Business Brief
By Business Insider Africa
From the Editor
It is always interesting to see how global travel rules shift whenever a health emergency emerges.
Just yesterday, May 18, 2026, the U.S. put new screening rules and entry limits on travelers coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda due to an Ebola outbreak. This sudden move follows a pattern of tough travel policies Washington has used for diplomatic disputes over the last two years.
With the White House's recent track record of strict travel restrictions, one can't help but wonder if this new ban will actually be lifted anytime soon.
 | Victor Inusa, Newsletter Editor. |
✨ Today’s Must Read
The US issues fresh travel restrictions to 3 African countries despite 'country of origin'
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The United States has issued new travel restrictions for the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Implemented on May 18, 2026, by the CDC and DHS, the policy requires additional screening and entry restrictions for non-US passport holders who have been in these countries within the last 21 days, regardless of their country of origin.
The temporary 30-day suspension aims to protect American public health from the Bundibugyo virus strain while federal agencies assess the full risk profile and develop a comprehensive containment plan. Read more…
The Big 3
President Bola Tinubu (Photo Credit: Facebook)
🇳🇬 Nigeria to become world’s 5th richest country - Côte d’Ivoire to overtake France
An ECOWAS commissioner projected that Nigeria could become the world’s fifth-richest country within 50 years. He also forecast that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire could rank among the top 15 global economies within 25 years.
The official emphasized that Nigeria's long-term growth depends on West African regional trade integration rather than reliance on Western markets. Read more…
🇪🇬 Red Sea trade corridor takes shape as Egypt and Eritrea launch new shipping line
Egypt and Eritrea have agreed to launch a new shipping line connecting their Red Sea ports to boost regional trade and logistics.
Finalized during an official Egyptian delegation visit to Eritrea, the agreement includes Egypt sharing its railway and port-building expertise.
Both nations emphasized that Red Sea security remains the sole responsibility of its bordering countries, without external involvement. Read more…
🇶🇦 Qatari billionaire family eyes multi-billion-dollar infrastructure opportunities in aviation and construction across Africa
The Qatari billionaire Al-Khayyat family is expanding into African infrastructure through UCC Holding, targeting multi-billion-dollar aviation and construction projects.
The firm is actively bidding for Ethiopia’s $12.5 billion international airport project in Bishoftu, which is designed to handle 100 million passengers annually.
Additionally, they are eyeing a 400-kilometre highway development project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more…
Quote Of The Day
Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at a work worth doing.
Listicles
(Photo Credit: Opulent Routes)
10 best countries in Africa, according to latest ranking
The 2026 Best Countries ranking by U.S. News & World Report evaluated nations on governance, economy, health, infrastructure, and culture. Top spots like Seychelles, Morocco, and Tunisia feature diversified economies, while Egypt and South Africa remain industrial powerhouses.
🇸🇨 Seychelles (Global Rank: 49th); Driven by luxury tourism, fisheries, and offshore financial services, giving it one of Africa's highest per capita incomes.
🇲🇦 Morocco (Global Rank: 74th); Powered by a highly diversified economy including automotive manufacturing, phosphate exports, agriculture, and tourism.
🇹🇳 Tunisia (Global Rank: 77th); Sustained by textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, and export-oriented tech sectors with strong European trade links.
🇪🇬 Egypt (Global Rank: 80th); Anchored by Suez Canal revenues, natural gas exports, manufacturing, agriculture, and historic tourism.
🇿🇦 South Africa (Global Rank: 81st); Supported by mining, finance, manufacturing, and tourism as one of the continent's most industrialized economies.
🇩🇿 Algeria (Global Rank: 87th); Heavily reliant on massive oil and natural gas exports, which supply the bulk of government revenue.
🇬🇭 Ghana (Global Rank: 90th); Maintained by exports of gold, cocoa, and oil, alongside a growing digital banking and telecom sector.
🇰🇪 Kenya (Global Rank: 92nd); Fueled by agriculture, tourism, and financial services, with Nairobi serving as a leading tech startup hub.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe (Global Rank: 97th); Driven primarily by mineral wealth, with exports of gold, platinum, and lithium anchoring its recovery.
🇳🇬 Nigeria (Global Rank: 98th); Powered by oil and gas exports alongside rapidly expanding domestic sectors like fintech, telecom, and entertainment.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Geopolitics & Power
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
🇲🇦 Morocco’s naval gamble deepens as Spain prepares to deliver first warship to Rabat in 40 years
Spain-based shipbuilder Navantia is preparing to deliver an offshore patrol vessel to Morocco before August, marking the first Spanish-built warship for Rabat in 40 years.
The €130 million ship is designed for advanced weapons integration to support air and surface warfare. This delivery comes as Morocco boosts defence spending to $6.3 billion amid an ongoing arms rivalry with Algeria. Read more…
Global Trends, African Impact
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
🇿🇦 Trump-era tariffs push Germany past US in South Africa trade rankings
Germany has overtaken the US to become South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trade partner. New American tariffs heavily impacted South Africa’s value-added exports, particularly affecting vehicles and transport equipment.
Meanwhile, China remains South Africa’s top export destination, newly supported by a tariff-free access agreement.
The US could regain its spot if its Supreme Court reverses the levies. Read more…
Executive Trivia
(Photo Credit: Tech Business News)
Did You Know?
Madagascar is the biggest island in Africa and the fourth-largest island in the world. Located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of the continent, it covers an area of roughly 587,000 square kilometers and is renowned for its unique, highly endemic wildlife
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