Business Brief
By Business Insider Africa
From the Editor
Some of the biggest business stories are not always about what we can see, but what has yet to be valued.
Aliko Dangote's suggestion that he may be worth more than current rankings estimate highlights a challenge that exists across many African businesses. Some of the continent's most valuable companies remain privately held, making it difficult to fully measure their size and influence.
As more African firms move toward public listings, investors may get a clearer picture of just how much value has been built behind the scenes over the past decade.
 | Victor Inusa, Newsletter Editor. |
✨ Today’s Must Read
Africa’s richest man hints at being worth more than Forbes says he is, dismissing $38 billion
(Photo Credit: REUTERS)
Dangote says his wealth is likely much higher than estimates from Forbes and Bloomberg because some of the most valuable parts of his business empire remain privately held.
He argued that current rankings do not fully capture assets such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and fertilizer business, whose values have yet to be tested in public markets. That could change with the planned refinery IPO, which is expected to include listings on multiple exchanges.
The Big 3
(Photo Credit: AP)
🇮🇪 Ireland spends $853,000 to deport 42 South Africans as migration tensions rise across Africa’s largest economy
Ireland deported 42 South Africans who were living illegally in the country after they did not take up the option of voluntary return. The operation cost an initial €735,000 and included 27 adults and 15 children.
The removals come as South Africa faces growing debate over undocumented migration, unemployment and rising tensions around foreign nationals. Read more…
🇰🇪 Africa’s banking giants are converging on Kenya as battle for East Africa intensifies
African banking groups are stepping up their push into Kenya as competition for growth in East Africa increases. Absa plans to raise its stake in Absa Bank Kenya to as much as 85%, while other major lenders are also expanding their presence.
Kenya’s strong banking sector, digital economy and regional influence continue to attract investment. Read more…
🇳🇬 Dangote fuel takes an unexpected supply route through Lomé as regional trade networks expand
A growing share of fuel produced by Dangote Refinery is being routed through Lomé before reaching markets across West Africa, including Nigeria.
Between March and May 2026, more than 70% of Nigeria’s seaborne fuel imports originated from Dangote and passed through the Togolese hub, where cargoes are stored, blended and redistributed. Read more…
Quote Of The Day
The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid.
Listicles
(Photo Credit: Babcock)
The 10 best Universities in Africa according to the latest 2026 ranking
University rankings are becoming a key measure of higher education competitiveness as African countries invest in research and talent development.
The latest global rankings show South Africa and Egypt dominating the continent’s top spots, while Nigeria’s University of Ibadan remains the only West African institution in the top 10.
| S/N | University | Global Rank / Strength In Africa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cape Town 🇿🇦 South Africa |
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| 2 | Cairo University 🇪🇬 Egypt |
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| 3 | University of the Witwatersrand 🇿🇦 South Africa |
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| 4 | University of Ibadan 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
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| 5 | Mansoura University 🇪🇬 Egypt |
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| 6 | Al-Azhar University 🇪🇬 Egypt |
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| 7 | University of Johannesburg 🇿🇦 South Africa |
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| 8 | Ain Shams University 🇪🇬 Egypt |
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| 9 | Stellenbosch University 🇿🇦 South Africa |
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| 10 | Alexandria University 🇪🇬 Egypt |
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Source: U.S. News & World Report
Geopolitics & Power
(Photo Credit: es.apanews.net)
🇳🇪 Sahel bloc politics deepen as Niger sets tough conditions for Benin border reopening
Nearly three years after closing its border with Benin, Niger says reopening will depend on stronger security cooperation.
The country wants a binding defence agreement, transparency on any foreign military assets near the border, and a permanent intelligence-sharing system to tackle cross-border threats.
The talks highlight how security concerns are now shaping relations across the Sahel. Read more…
Global Trends, African Impact
(Photo Credit: FATF)
🇳🇦 Africa's uranium powerhouse exits global 'dirty money' watch list after major compliance reforms
Namibia has been removed from the FATF grey list after addressing 13 weaknesses in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system.
The move is expected to improve investor confidence and reduce compliance hurdles.
Namibia joins Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique and Burkina Faso among African countries that have recently exited the list. Read more…
Executive Trivia
Did You Know?
(Photo Credit: Justin Setterfield)
Morocco holds the record for the furthest progress by an African nation in FIFA World Cup history. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions shocked the footballing world by defeating global giants like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal to become the first African and Arab nation to ever reach the tournament's semi-finals, ultimately finishing in 4th place.
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