Markets in Japan rise after Takaichi achieves a groundbreaking election victory
Japanese stocks soared after PM Sanae Takaichi’s LDP won a two-thirds lower house majority, giving her a strong mandate to advance pro-business policies.
Trade
Ghana affirms commitment to ethical deployment of AI in military and security operations
Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in military and security operations, stressing the need for human oversight and respect for international law. The assurance was given at the 2026 Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit in Spain, where Ghana endorsed global efforts to regulate AI deployment in defence and security to promote peace and protect human dignity.
Fragmentation, rather than sovereignty, is Africa’s biggest obstacle
Ace Anan Ankomah has urged African nations to overcome internal divisions and take control of their economic and technological future. He warned that self-imposed fragmentation, not independence, continues to hold the continent back, and called for unity, innovation, and self-reliance as drivers of sustainable growth.
AU: free movement is essential for AfCFTA to open its full potential
Ama Twum-Amoah of the African Union Commission has warned that AfCFTA cannot succeed without free movement of people. She said mobility is crucial for economic growth, innovation, and empowering women in cross-border trade.
Mahama calls for transport investment to reduce business costs across Africa
President John Dramani Mahama has urged African governments to prioritise road and rail infrastructure, warning that weak transport networks continue to raise business costs and hinder trade across the continent. He said stronger transport links are critical to making intra-African trade more affordable and fully realising the goals of the AfCFTA.
Richest country on the continent invests $20M in rare earths project
South Africa’s state-owned Industrial Development Corporation is backing Frontier Rare Earths’ Zandkopsdrift project in the Northern Cape, funding a feasibility study for a mine expected to produce rare earths and battery-grade manganese by 2030. The EU, seeking alternatives to Chinese supply, has designated the project a strategic asset, while Frontier explores EU funding partnerships and innovative extraction technology.
India set to purchase up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft after U.S. trade deal
India plans to order up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft as part of efforts to expand trade with the United States, with additional imports of engines and parts potentially pushing the total above $100 billion. The deal comes amid broader discussions on increasing bilateral trade, while officials stress that no binding investment commitments have yet been made.
Triple dependency continues to sabotage Africa’s sovereignty, Mahama declares
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that Africa’s pursuit of true sovereignty remains severely constrained by what he terms a “triple dependency” on external forces for security, social services, and the extraction of critical minerals.
Economic Pressure Mounts on PM Starmer as UK Borrowing Costs Rise
U.K. bond yields rose as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure over his handling of former ambassador Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy has intensified calls from Labour MPs for a leadership challenge, with analysts warning it could mark a tipping point in Starmer’s premiership.
Landmark Visa Waiver Pact Reached Between Ghana and Zambia
Ghana and Zambia have signed a historic visa waiver agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely without visas. Announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during President Mahama’s state visit to Zambia, the move is expected to boost trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.