Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has received a new Boeing 737-8 from Aviation Capital Group (ACG), bringing the total number of this model delivered to the Moroccan airline in 2026 to six. ACG announced this on Monday, October 5, noting that these deliveries occurred over a six-month period. This delivery is part of RAM’s broader fleet renewal and expansion program, aimed at modernizing its aircraft and increasing its transport capacity. The Boeing 737-8 is part of the 737 MAX family, which offers improved efficiency and performance compared to older models. "With this last delivery, ACG marks the addition of the sixth 737-8 to the fleet of Royal Air Maroc in six months," said Carter A. White, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of ACG. The group emphasized its role in supporting RAM’s efforts to grow its operations. For the summer season of 2026, Royal Air Maroc had announced an offer of nearly 8.2 million seats, representing a 23% increase compared to the previous year. The airline’s international network now covers 86 destinations. The arrival of new aircraft is intended to help the company meet rising demand and continue expanding its international reach. This also aligns with RAM’s goal of strengthening its position as a key hub connecting Africa with other regions. As of June 30, 2026, ACG had around 500 aircraft either held, managed, or under commitment, leased to approximately 85 airlines across a dozen countries. This highlights the group’s significant role in the global aviation leasing market. Innocent Konan has been the new General Manager of the Bayer entity for West and Central Africa since July 1, 2026. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing Bayer’s operations in the region, focusing on pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and other business areas. In Côte d'Ivoire, the SGPME (Société de Garantie des Projets et des Marchés d'Entreprise) has provided a guarantee of 5.1 million dollars to Cofina for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). After mobilizing 108.77 billion CFA francs (equivalent to 185.9 million dollars), the SGPME is expanding its guarantee mechanism to support more businesses in the region. In Nigeria and Niger, the Kano-Maradi rail project is becoming a focal point of competition among ports in the Sahel region. As the transportation of goods to Niger grows, different ports are vying for a larger share of this trade, highlighting the strategic importance of the region’s infrastructure. India is investigating allegations of fraud related to the origin of shipments declared from Niger. The country has increased its reliance on African imports, particularly soy, in 2026, an area where it has traditionally been less active. This shift has raised concerns about the accuracy of trade data and the potential for misrepresentation. In Angola, the Museum of Slavery in Luanda tells the painful story of the transatlantic slave trade, preserving a particularly difficult chapter of the country’s history. The museum serves as a reminder of the impact of the slave trade on African societies and the importance of remembering this legacy. At the Namur Festival, African cinema is emerging as a significant force in Francophone film. African filmmakers are increasingly using French as a primary language for dialogue in their productions, even as they blend it with local languages. This approach reflects the region’s cultural diversity and the continued influence of French in African cinema.