governments about citizens being drawn into distant conflicts with limited oversight or safeguards.

South Africa’s private sector showed tentative signs of recovery in March 2026, as the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 50.8, up from a flat 50.0 in February, signalling a return to marginal expansion after months of stagnation.

Output saw its fastest rise in six months, led by stock rebuilding and new projects, while employment growth hit its highest pace since mid‑2024, a welcome shift after prolonged demand weakness.

Despite these gains, new orders continued to decline and export sales contracted at the steepest pace in over two years, underlining persistent weakness in foreign demand. Analysts say global uncertainty particularly due to the lingering U.S.‑Israeli war with Iran has dampened business confidence worldwide, contributing to subdued international orders and hesitance among local firms to scale up output.

Business sentiment in South Africa remains fragile: confidence dropped to its lowest level since July 2021. Only about 32% of firms surveyed expect output to rise over the next 12 months, pointing to cautious expectations against a backdrop of volatile commodity prices and fluctuating demand.

The economic backdrop is further complicated by cost pressures. Firms face higher input costs, notably for fuel and logistics, as global energy market disruptions filter through local supply chains. South Africa’s manufacturing sector also expressed concerns about the war’s impact on supply reliability and pricing, a theme echoed in broader geopolitical risk assessments across industries.

Economists caution that while the slight uptick in activity is encouraging, the recovery remains highly vulnerable to external shocks. Continued conflict in the Middle East, weak global demand and elevated inflation risks could undercut investment and slow the pace of expansion. South Africa’s policymakers are now under pressure to maintain growth without triggering inflationary blowbacks.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has agreed to receive migrants deported from the United States under a new arrangement that includes individuals who are not Congolese nationals. The move is part of Washington’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration.

Authorities stated that the United States would provide “logistical and technical support” for the initiative, while the Congolese government would not bear any financial burden. However, no official figure has been released regarding how many deportees are expected.

Officials in Kinshasa confirmed that the deal took effect this month, with preparations already underway to receive deportees. A temporary reception system has been established, and designated facilities have been selected in the capital, Kinshasa, to accommodate arrivals.

The agreement allows DR Congo to accept so-called third-country migrants—individuals who are neither citizens of the United States nor of DR Congo. Congolese officials said the decision reflects the country’s commitment to international solidarity, human dignity, and the protection of migrant rights.

At the same time, the government emphasized that the arrangement is temporary and should not be viewed as a permanent relocation system or an outsourcing of US immigration policy.

The policy forms part of the immigration strategy of Donald Trump, whose administration has intensified deportations since returning to power. In recent months, the United States has sent deportees to several countries across Africa and beyond.

The US State Department has maintained that it remains committed to curbing illegal migration and strengthening border security, though it declined to comment directly on specific diplomatic agreements.

DR Congo joins a number of countries that have agreed to accept deportees from the US, including Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan. In a related development, Uganda recently received eight deportees from different African nations.

A report from the US Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations suggests that more than $40 million may have been spent on third-country deportation programs as of January 2026, though the total figure remains unclear.

The policy has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that deporting migrants to third countries raises legal and ethical concerns. Some have warned that individuals could eventually be sent back to their home countries, where they may face persecution.

Congolese authorities, however, have assured that no such transfers are currently planned under the agreement.

The migration deal comes amid wider engagement between the US and DR Congo, including ongoing discussions over access to the country’s vast mineral resources such as cobalt, lithium, and copper critical to global technology and energy industries.

The US has also played a role in facilitating a peace agreement between DR Congo and Rwanda, although implementation challenges persist.

As DR Congo begins to receive deportees under the new arrangement, the agreement underscores the expanding scope of US immigration policy beyond its borders. While officials frame the deal as a humanitarian and cooperative effort, it continues to generate debate over its long-term implications for migrants and participating nations alike.

Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has sparked widespread debate after urging citizens to “forget about democracy,” signaling a major shift in the country’s political direction amid ongoing security challenges.

Speaking during a televised discussion, Traoré stated that democracy is not suitable for Burkina Faso, insisting that the country must prioritise stability over political systems. He controversially argued that “democracy kills” and cited global examples to support his claim, suggesting that attempts to impose democratic systems have often led to violence and instability.

He also referenced countries like Libya as cautionary examples, where external efforts to enforce democracy allegedly resulted in conflict and destruction.

Traoré, who came to power in a 2022 coup, had initially promised a return to civilian rule with elections planned for 2024. However, he has now made it clear that elections will not take place until security conditions improve significantly.

According to him, Burkina Faso cannot conduct a credible nationwide vote while large parts of the country remain affected by insurgency and violence linked to extremist groups.

In a further consolidation of power, the military government earlier dissolved all political parties, effectively halting political activity in the country. Before the ban, Burkina Faso had over 100 registered parties, reflecting a previously active multi-party system.

The move aligns Burkina Faso with neighbouring countries like Mali and Niger, where military-led governments have taken similar steps following coups.

The junta has justified its stance by pointing to the worsening security situation. Burkina Faso has been battling Islamist insurgencies for over a decade, with thousands killed and millions displaced.

Traoré maintains that restoring order and territorial control must come before any discussion of democratic governance, framing his leadership as necessary for national survival.

The remarks have drawn criticism from observers and human rights groups, who warn that abandoning democratic principles could deepen authoritarian rule and limit freedoms. Concerns have also been raised about increasing restrictions on opposition, media, and civil society under the current administration.

Traoré’s comments mark one of the clearest indications yet that Burkina Faso’s transition back to democracy is unlikely in the near future. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, the debate over governance, stability, and civil liberties is expected to intensify both within the nation and across the region.

Cameroon is set for a significant constitutional shift as President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving leader, prepares to appoint a vice-president for the first time in his more than four decades in power. The move follows the approval of controversial constitutional amendments by parliament.

Constitutional Changes Approved.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the reform during a joint session, paving the way for the reintroduction of the vice-presidential role—an office that was scrapped in 1972. The new law now awaits formal assent from Biya to come into effect.

Under the revised constitution, the vice-president will automatically assume office as head of state if the president dies or becomes incapacitated, completing the remainder of the seven-year term before fresh elections are held.

Before the amendment, Cameroon’s constitution designated the Senate president as interim leader in such circumstances, with the responsibility limited to overseeing a transition until elections were conducted.

The new arrangement marks a major departure, granting the vice-president—who will be appointed directly by the president—full authority to govern until the end of the term.

Government Justifies Reform

Supporters of the amendment argue that the change will improve governance and ensure continuity in leadership. They say it will also reduce the burden on the Senate, allowing it to focus on its legislative duties rather than succession responsibilities.

The reform is also seen by backers as a way to strengthen institutional stability in a country where leadership continuity has long been a sensitive issue.

Opposition Raises Concerns

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups, who claim the amendment was rushed through parliament without sufficient consultation. Some lawmakers have questioned the transparency of the process, describing it as “suspicious.”

The Social Democratic Front boycotted the vote, arguing that the vice-president should be elected alongside the president rather than appointed. The party also pushed for a power-sharing arrangement reflecting Cameroon’s linguistic divide between its English-speaking and French-speaking regions.

Prominent opposition figure Maurice Kamto went further, describing the reform as a “constitutional and institutional coup,” and warning that it risks concentrating power in the hands of the presidency.

Longstanding Leadership and Succession Debate

Biya, now 93, has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. His extended tenure has fueled ongoing speculation about succession, particularly amid recurring concerns about his health—though such discussions remain largely taboo within the country.

Despite long absences from public view, the president has repeatedly dismissed rumours about his condition by reappearing at official events.

Historical Context of the Vice-Presidency

Cameroon previously had a vice-president during its federal era between 1961 and 1972, when the country maintained a system that balanced its anglophone and francophone regions. The role was abolished after a 1972 referendum that transformed the nation into a unitary state.

The reintroduction of the position marks a return to a structure not seen in over five decades, though under very different political circumstances.

Uncertainty Over the Future

While the constitutional amendment provides clarity on succession procedures, it has also intensified speculation over who will be appointed as vice-president. Political discussions within Cameroon are now increasingly focused on the potential candidate and what the choice could signal for the country’s future.

As Cameroon moves to reinstate the vice-presidency, the reform highlights both an attempt to formalise succession and the enduring tensions surrounding governance in the country. With Paul Biya still firmly in power, questions about the nation’s political future remain unresolved.