Financial Services & Investments

Countries
Angola Projects Non-Oil Taxes to Surpass Oil Revenue in Historic 2026 Shift
Financial Services & Investments

Angola Projects Non-Oil Taxes to Surpass Oil Revenue in Historic 2026 Shift

Angola's 2026 budget forecasts non-oil revenue at 10.6 trillion kwanza ($11.4 billion, 7.8% GDP) exceeding oil receipts for first time, driven by tax reforms, customs digitalisation, and base expansion reducing oil dependency (historically 95% exports/60% fiscal).

Angola
March 5, 2026
Egypt Unlocks $2.3bn IMF Funding After Completing Key Reform Reviews
Financial Services & Investments

Egypt Unlocks $2.3bn IMF Funding After Completing Key Reform Reviews

Egypt gains immediate access to $2bn from Extended Fund Facility 5th/6th reviews plus $273m Resilience and Sustainability Facility tranche, bolstering buffers amid privatisation delays, CBE easing, and Red Sea shipping risks.

Egypt
March 4, 2026
Zambia Officials Slam "Overblown" Sovereign Debt Risk Perceptions Costing Billions
Financial Services & Investments

Zambia Officials Slam "Overblown" Sovereign Debt Risk Perceptions Costing Billions

Zambian Treasury officials argue investor prejudice premiums inflate borrowing costs by nearly 3 percentage points despite successful $6bn+ debt restructuring, calling for recalibration as copper-dependent economy stabilises post-2020 default.

Zambia
March 4, 2026
Senegal Narrows Trade Deficit to $2.4bn Despite Import Dependence
Financial Services & Investments

Senegal Narrows Trade Deficit to $2.4bn Despite Import Dependence

Senegal recorded a $2.4 billion trade deficit in 2025 (60% improvement YoY) as exports surged 51% to $10.67 billion driven by gold ($372m Dec record) and petroleum, though imports remained structurally higher at $13.09 billion.

Senegal
March 3, 2026
Ghana Stock Market Surges 9% Weekly as Africa Equities Show Regional Divergence
Financial Services & Investments

Ghana Stock Market Surges 9% Weekly as Africa Equities Show Regional Divergence

Ghana’s GSE led African markets with a 9.01% weekly gain to 46.74% YTD, followed by BRVM +3.81% and JSE +4.42%, while Nigeria slipped 1.11% despite +23.91% YTD; CBN cuts rates 50bps to 26.5% and NGX suspends Zichis after 859% surge.

Africa
March 3, 2026
Africa’s Mobile Coverage Reaches 91% but 64% Usage Gap Persists, GSMA Warns
Financial Services & Investments

Africa’s Mobile Coverage Reaches 91% but 64% Usage Gap Persists, GSMA Warns

GSMA reports Africa’s mobile broadband coverage gap has shrunk to just 9% from 41% in 2015, yet a massive 64% usage gap remains due to smartphone affordability, data costs, and digital skills—potentially costing $700bn in forgone GDP by 2030 if unaddressed.

Africa
March 2, 2026
African Regional Blocs Rally Behind AfDB’s New Financial Architecture to Unlock $4tn Capital
Financial Services & Investments

African Regional Blocs Rally Behind AfDB’s New Financial Architecture to Unlock $4tn Capital

African Development Bank president Dr Sidi Ould Tah secured backing from all eight Regional Economic Communities for the New African Financial Architecture (NAFA), a blueprint to mobilise domestic capital, rebuild financial sovereignty, and close the continent’s multi-trillion-dollar development financing gap.

Africa
March 2, 2026
M-KOPA Unlocks $170 Million Credit Driving Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion
Financial Services & Investments

M-KOPA Unlocks $170 Million Credit Driving Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion

M-KOPA has extended $170 million (₦230 billion) in credit to over 1 million Nigerian customers—its fastest-growing market—via smartphone financing and flexible loans tailored to informal earners, boosting income for 77% and household expenses for 81%.

Nigeria
February 26, 2026
Kenya Proposes KSh 5 Trillion Infrastructure Fund Without Sovereign Borrowing
Financial Services & Investments

Kenya Proposes KSh 5 Trillion Infrastructure Fund Without Sovereign Borrowing

The National Infrastructure Fund Bill 2025 proposes a KSh 5 trillion corporate vehicle to mobilize private/non-traditional capital for highways, rail, airports and energy—explicitly prohibiting fund-level borrowing while targeting 10x investment multiplier through asset monetization and pension allocations.

Kenya
February 25, 2026
South Africa’s Debt Stabilises for First Time in 17 Years
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa’s Debt Stabilises for First Time in 17 Years

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced South Africa’s debt-to-GDP ratio will stabilise at 77.3% for 2026/27—first time in 17 years after peaking near 80%—with further decline to 76.5% next year, signaling restored credibility via S&P credit upgrade and money-laundering grey list exit.

South Africa
February 24, 2026
China to Scrap Tariffs on Imports from 53 African Partners from May 1
Financial Services & Investments

China to Scrap Tariffs on Imports from 53 African Partners from May 1

China will eliminate tariffs on all imports from 53 diplomatically tied African countries starting May 1, 2026, President Xi Jinping announced at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, aiming to rebalance $348.05 billion bilateral trade marked by a record $102 billion African deficit

Africa
February 24, 2026
Investment in African Fintech Unlocks Cross-Sector Growth Opportunities
Financial Services & Investments

Investment in African Fintech Unlocks Cross-Sector Growth Opportunities

African fintech leads tech funding with eight of nine unicorns and explosive growth (700+ firms funded yearly by 2022, x7 since 2015), enabling infrastructure gains in health/agri/climate as $130-170 billion annual needs exceed $80 billion investments, per IFC data.

Africa
February 23, 2026
Africa’s Capital Markets Revive with Creative Funding Structures
Financial Services & Investments

Africa’s Capital Markets Revive with Creative Funding Structures

East African Breweries refinanced a KES 11 billion bond via KES 16.7 billion medium-term note at 11.8%—first under new KES 20 billion programme—oversubscribed 152.4% as Kenya’s 10-year yield hit 13.3% lowest since mid-2022, signaling liquidity return and borrower creativity in syndicated/blended finance.

Africa
February 23, 2026
West African Development Bank Clarifies Sovereign Bond Strategy Amid Regional Issuance Surge
Financial Services & Investments

West African Development Bank Clarifies Sovereign Bond Strategy Amid Regional Issuance Surge

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) explained its treasury management via investments in member-state bonds—distinct from budget support—viewing them as safest WAEMU instruments with zero defaults over 50 years, as issuance rises 27.7% to 15.143 trillion CFA francs ($27.86 billion) in 2026.

Africa
February 23, 2026
African Sovereigns Pivot to MDBs as Debt Distress Risks Persist, S&P Says
Financial Services & Investments

African Sovereigns Pivot to MDBs as Debt Distress Risks Persist, S&P Says

African governments will increasingly rely on multilateral development banks (MDBs) for funding in 2026 amid elevated debt distress risks for over 20 countries, while Eurobond markets remain selective despite a strong start with $6 billion issuance, S&P Global Ratings' Samira Mensah said.

Africa
February 23, 2026
Africa in Brief: February 20, 2026 – VC Share at 0.5%, Venture Debt Gap Widens
Financial Services & Investments

Africa in Brief: February 20, 2026 – VC Share at 0.5%, Venture Debt Gap Widens

Africa captured $2.1 billion in venture capital in 2025, just 0.5% of $425 billion global total across ~27,000 deals, with volume flat at 432 but value down 21% YoY as AI absorbed $210 billion (49%) per Crunchbase/AVCA data.

Africa
February 20, 2026
Frontier Markets News: African Sovereign Issuances Surge, Sahel Gains IMF Boosts
Financial Services & Investments

Frontier Markets News: African Sovereign Issuances Surge, Sahel Gains IMF Boosts

African sovereigns tapped markets amid cheap cash, with Kenya launching $500 million eurobond buyback funded by $1.5-2 billion new issue, Côte d’Ivoire raising $1.3 billion 14-year bond oversubscribed fivefold, and Sahel states securing IMF approvals including $91 million for Niger projecting 6.7% 2026 growth.

Africa
February 20, 2026
Africa M&A Activity Holds Firm, Set to Persist Strongly into 2026 Amid Uncertainty
Financial Services & Investments

Africa M&A Activity Holds Firm, Set to Persist Strongly into 2026 Amid Uncertainty

African M&A deal activity remained robust in 2025 with inbound value up over 40% and outbound surging nearly 85% from 2024 levels, despite fewer mega intra-Africa deals, signaling investor confidence that should sustain into 2026 per Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer analysis.

Africa
February 18, 2026
Standard Bank Convenes African Policymakers and Global Investors at 2026 Conference
Financial Services & Investments

Standard Bank Convenes African Policymakers and Global Investors at 2026 Conference

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking will host the second African Markets Conference from February 22 to 24, 2026, in Cape Town, uniting global investors, sovereign funds, and African policymakers to drive capital into critical sectors amid a $75 billion annual infrastructure funding gap.

South Africa
February 18, 2026
Africa Fintech Forum 2026 Spotlights South Africa’s $1-7bn Digital Finance Growth
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Fintech Forum 2026 Spotlights South Africa’s $1-7bn Digital Finance Growth

South Africa’s fintech market enters 2026 valued between $1-7 billion, with double-digit growth projected through the decade driven by payments, digital lending, and embedded finance, positioning the country as a continental leader alongside Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt.

South Africa
February 17, 2026
Africa Business Forum 2026 Opens In Addis Ababa Spotlighting Jobs Innovation Financing
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Business Forum 2026 Opens In Addis Ababa Spotlighting Jobs Innovation Financing

The 9th Africa Business Forum opened February 16 at UNECA's Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, convening African heads of state, policymakers and private sector under “Financing the Future of Africa: Jobs and Innovation for Sustainable Transformation” to mobilize blended finance for youth jobs and innovation ecosystems.

Africa
February 16, 2026
SA Economy In Best Shape In Decade – Standard Bank
Financial Services & Investments

SA Economy In Best Shape In Decade – Standard Bank

Standard Bank chief economist Goolam Ballim states South Africa’s economy enters its strongest phase in 10 years, forecast for 1.2% growth in 2025, 1.4% in 2026 and 2.1% by 2028, fueled by credit upgrade, coalition stability, utility reforms, firmer rand and mining tailwinds.

South Africa
February 12, 2026
Stablecoins Could ‘Break Apart’, Warns South African Reserve Bank Governor
Financial Services & Investments

Stablecoins Could ‘Break Apart’, Warns South African Reserve Bank Governor

South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago warned at the 2026 Warwick Economics Summit that stablecoins risk fragmenting despite surging adoption—7.8m users on top exchanges by mid-2025—potentially undermining monetary unity, exchange controls and financial stability absent robust regulation.

South Africa
February 11, 2026
2026 Outlook For Africa: Uncertainty Is The New Certainty
Financial Services & Investments

2026 Outlook For Africa: Uncertainty Is The New Certainty

Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy has outperformed global growth since 2022 at 3.0% in 2023, 3.7% in 2024 and 4.0% in 2025, with World Bank forecasting 4.3% expansion in 2026 amid Trump administration tariffs, armed conflicts and geoeconomic confrontation ranked as top global risks.

Africa
February 10, 2026
Ghana Curbs Offshore Investments To Protect Cedi, Boost Stability
Financial Services & Investments

Ghana Curbs Offshore Investments To Protect Cedi, Boost Stability

Ghana’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed local fund managers to limit offshore investments to 20% of assets under management, with previously unrestricted funds capped at 70%, aiming to safeguard the cedi and reinforce macroeconomic stability as the country nears completion of its three-year IMF program in August.

Ghana
February 9, 2026
S&P Sees Egypt And Nigeria Banks’ Profits Shrink In 2026 As Rate Cuts Hit Margins
Financial Services & Investments

S&P Sees Egypt And Nigeria Banks’ Profits Shrink In 2026 As Rate Cuts Hit Margins

Banks in Egypt and Nigeria face shrinking profits in 2026 as central banks accelerate rate cuts amid cooling inflation, S&P Global Ratings forecast in its Africa Banking Outlook.

Egypt
February 6, 2026
South African Reserve Bank Governor Warns Stablecoins Could ‘Break Apart’ Amid Rising Adoption
Financial Services & Investments

South African Reserve Bank Governor Warns Stablecoins Could ‘Break Apart’ Amid Rising Adoption

South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago warned that the growing popularity of stablecoins carries significant risks, as these assets could “break apart” and threaten financial stability.

South Africa
February 5, 2026
Afreximbank Lines Up $8bn Financing Package For South Africa’s Mining, Auto And Manufacturing Sectors
Financial Services & Investments

Afreximbank Lines Up $8bn Financing Package For South Africa’s Mining, Auto And Manufacturing Sectors

Afreximbank has prepared an initial $8 billion financing package for South Africa, its newest member, targeting mining, manufacturing and automaking projects, the pan‑African trade bank announced.

South Africa
February 5, 2026
Africa Confronts $90bn Debt Repayment Wall In 2026 Amid Rising Rollover Risks
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Confronts $90bn Debt Repayment Wall In 2026 Amid Rising Rollover Risks

African governments face heightened debt risks in 2026 as external debt repayments surpass $90 billion — more than triple the 2012 level — pressuring buffers and raising rollover challenges, S&P Global Ratings warned.

Africa
February 4, 2026
Ethiopia Targets 10.2% Economic Growth In 2025/26 As Reforms Advance, Says Prime Minister
Financial Services & Investments

Ethiopia Targets 10.2% Economic Growth In 2025/26 As Reforms Advance, Says Prime Minister

Ethiopia’s economy is expected to grow by 10.2% in the 2025/26 fiscal year, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told lawmakers, marking an upgrade from earlier official projections.

Ethiopia
February 4, 2026
South African Business Activity Stabilises In January As Demand And Price Pressures Ease PMI
Financial Services & Investments

South African Business Activity Stabilises In January As Demand And Price Pressures Ease PMI

South Africa’s private sector business conditions stabilised in January after a tough end to 2025, as demand steadied and inflationary pressures cooled, an S&P Global survey showed.

South Africa
February 3, 2026
Kenya Private Sector Growth Cools In January As Construction, Retail Weaken
Financial Services & Investments

Kenya Private Sector Growth Cools In January As Construction, Retail Weaken

Kenya’s private sector expanded again in January, but at a slower pace as weaker performance in construction and in wholesale and retail trade weighed on overall activity, a survey showed.

Kenya
February 3, 2026
Egypt’s Non‑Oil Private Sector Output Extends Growth Run In January, But Demand Softens PMI
Financial Services & Investments

Egypt’s Non‑Oil Private Sector Output Extends Growth Run In January, But Demand Softens PMI

Egypt’s non-oil private sector output expanded for a third straight month in January, the longest stretch of growth since late 2020, although demand conditions eased, according to S&P Global.

Egypt
February 3, 2026
Harsh Ratings Cost Africa $100 Billion In Credit Lines, AU Expert Says
Financial Services & Investments

Harsh Ratings Cost Africa $100 Billion In Credit Lines, AU Expert Says

An AU credit-ratings adviser said Africa loses over $100 billion a year in foregone investment and higher interest costs from rating methodologies, as Afreximbank’s break with Fitch intensifies debate over fairness.

Africa
February 2, 2026
Nigeria Looks To Sustain NGX Rally In 2026 As Reforms Deepen And Policy Risks Test Investor Confidence
Financial Services & Investments

Nigeria Looks To Sustain NGX Rally In 2026 As Reforms Deepen And Policy Risks Test Investor Confidence

Nigeria’s equity rally has pushed the NGX All‑Share Index to a record and market value toward N100 trillion, but sustaining gains in 2026 will hinge on policy credibility, market reforms and stable macro conditions.

Nigeria
February 2, 2026
Ethiopia Bondholders Plan English Court Action As Creditors Block Initial $1 Billion Restructuring Deal
Financial Services & Investments

Ethiopia Bondholders Plan English Court Action As Creditors Block Initial $1 Billion Restructuring Deal

A key bondholder group said it will pursue legal action after official creditors led by China and France blocked a draft $1 billion Eurobond restructuring, citing comparability rules under the G20 framework.

Ethiopia
February 2, 2026
Africa Finance Corp Says New S&P ‘A’ Rating Will Support Cheaper Funding And Wider Lending
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Finance Corp Says New S&P ‘A’ Rating Will Support Cheaper Funding And Wider Lending

​Africa Finance Corp’s CEO said S&P Global’s first rating for the lender should improve market access, lower borrowing costs over time and support expanded infrastructure lending across Africa.

Africa
January 30, 2026
Ethiopia To Reopen $1 Billion Eurobond Talks After Official Creditors Reject Draft Terms
Financial Services & Investments

Ethiopia To Reopen $1 Billion Eurobond Talks After Official Creditors Reject Draft Terms

​Ethiopia will restart talks with bondholders after official creditors said a draft Eurobond restructuring, featuring an export-linked value recovery instrument, fell short of comparability requirements.

Ethiopia
January 30, 2026
XSML Capital closes African Rivers Fund IV at $142m
Financial Services & Investments

XSML Capital closes African Rivers Fund IV at $142m

XSML Capital said it completed the final close of African Rivers Fund IV (ARF IV) at $142 million to finance about 50 African SMEs, with a focus on Eastern Africa, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Africa
January 28, 2026
African nations now send more money to China than they receive in new loans
Financial Services & Investments

African nations now send more money to China than they receive in new loans

​New analysis from ONE Data says China has shifted from being a net provider of finance to a net receiver for many developing economies, with Africa seeing a $52 billion swing as inflows in 2015–2019 turned into net outflows in 2020–2024 due to rising debt repayments and reduced new lending.

Africa
January 27, 2026
IMF expects staff visit to Gabon in February despite no formal request for programme
Financial Services & Investments

IMF expects staff visit to Gabon in February despite no formal request for programme

The IMF said it expects to send staff to Gabon in February to review macro and fiscal conditions and discuss reforms after the country’s new administration stepped up engagement, even though Libreville has not yet made a formal request for an IMF-supported programme.

Gabon
January 26, 2026
South African rand stutters around 16/$ mark while traders eye rate decision next week
Financial Services & Investments

South African rand stutters around 16/$ mark while traders eye rate decision next week

The rand hovered near its strongest level since mid-2022 as traders looked ahead to the South African Reserve Bank’s rate decision, with support from record-high gold prices and a weaker dollar, though analysts warned the currency’s gains could prove fragile.

South Africa
January 23, 2026
Exclusive: Ghana deal with Afreximbank gets official creditor backing, source says
Financial Services & Investments

Exclusive: Ghana deal with Afreximbank gets official creditor backing, source says

Ghana’s agreement to restructure a $750 million Afreximbank loan has gained support from official creditors, a step that would typically imply the lender accepted a form of debt treatment and that could intensify scrutiny of Afreximbank’s credit ratings and claimed preferred creditor status.

Ghana
January 23, 2026
South African rand hovers around strongest in three years as geopolitical tensions ease
Financial Services & Investments

South African rand hovers around strongest in three years as geopolitical tensions ease

The rand held near its strongest level since August 2022 as safe-haven demand eased after U.S. President Donald Trump backed down from tariff threats and ruled out using force to obtain Greenland, while South African stocks and bonds also firmed.

South Africa
January 22, 2026
China's Africa lending nearly halved in 2024, shifts to yuan
Financial Services & Investments

China's Africa lending nearly halved in 2024, shifts to yuan

​Chinese lending to Africa fell to $2.1 billion in 2024 as Beijing pivoted from dollar-denominated megaprojects to smaller, more commercially viable financing increasingly denominated in yuan, Boston University data showed.

Africa
January 22, 2026
South African inflation ticks up but more rate cuts expected this year
Financial Services & Investments

South African inflation ticks up but more rate cuts expected this year

​South Africa’s headline inflation edged up to 3.6% in December, but economists still see room for further interest-rate cuts in 2026 as price pressures remain contained and the rand has strengthened.

South Africa
January 21, 2026
In Davos, African president pitches business deals to Trump’s son Eric
Financial Services & Investments

In Davos, African president pitches business deals to Trump’s son Eric

Somaliland’s president used meetings at the World Economic Forum, including with Eric Trump and Israel’s president Isaac Herzog, to push recognition and pitch investment opportunities such as the Berbera port.

Somaliland
January 21, 2026
South Africa’s Nedbank Offers Cash-and-Stock Deal to Buy 66% of Kenya’s NCBA for $856 Million​
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa’s Nedbank Offers Cash-and-Stock Deal to Buy 66% of Kenya’s NCBA for $856 Million​

Nedbank said it has offered to acquire a 66% stake in Kenya’s NCBA in a 13.9 billion rand cash-and-stock deal to expand in East Africa, while the remaining shares would keep trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Kenya
January 20, 2026
Can Africa Cut Its Borrowing Costs as Risk Premiums and Data Gaps Distort Pricing?
Financial Services & Investments

Can Africa Cut Its Borrowing Costs as Risk Premiums and Data Gaps Distort Pricing?

African Business says Africa’s high “risk premium” keeps capital-market borrowing far costlier than concessional finance, arguing that better data, stronger institutions and domestic capital mobilisation are key to lowering debt-service pressures and unlocking investment

Africa
January 20, 2026
Africa Business Forum 2026 to Spotlight Blended Finance, Youth Jobs and Investment Partnerships in Addis Ababa
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Business Forum 2026 to Spotlight Blended Finance, Youth Jobs and Investment Partnerships in Addis Ababa

UNECA said the Africa Business Forum 2026 will convene leaders and financiers alongside the AU Summit in Addis Ababa to mobilise partnerships and blended finance for jobs, innovation and creative sectors, including a new “Jobs Wall Commitment Tracker” to monitor pledges.

Ethiopia
January 20, 2026
South Africa Inflation on Track for 3% Target in 2026, Reserve Bank Governor Says
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa Inflation on Track for 3% Target in 2026, Reserve Bank Governor Says

SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago said inflation is on course to hit the 3% target in 2026 and that the central bank’s model still allows for two additional 25-basis-point rate cuts this year.

South Africa
January 20, 2026
IMF Board Completes Fourth Review of Ethiopia Program, Clearing About $261 Million Disbursement
Financial Services & Investments

IMF Board Completes Fourth Review of Ethiopia Program, Clearing About $261 Million Disbursement

​The IMF approved the fourth review of Ethiopia’s $3.4 billion programme, triggering an about $261 million disbursement as Addis Ababa advances reforms and seeks approval for a preliminary deal to restructure its sole $1 billion Eurobond.

Ethiopia
January 19, 2026
South African Rand Slips Ahead of Inflation Data as Stocks and Bonds Weaken
Financial Services & Investments

South African Rand Slips Ahead of Inflation Data as Stocks and Bonds Weaken

The rand fell to 16.4050 per dollar as traders awaited December inflation data for signals on South Africa’s rate path, while the JSE Top-40 slid and the 2035 bond yield rose to 8.36%.

South Africa
January 19, 2026
Tanzania Holds Key Rate at 5.75% Again as Central Bank Targets Robust Growth
Financial Services & Investments

Tanzania Holds Key Rate at 5.75% Again as Central Bank Targets Robust Growth

Tanzania’s central bank kept its benchmark rate at 5.75% for a second straight meeting, saying it expects favourable conditions and inflation to stay within its 3%–5% target range.

Tanzania
January 13, 2026
Senegal PM Sonko Says Debt Can Be Managed Without Restructuring Despite Tough 2026 Schedule
Financial Services & Investments

Senegal PM Sonko Says Debt Can Be Managed Without Restructuring Despite Tough 2026 Schedule

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said Senegal believes it can exit its debt crisis without restructuring, even as the IMF cites debt at 132% of GDP and investors warn repayment pressures could force a rework.

Senegal
January 13, 2026
Zambia Plans New IMF Programme as Current Facility Nears Expiry; Bonds Pare Losses
Financial Services & Investments

Zambia Plans New IMF Programme as Current Facility Nears Expiry; Bonds Pare Losses

Zambia will pursue a new IMF programme instead of extending its current arrangement, a shift authorities framed as a transition after completing reviews under the existing facility as investors tracked the impact on the country’s dollar bonds.

Zambia
January 12, 2026
South African Rand Steady Ahead of US Jobs Data; Reserves Rise, 2035 Yield Edges Up
Financial Services & Investments

South African Rand Steady Ahead of US Jobs Data; Reserves Rise, 2035 Yield Edges Up

The rand held steady near 16.50 per dollar as markets awaited US labour data for clues on the Fed path, while South Africa’s net foreign reserves rose and the benchmark 2035 bond yield ticked higher.

South Africa
January 12, 2026
Gulf and Asian Capital Targets African Platforms Amid 2026 Financing Shift
Financial Services & Investments

Gulf and Asian Capital Targets African Platforms Amid 2026 Financing Shift

Petrodollars and Asian project finance converge on logistics, energy, and data infrastructure as Africa prioritizes credibility over growth.

Africa
January 8, 2026
Enko Hedge Fund Sees Africa Risks Rising After Dollar-Linked Gains
Financial Services & Investments

Enko Hedge Fund Sees Africa Risks Rising After Dollar-Linked Gains

Africa-focused Enko Partners warns of currency and debt headwinds in 2026 after dollar strength drove strong returns in 2025.

Africa
January 8, 2026
Benin Advances Preparations for Africa’s First Eurobond of 2026
Financial Services & Investments

Benin Advances Preparations for Africa’s First Eurobond of 2026

Benin launches roadshow for debut dollar bond, targeting $500 million amid West Africa’s improving fiscal profile.

Benin
January 8, 2026
Flutterwave Acquires Mono in $25 Million to $40 Million All-Stock Deal
Financial Services & Investments

Flutterwave Acquires Mono in $25 Million to $40 Million All-Stock Deal

Africa's largest payments provider buys Nigeria's leading open-banking startup to integrate data verification and bank payment APIs into its cross-border network.

Nigeria
January 6, 2026
African Markets to Price Reforms Over Growth in 2026 Outlook
Financial Services & Investments

African Markets to Price Reforms Over Growth in 2026 Outlook

African investor sentiment in 2026 will reward fiscal discipline and policy predictability over headline growth rebounds.

Africa
January 4, 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa Tops Global Growth Forecasts at 4.4% in 2026
Financial Services & Investments

Sub-Saharan Africa Tops Global Growth Forecasts at 4.4% in 2026

Sub-Saharan Africa's 4.4% 2026 growth projection tops global average, fueled by resources, reforms, infra despite debt/institutional hurdles.

Africa
January 4, 2026
FATF Maintains Eight African Countries on Grey List into 2026
Financial Services & Investments

FATF Maintains Eight African Countries on Grey List into 2026

Eight African economies remain on FATF grey list entering 2026, facing elevated compliance costs and restricted global finance access.

Africa
January 4, 2026
Africa Practice Sees U.S. Tariffs, Gulf Mining Driving 2026 Trends
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Practice Sees U.S. Tariffs, Gulf Mining Driving 2026 Trends

U.S. protectionism, Gulf critical minerals inflows and uneven climate/debt finance will define Africa's 2026 market path, per Africa Practice.

Africa
January 4, 2026
Nigerian Stocks Gain 0.57% in 2026 Open as Capitalisation Hits N99.9 Trillion
Financial Services & Investments

Nigerian Stocks Gain 0.57% in 2026 Open as Capitalisation Hits N99.9 Trillion

NGX All-Share Index up 0.57% Jan 2 as N99.9T cap nears N100T on inflation ease, earnings and reforms.

Nigeria
January 4, 2026
Africa Kicks Off 2026 With Economic Data, Tax Changes, IMF Talks
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Kicks Off 2026 With Economic Data, Tax Changes, IMF Talks

Kenya/Uganda data, Nigeria tax rollout and Senegal IMF push mark Africa's 2026 economic open amid favorable oil/dollar trends.

Africa
January 4, 2026
CBE, Afreximbank Sign MoU for Pan-African Gold Bank Programme
Financial Services & Investments

CBE, Afreximbank Sign MoU for Pan-African Gold Bank Programme

CBE and Afreximbank sign MoU for pan-African Gold Bank feasibility study in Egypt.

Egypt
December 30, 2025
Nigeria's Central Bank Forecasts 4.49% Growth, 12.94% Inflation for 2026
Financial Services & Investments

Nigeria's Central Bank Forecasts 4.49% Growth, 12.94% Inflation for 2026

CBN forecasts 4.49% growth, 12.94% inflation for 2026 per annual outlook.

Nigeria
December 30, 2025
Aspen Sells Asia-Pacific Business to BGH Capital for A$2.37 Billion
Financial Services & Investments

Aspen Sells Asia-Pacific Business to BGH Capital for A$2.37 Billion

Aspen sells Asia-Pacific business excluding China for A$2.37 billion to BGH Capital.

South Africa
December 30, 2025
Benin Returns to WAEMU Market With 100 Billion CFA Bond Issue
Financial Services & Investments

Benin Returns to WAEMU Market With 100 Billion CFA Bond Issue

Benin launches two WAEMU bonds totalling 100 billion CFA francs after a two-year issuance gap to finance investment under its 2025 budget.

Benin
December 29, 2025
US Strikes in Nigeria's Sokoto Prompt Naira Weakness and Eurobond Yield Rise
Financial Services & Investments

US Strikes in Nigeria's Sokoto Prompt Naira Weakness and Eurobond Yield Rise

Nigeria naira trades at 1,455/USD with Eurobond yields up 15 basis points after US strikes against ISIS affiliates in Sokoto state.

Nigeria
December 26, 2025
IMF Approves $442 Million Disbursement to DR Congo After Program Reviews
Financial Services & Investments

IMF Approves $442 Million Disbursement to DR Congo After Program Reviews

Latest allocation lifts total IMF support to $780 million this year as the Fund highlights Congo’s resilient growth and progress on fiscal and governance reforms.

Democratic Republic of the Congo
December 23, 2025
Fitch Pushes Gabon Rating Deeper Into Junk on Rising Debt and Tight Liquidity
Financial Services & Investments

Fitch Pushes Gabon Rating Deeper Into Junk on Rising Debt and Tight Liquidity

Fitch downgrades Gabon to CCC- as debt levels surge and fiscal pressures mount amid weak investor appetite for sovereign bonds.

Gabon
December 20, 2025
Rand Strengthens as Gold Rally and Domestic Data Lift Sentiment
Financial Services & Investments

Rand Strengthens as Gold Rally and Domestic Data Lift Sentiment

The South African rand advanced on firmer gold prices and a softer dollar as investors awaited the final economic indicators of 2025 for signals on growth and capital flows.

South Africa
December 20, 2025
Morocco keeps policy rate steady at 2.25% as inflation recedes and growth outlook strengthens
Financial Services & Investments

Morocco keeps policy rate steady at 2.25% as inflation recedes and growth outlook strengthens

Bank Al‑Maghrib held its benchmark rate unchanged for a third meeting, signalling confidence in moderating inflation and robust economic expansion led by improved harvests and external balances.

Morocco
December 16, 2025
AfDB launches $25 billion funding drive for African Development Fund amid U.S. shortfall
Financial Services & Investments

AfDB launches $25 billion funding drive for African Development Fund amid U.S. shortfall

The African Development Bank has begun a $25 billion replenishment campaign for its concessional lending arm as the U.S. withholds pledged payments, widening the financing gap.

Africa
December 15, 2025
South Africa’s FDI outflows drop sharply to R21 billion in Q3 2025
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa’s FDI outflows drop sharply to R21 billion in Q3 2025

South Africa’s foreign direct investment outflows eased to R21 billion in the third quarter as resource divestments moderated and media sector inflows partly offset declines.

South Africa
December 15, 2025
Senegal’s euro loans trade at steep discounts as debt strain deepens
Financial Services & Investments

Senegal’s euro loans trade at steep discounts as debt strain deepens

Senegal’s short-term euro-denominated loans have slipped to 80 cents or below on the euro amid mounting debt pressure and stalled IMF support talks.

Senegal
December 13, 2025
South Africa inflation expectations ease after 3% target adoption
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa inflation expectations ease after 3% target adoption

SOUTH AFRICA’S INFLATION EXPECTATIONS DROPPED TO 3.8% FOR 2026 AND 3.7% FOR 2027 FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT’S NEW 3% TARGET ANNOUNCEMENT.

South Africa
December 12, 2025
Senegal short-term loans trade at deep discounts amid debt distress signals
Financial Services & Investments

Senegal short-term loans trade at deep discounts amid debt distress signals

SENEGAL’S FEBRUARY-MATURING COMMERCIAL LOANS TRADE AT OR BELOW 80 CENTS PER EURO AS MARKETS PRICE IN REPAYMENT RISKS FROM $11 BILLION HIDDEN DEBT.

Senegal
December 11, 2025
Cedi, kwacha weaken on persistent dollar demand; East African currencies steady
Financial Services & Investments

Cedi, kwacha weaken on persistent dollar demand; East African currencies steady

GHANA’S CEDI AND ZAMBIA’S KWACHA HIT 11.46 AND 23.58 PER DOLLAR AS IMPORTER AND OFFSHORE DEMAND PERSISTED THURSDAY.

Africa
December 11, 2025
IMF reaches staff-level deal with Ethiopia, unlocking $261 million tranche
Financial Services & Investments

IMF reaches staff-level deal with Ethiopia, unlocking $261 million tranche

IMF STAFF-LEVEL AGREEMENT ON ETHIOPIA’S FOURTH REVIEW UNLOCKS $261 MILLION FROM $3.4 BILLION PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT STABILIZATION AND REFORMS.

Ethiopia
December 10, 2025
Kenya to resume IMF talks in January for new funding programme
Financial Services & Investments

Kenya to resume IMF talks in January for new funding programme

KENYA’S CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR FLAGS JANUARY IMF NEGOTIATIONS FOR FRESH FUNDING TO SUSTAIN FISCAL STABILITY AMID SLOW CREDIT GROWTH AND MUTE EXPANSION.

Kenya
December 10, 2025
Angola wealth fund, Gemcorp launch $500 million pan-African infrastructure vehicle
Financial Services & Investments

Angola wealth fund, Gemcorp launch $500 million pan-African infrastructure vehicle

ANGOLA’S SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND AND GEMCORP CAPITAL SEEDED A $500 MILLION FUND TO CHANNEL PRIVATE CAPITAL INTO CRITICAL MINERALS, FOOD SECURITY AND ENERGY PROJECTS ACROSS AFRICA.

Angola
December 9, 2025
Kenya central bank extends easing cycle with eighth straight rate cut
Financial Services & Investments

Kenya central bank extends easing cycle with eighth straight rate cut

KENYA’S CENTRAL BANK CUT ITS POLICY RATE TO 9.25% FOR AN EIGHTH STRAIGHT MEETING TO SUPPORT CREDIT AND GROWTH WHILE INFLATION STAYS FIRMLY WITHIN ITS TARGET BAND.

Kenya
December 9, 2025
Rand steady as South Africa raises R11.8bn in debut infrastructure bond sale
Financial Services & Investments

Rand steady as South Africa raises R11.8bn in debut infrastructure bond sale

THE RAND HELD FIRM AFTER THE TREASURY’S MAIDEN INFRASTRUCTURE BOND AUCTION DREW STRONG DEMAND WHILE INVESTORS AWAITED SIGNALS FROM THE U.S. FEDERAL RESERVE.

South Africa
December 9, 2025
Rand Slips After Moody’s Affirms South Africa Ba2 Rating with Stable Outlook
Financial Services & Investments

Rand Slips After Moody’s Affirms South Africa Ba2 Rating with Stable Outlook

Currency eases to 16.97 per dollar as agency cites low growth potential and elevated debt ahead of key Q4 economic data.

South Africa
December 8, 2025
Nigeria’s Central Bank Holds Benchmark Rate at 27% as Inflation Slows
Financial Services & Investments

Nigeria’s Central Bank Holds Benchmark Rate at 27% as Inflation Slows

Monetary authorities keep policy settings tight to consolidate disinflation, preserve macroeconomic stability and support improving investor sentiment.

Nigeria
December 7, 2025
Rand Strengthens as South Africa Returns to International Bond Market
Financial Services & Investments

Rand Strengthens as South Africa Returns to International Bond Market

Rand hits 16.9750 as South Africa prices $3.5B eurobonds at 6.25%/7.375% on $13.1B demand; African spreads tighten 314bps post-FATF exit and S&P upgrade.

South Africa
December 6, 2025
South Africa Attracts Robust Investor Demand in $3.5bn Eurobond Issuance
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa Attracts Robust Investor Demand in $3.5bn Eurobond Issuance

South Africa’s $3.5B eurobond drew $13.1B bids at 6.25%/7.375% yields, saving $150M annually vs 2024; rand hits 16.96 (3-year high) post-3% inflation target announcement.

South Africa
December 6, 2025
Rand Steady Ahead of Moody’s Scheduled Review
Financial Services & Investments

Rand Steady Ahead of Moody’s Scheduled Review

Rand holds at 16.9650 ahead of Moody’s Friday review as reserves hit $70.02B and Top-40 rises 1.6%, with markets eyeing positive outlook shift post-S&P upgrade.

South Africa
December 6, 2025
Botswana Central Bank Holds Policy Rate Stable Amid Diamond Sector Weakness
Financial Services & Investments

Botswana Central Bank Holds Policy Rate Stable Amid Diamond Sector Weakness

Botswana holds policy rate at 3.5% as Q2 GDP contracts 5.3% on diamond weakness; inflation forecast at 2.7% 2025, 5.3% 2026 within 3–6% target.

Botswana
December 6, 2025
South Africa’s Q3 Growth Slows, but Investment Uptick Signals Recovery Potential
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa’s Q3 Growth Slows, but Investment Uptick Signals Recovery Potential

South Africa’s third-quarter slowdown underscores modest but improving fundamentals as rising investment and fiscal reform begin to stabilize economic momentum.

South Africa
December 6, 2025
Africa’s State-Owned Assets Near $1 Trillion Milestone
Financial Services & Investments

Africa’s State-Owned Assets Near $1 Trillion Milestone

African state institutions now manage nearly $1 trillion in assets, signaling a continued move toward domestically financed development as external funding tightens.

Africa
December 6, 2025
Africa Renews Push for Monetary Integration as Zambia Gains Debt Upgrade
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Renews Push for Monetary Integration as Zambia Gains Debt Upgrade

41 African central bank governors advanced monetary integration at Yaoundé summit as S&P upgraded Zambia to CCC+; Ghana cedi hits GH¢11.13/$ ahead of festive season.

Africa
December 6, 2025
U.S. Reviews Relations with Tanzania over Rights and Investment Concerns
Financial Services & Investments

U.S. Reviews Relations with Tanzania over Rights and Investment Concerns

U.S. reviews Tanzania ties after hundreds killed in October 29, 2025 election violence, citing rights abuses and barriers to ExxonMobil LNG, Peabody coal investments.​

Tanzania
December 5, 2025
Africa’s Capital Markets Face Urgent Call for Integration at ASEA 2025 in Kigali
Financial Services & Investments

Africa’s Capital Markets Face Urgent Call for Integration at ASEA 2025 in Kigali

ASEA 2025 in Kigali urged African markets to integrate via Afreximbank-backed AELP and redirect $3-4T domestic savings to equity financing, countering bank dominance (70%) and global pressures.

Rwanda
November 28, 2025
Senegal’s Hidden Debt Crisis Worsens as IMF Talks Stall, Raising Regional Stability Risks
Financial Services & Investments

Senegal’s Hidden Debt Crisis Worsens as IMF Talks Stall, Raising Regional Stability Risks

Senegal’s $11-13 billion hidden debt revelation froze IMF support, weakened bonds to 60.84 cents, and elevated regional contagion risks amid tightening fiscal targets.

Senegal
November 28, 2025
MTN MoMo Marks 15 Years in Benin as Mobile Money Expansion Strengthens Financial Inclusion
Financial Services & Investments

MTN MoMo Marks 15 Years in Benin as Mobile Money Expansion Strengthens Financial Inclusion

MTN MoMo’s 15-year milestone in Benin underscores the growing impact of mobile money platforms in driving financial inclusion, supporting small businesses, and advancing digital economic growth across underserved African markets.

Benin
November 27, 2025
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