Transfers20 September 2026
Remittances to Africa reach $124 billion, yet remain the world's most expensive
Money sent home by African migrants reaches around $124.2 billion a year, according to IFAD. The average cost of sending $200 through non-bank channels stood at 7.2% at the end of 2025, against 9.0% in 2016: the fall is real but slow, and still far from the 3% target set by the United Nations. West Africa does best at 4.9%, while Southern Africa remains the most expensive at 10.4%.
Read at the source · Capital Ethiopia (rapport FIDA)Immigration and studies15 September 2026
China: stricter checks on the truthfulness of student visa documents
Since 15 September 2026, entry formalities for China carry a stronger requirement on the truthfulness of the information provided. A false declaration or a forged document can lead to an entry ban of one to five years. A useful reminder: the X1 visa covers study stays of more than 180 days, the X2 visa those of 180 days or less. Never hand your file to anyone who offers to "arrange" a supporting document.
Read at the source · Study Abroad — guide du visa étudiant en Chine 2026Technology8 September 2026
Africa: investment accelerates in subsea cables and data centres
Capital is flowing into Africa's digital infrastructure: subsea cables, fibre, data centres and artificial intelligence platforms. In Nigeria, the data centre market is expected to grow from just over $300 million in 2025 to nearly $800 million by 2031, driven in particular by the Equiano and 2Africa cables. The challenge is still to connect this infrastructure through to businesses and users, not merely to build it.
Read at the source · TechAfrica NewsLogistics31 August 2026
Air cargo: global demand keeps growing, rates stay high
According to IATA, global air cargo demand rose 8.5% year on year in June 2026, then 3.9% in July. African carriers posted the strongest growth of any region early in the year, before slowing sharply in July. Spot rates remain well above 2025 levels, between roughly $3.2 and $3.7 per kilo depending on the month. This is why air freight prices move from one season to the next.
Read at the source · IATATransfers1 July 2026
BEAC launches a single payment QR code for the six CEMAC countries
The Bank of Central African States has launched an interoperable payment QR code shared by the six CEMAC countries. It links banks, payment institutions and mobile money operators through a single standard. In a region where mobile money already accounts for the vast majority of cashless transactions, this interoperability should make cross-border payments simpler and reduce reliance on cash.
Read at the source · Forbes AfriqueCustoms China15 March 2026
China: e-commerce returns may now clear through any customs office
Since 1 April 2026, goods exported through cross-border e-commerce and sent back from abroad no longer have to return through the customs office that handled the export. The company may choose any entry point in the country. This is a genuine simplification for returning goods bought in China, and good news for sourcing: an item that does not match the order is easier to send back.
Read at the source · Gouvernement de la République populaire de ChineCustoms Cameroon21 January 2026
Cameroon: no more customs duty on equipment imported by start-ups
The 2026 finance act exempts capital equipment intended for start-ups operating in Cameroon from import customs duty. Equipment for drinking-water production and renewable energy is also exempt. If you are setting up a business and importing equipment, this can change your budget appreciably: speak to an AfriLink adviser before you order, because the exemption requires specific supporting documents.
Read at the source · Investir au CamerounCustoms Cameroon1 January 2026
Cameroon: the harmonised ECCAS-CEMAC customs code is now in force
Since 1 January 2026, Cameroon has applied the harmonised ECCAS-CEMAC customs code and the common external tariff that goes with it. Goods are still sorted into four categories, from 5% for basic necessities to 30% for everyday consumer goods, on top of which come import VAT and the usual levies. Declarations go through CAMCIS and the GUCE single window. For your shipments, neither the delays nor the way costs are worked out change: AfriLink confirms the clearance cost before every shipment.
Read at the source · Direction générale du Budget du Cameroun — projet de loi de finances 2026Customs Russia1 January 2026
Russia: the duty-free threshold for parcels drops from €200 to €100
The allowance for personal parcels entering Russia falls from €200 to €100 in 2026, with a further drop to €50 announced for 2027. Above the threshold, a charge applies to the excess. Be careful: the threshold is counted per recipient per calendar month, and the declared value includes shipping. Several small parcels sent in the same month can therefore be added together. AfriLink advises you on how to split your shipments.
Read at the source · Forest ShippingCustoms Cameroon5 December 2025
Cameroon: excise duty rises on imported used vehicles
The 2026 finance act raises excise duty on imported used vehicles, and the older the vehicle, the higher the duty. The stated aim is to broaden the tax base while making the oldest models less attractive to import. If you are considering importing a vehicle, have the total cost estimated before you buy: on older models the gap with previous years can be substantial.
Read at the source · Investir au Cameroun