Business Insider Africa

Ghana and South Korea signed a historic visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports. This is the first such agreement between the two countries in nearly five decades of diplomatic relations. The deal is expected to ease official travel, enhance diplomatic relations, and deepen cooperation between Ghana and South Korea. Ghana continues to expand its visa-free diplomacy, recently allowing visa-free entry to citizens from all African countries.

10 African countries with the highest diesel prices in May 2026 1 🇲🇼 Malawi - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $3.852 - Global Rank: 22nd 2 🇨🇫 Central African Republic - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $2.219 - Global Rank: 23rd 3 🇱🇸 Lesotho - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $2.121 - Global Rank: 29th 4 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $2.090 - Global Rank: 35th 5 🇿🇦 South Africa - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $2.069 - Global Rank: 37th 6 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $2.033 - Global Rank: 40th 7 🇸🇿 Eswatini (Swaziland) - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $1.930 - Global Rank: 52nd 8 🇧🇼 Botswana - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $1.864 - Global Rank: 55th 9 🇲🇿 Mozambique - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $1.819 - Global Rank: 58th 10 🇿🇲 Zambia - Diesel Price (US$ per liter): $1.815 - Global Rank: 59th Source: Global Petrolprices

Dangote Refinery has reduced petrol and diesel prices again, with diesel recording the biggest cut. The move comes as global oil prices ease amid renewed diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran. The refinery is becoming increasingly influential in Nigeria’s fuel market as imports decline. The development could provide relief for businesses facing high transport, logistics and power costs.

South Africa's tourism sector is under pressure as anti-migrant protests and attacks have led travellers from several African countries to cancel trips. The incidents threaten to damage South Africa's reputation as a leading tourism destination. South African Tourism has acknowledged booking cancellations, condemned the violence, and reassured visitors that these acts do not represent most South Africans. Africa remains South Africa’s largest tourism market, and cancelled trips from African travellers pose significant economic risks to the sector.

South Africa will require selected imports from China to meet local standards before entering the country from September 2026. The new certification regime addresses concerns about low-cost, non-compliant imports that manufacturers say have harmed the domestic industry. Products, including generators and solar panels, will be subject to the new Pre-Export Verification of Conformity programme. Authorities say the measures will promote fair competition, protect consumers, and support the country's manufacturing sector.

The WHO is investigating 223 suspected Ebola deaths and 906 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. Cases have spread into Uganda, while governments and aid agencies ramp up emergency response measures. Conflict, displacement and delayed detection are complicating efforts to contain one of Africa’s most serious health threats.

Burkina Faso's military government has suspended the country's largest student union, UGEB, for three months, with possible renewal. The suspension was justified by accusations of glorifying terrorism, following a UGEB statement critical of the government's security performance. A criminal investigation has been launched against UGEB members, with potential charges carrying prison sentences and heavy fines. Analysts view the suspension as part of a broader campaign to suppress organizations and voices critical of the military regime amid a deepening security crisis.

The U.S. State Department issued an emergency travel warning for Americans in Bamako, Mali, citing a highly volatile security situation. Residents are advised to avoid public gatherings, not to cross roadblocks, and prepare to shelter in place with essential supplies. This warning follows a recent surge in violent insurgent activity, with al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM launching sophisticated attacks on major cities, including Bamako. Militants have established choke points on main highways, cutting off vital imports and causing severe shortages of fuel, medicine, and food.

China will allow qualified coffee bean imports from 53 African countries beginning July 20, 2026. The policy introduces a single continent-wide framework, replacing country-by-country approval processes. African coffee exporters could benefit from easier access to China's fast-growing consumer market. The move is expected to deepen China–Africa trade ties and expand opportunities for one of Africa's most valuable agricultural exports.

South Africa is now among the world's 30 largest food exporters, indicating its rising role in global agriculture. In 2024, South Africa exported $13.6 billion in agricultural products, making up about 0.9% of global agricultural trade. Despite new US tariffs and trade tensions, South Africa's agricultural exports reached a record $15.1 billion in 2025. The rest of Africa became South Africa's largest agricultural export market by late 2025, absorbing 53% of its shipments.