Financial Services & Investments

Countries
Zambia inflation falls to eight-year low
Financial Services & Investments

Zambia inflation falls to eight-year low

Zambia’s inflation eased to 6.5% in June, its lowest level since early 2018, as currency gains and stronger copper activity supported the recovery.

Zambia
June 25, 2026
African FX currencies seen mostly steady
Financial Services & Investments

African FX currencies seen mostly steady

Traders expect Zambia and Kenya’s currencies to hold steady next week, while Ghana and Uganda may weaken slightly under mixed dollar demand pressures.

Africa
June 25, 2026
Côte d’Ivoire gets an $833 million IMF boost
Financial Services & Investments

Côte d’Ivoire gets an $833 million IMF boost

The IMF approved about $833 million for Côte d’Ivoire after completing final reviews of its lending and climate-resilience programs.

Côte d’Ivoire
June 25, 2026
Nigerian retail investors trade $2.07 billion in five months
Financial Services & Investments

Nigerian retail investors trade $2.07 billion in five months

Mobile investing apps helped Nigerian retail investors trade ₦2.86 trillion ($2.07 billion) in equities between January and May 2026, lifting their share of NGX activity to 36.22%.

Nigeria
June 25, 2026
Paystack offers ₦4 million support bundle for Nigerian merchants
Financial Services & Investments

Paystack offers ₦4 million support bundle for Nigerian merchants

Paystack launched a Small Business Program that offers 2,000 eligible Nigerian merchants partner discounts worth up to ₦4 million ($2,923) to support operations and growth.

Nigeria
June 23, 2026
Egypt’s Beltone sees Baobab dominate revenue
Financial Services & Investments

Egypt’s Beltone sees Baobab dominate revenue

Baobab generated 53% of Beltone’s Q1 2026 revenue just three months after acquisition, highlighting strong cross-border growth and rapid expansion across African lending markets.

Egypt
June 22, 2026
IMF Approves $250 Million Credit Facility for Rwanda to Offset Pressure of Mid-East War
Financial Services & Investments

IMF Approves $250 Million Credit Facility for Rwanda to Offset Pressure of Mid-East War

38-month extended credit facility approved to help Rwanda sustain growth and protect social spending as Middle East war risks threaten economic stability

Rwanda
June 15, 2026
After 42 Years of Growth, Kenya's Family Bank Is Finally Heading to the Stock Market
Financial Services & Investments

After 42 Years of Growth, Kenya's Family Bank Is Finally Heading to the Stock Market

Family Bank begins trading on Nairobi Securities Exchange June 23 after CMA approval, listing by introduction without raising fresh capital as bank posts 52.6% first-quarter profit rise

Kenya
June 12, 2026
IMF Discusses Mozambique Request for Fund-Backed Programme
Financial Services & Investments

IMF Discusses Mozambique Request for Fund-Backed Programme

International Monetary Fund concludes week-long mission to heavily indebted African country as economic activity gradually recovers from 2025 contraction but growth remains subdued

Mozambique
June 12, 2026
After 20 Acquisitions, Access Holdings Targets Standard Bank's Scale While Rewarding Investors
Financial Services & Investments

After 20 Acquisitions, Access Holdings Targets Standard Bank's Scale While Rewarding Investors

Access Holdings chairman declares acquisition era over after 20 deals, shifting focus from expansion to profitability and want investors to compare group with Africa's largest bank by assets

Nigeria
June 12, 2026
MTN Targets Nigeria's $236 Billion Credit Gap as Its $500 Billion MoMo Fintech Spinoff Advances
Financial Services & Investments

MTN Targets Nigeria's $236 Billion Credit Gap as Its $500 Billion MoMo Fintech Spinoff Advances

Telecoms giant finalises separation of Nigeria and Uganda fintech units to attract strategic investors and push into direct lending across underbanked African markets

Nigeria
June 11, 2026
South African Business Confidence Edges Up in May After April Slump
Financial Services & Investments

South African Business Confidence Edges Up in May After April Slump

Business Confidence Index rises to 124.1 from 123.6 as companies adjust to oil price shock from Iran war while vehicle sales remain buoyant

South Africa
June 10, 2026
Zambia Clears Hurdle in $1.36 Billion Debt Buyback, Unlocking Funds for Power
Financial Services & Investments

Zambia Clears Hurdle in $1.36 Billion Debt Buyback, Unlocking Funds for Power

Country secures investor support for 2053 bond buyback, redirecting $275 million savings toward electricity infrastructure as part of debt-for-development programme

Zambia
June 10, 2026
Egypt's Largest Bank Buys Stake in MNT-Halan as Valuation Reaches $1.4 Billion
Financial Services & Investments

Egypt's Largest Bank Buys Stake in MNT-Halan as Valuation Reaches $1.4 Billion

Al Ahly Capital leads funding round in fintech unicorn, marking first commercial bank shareholder and signaling closer ties between traditional lenders and digital finance firms

Egypt
June 10, 2026
Egyptian Fintech Blnn Raises $37.1M to Expand Consumer Lending
Financial Services & Investments

Egyptian Fintech Blnn Raises $37.1M to Expand Consumer Lending

Blnk secures equity and debt financing to serve underserved borrowers, with 75% of customers previously unbanked and women accounting for 35% of user base

Egypt
June 8, 2026
Interswitch Partners With Temenos to Scale Digital Banking Across Africa
Financial Services & Investments

Interswitch Partners With Temenos to Scale Digital Banking Across Africa

Interswitch adopts Temenos cloud-native banking technology to enhance digital banking capabilities and expand financial services access across 32 African countries

Nigeria
June 5, 2026
Africa sees record millionaire growth in 2025 as Morocco leads continent
Financial Services & Investments

Africa sees record millionaire growth in 2025 as Morocco leads continent

A new World Wealth Report reveals Africa's millionaire population grew by 4.1% in 2025, with Morocco posting the fastest continental growth at 16.8% amid rising equity markets and precious metal prices.

Africa
June 5, 2026
Senegal turns to IMF amid debt crisis and default threat
Financial Services & Investments

Senegal turns to IMF amid debt crisis and default threat

Senegal's new government has prioritized reopening negotiations with the IMF to avoid default, aiming to reach an agreement with the Bretton Woods institution before June 30.

Senegal
June 4, 2026
U.S. proposes 12.5% tariffs on 8 African countries over forced labor concerns
Financial Services & Investments

U.S. proposes 12.5% tariffs on 8 African countries over forced labor concerns

The Trump administration has proposed new tariffs on exports from eight African nations due to concerns over forced labor practices, marking a shift linking market access to labour standards.

Africa
June 3, 2026
AfDB to become top shareholder in Africa guarantee platform to boost derisking push
Financial Services & Investments

AfDB to become top shareholder in Africa guarantee platform to boost derisking push

The African Development Bank will inject $125 million into ATIDI to become its biggest shareholder and expand guarantees to attract private capital across Africa.

Africa
June 1, 2026
Top 10 African startups to watch as local investment takes over
Financial Services & Investments

Top 10 African startups to watch as local investment takes over

Twenty-five privately owned African startups are leveraging local resources and funding to solve problems in healthcare, security, finance, and logistics as foreign venture capital slows down.

Africa
May 29, 2026
Zambia's kwacha strengthens while Ghana's cedi under pressure
Financial Services & Investments

Zambia's kwacha strengthens while Ghana's cedi under pressure

Traders expect Zambia's currency to gain against the dollar supported by copper prices and mining inflows, while Ghana and Uganda face depreciation pressure and Kenya remains stable.

Zambia
May 29, 2026
Pepkor to launch bank in April 2027
Financial Services & Investments

Pepkor to launch bank in April 2027

South African retailer Pepkor plans to open its bank next April as it moves deeper into financial services and targets 1.8 million customers within five years.

South Africa
May 26, 2026
South African rand gains on softer oil
Financial Services & Investments

South African rand gains on softer oil

The rand strengthened as oil prices eased and investors bet on progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks ahead of South Africa’s rate decision this week.

South Africa
May 25, 2026
World Bank says more African nations seek emergency funding
Financial Services & Investments

World Bank says more African nations seek emergency funding

The World Bank says the Iran war is pushing more African countries to seek emergency financing as energy and supply chain shocks spread.

Africa
May 25, 2026
South African rand steadies before rate call
Financial Services & Investments

South African rand steadies before rate call

The rand traded little changed as investors waited for the South African Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision next week.

South Africa
May 22, 2026
Egypt central bank holds rates steady
Financial Services & Investments

Egypt central bank holds rates steady

Egypt’s central bank left its key interest rates unchanged as inflation eased slightly but remained well above target amid an unfavorable external environment.

Egypt
May 22, 2026
African currencies show mixed outlook
Financial Services & Investments

African currencies show mixed outlook

Traders expect Ghana, Kenya and Uganda to weaken in the coming week, while Nigeria’s naira should stay broadly steady and Zambia’s kwacha may gain ground.

Africa
May 21, 2026
Morocco remittances keep economy supported
Financial Services & Investments

Morocco remittances keep economy supported

Remittances from Moroccans abroad climbed past $12.4 billion in 2025, reinforcing their role as one of the pillars of Morocco’s economy.

Morocco
May 21, 2026
KCB Group pretax profit rises 15%
Financial Services & Investments

KCB Group pretax profit rises 15%

KCB Group posted a 15% rise in first-quarter pretax profit as higher interest income lifted earnings.

Kenya
May 20, 2026
Nigeria’s central bank holds key rate
Financial Services & Investments

Nigeria’s central bank holds key rate

Nigeria’s central bank kept its benchmark lending rate unchanged at 26.50% as it said the recent rise in inflation was likely temporary.

Nigeria
May 20, 2026
World Bank’s MIGA to boost Africa guarantees
Financial Services & Investments

World Bank’s MIGA to boost Africa guarantees

The World Bank’s MIGA plans to more than double annual guarantees in Africa to $6.4 billion over the next 3.5 years to mobilise private capital for key sectors.

Africa
May 19, 2026
Africa leaders push smarter growth in Paris
Financial Services & Investments

Africa leaders push smarter growth in Paris

At the Business Africa Forum in Paris, African business leaders highlighted fintech, practical AI and trust-based investment models as tools for faster, more independent growth.

Africa
May 18, 2026
Mozambique crisis deepens on debt and delays
Financial Services & Investments

Mozambique crisis deepens on debt and delays

Mozambique’s financial crisis is worsening as debt pressures, weak growth, delayed gas projects and the risk of restructuring its only international bond weigh on the economy.

Mozambique
May 1, 2026
Kenya growth steady at 4.6% in 2025
Financial Services & Investments

Kenya growth steady at 4.6% in 2025

Kenya’s economy grew 4.6% in 2025, nearly unchanged from 2024, but officials warned that the Iran war could cloud the outlook.

Kenya
May 1, 2026
IMF warns Angola debt will hit ceiling
Financial Services & Investments

IMF warns Angola debt will hit ceiling

The IMF says Angola’s public debt is set to reach its legal ceiling in the medium term as declining oil production weakens the country’s fiscal position.

Angola
April 30, 2026
BNP Paribas to sell BMCI stake to Holmarcom
Financial Services & Investments

BNP Paribas to sell BMCI stake to Holmarcom

BNP Paribas has agreed to sell its 67% stake in Moroccan lender BMCI to Holmarcom Finance Company, pending regulatory approvals.

Morocco
April 29, 2026
Namibia keeps key rate at 6.5%
Financial Services & Investments

Namibia keeps key rate at 6.5%

Namibia’s central bank left its main interest rate unchanged at 6.50% as the Iran war and weaker growth prospects darkened the inflation outlook.

Namibia
April 28, 2026
Standard Chartered and IFC launch Africa supply chain facility
Financial Services & Investments

Standard Chartered and IFC launch Africa supply chain facility

Standard Chartered and the International Finance Corporation have launched a $300 million risk-sharing facility to expand supply chain finance across eight African markets.

Africa
April 28, 2026
South Africa plans exchange-control overhaul
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa plans exchange-control overhaul

South Africa has proposed sweeping reforms to its exchange-control rules, including easing capital-flow restrictions, allowing local management of non-rand funds and regulating crypto assets.

South Africa
April 24, 2026
South Africa inflation increases
Financial Services & Investments

South Africa inflation increases

South Africa’s annual inflation rose to 3.1% in March as higher housing, food and education costs offset still-easing goods prices.

South Africa
April 22, 2026
Morocco inflation edges up
Financial Services & Investments

Morocco inflation edges up

Annual inflation in Morocco rose to 0.9% in March as higher fuel costs prompted new subsidies for transport operators and other household supports.

Morocco
April 22, 2026
Nigeria cuts import duties to ease living costs
Financial Services & Investments

Nigeria cuts import duties to ease living costs

Nigeria will lower duties on food, vehicles and industrial inputs from July 1 as it tries to curb inflation and soften pressure on households and businesses.

Nigeria
April 21, 2026
Battle-scarred developing nations search for a way out of permacrisis
Financial Services & Investments

Battle-scarred developing nations search for a way out of permacrisis

Developing countries are leaving the IMF-World Bank meetings frustrated, with few new tools to cope with repeated shocks, rising debt and food and fuel pressure.

Africa
April 21, 2026
Kenya seeks World Bank cash to soften Iran war shock
Financial Services & Investments

Kenya seeks World Bank cash to soften Iran war shock

Kenya has asked the World Bank for emergency support as fuel costs rise, growth slows and pressure builds on the shilling and public finances.

Kenya
April 17, 2026
IMF and World Bank meetings expose limits of crisis response
Financial Services & Investments

IMF and World Bank meetings expose limits of crisis response

Global finance chiefs left Washington with little more than promises of support as Middle East energy shocks and fading faith in U.S. crisis leadership reshaped the outlook.

Africa
April 17, 2026
Middle East shock tests Africa's economies
Financial Services & Investments

Middle East shock tests Africa's economies

Rising fuel costs and tighter financing are putting pressure on African economies, even as some countries are better prepared than before.

Africa
April 17, 2026
Citi sees three sovereign debt defaults in Africa in coming two years
Financial Services & Investments

Citi sees three sovereign debt defaults in Africa in coming two years

Senegal, Mozambique and Malawi could default on their debts over the next two years as the Iran oil shock adds pressure to already fragile public finances, according to Citi’s David Cowan.

Africa
April 16, 2026
Ghanaian and Zambian currencies seen under pressure
Financial Services & Investments

Ghanaian and Zambian currencies seen under pressure

Traders expect Ghana’s cedi and Zambia’s kwacha to face renewed pressure next week, while Kenya’s shilling and Uganda’s shilling are seen holding steady.

Africa
April 16, 2026
Nigeria’s inflation picks up for first time in a year in test for Tinubu
Financial Services & Investments

Nigeria’s inflation picks up for first time in a year in test for Tinubu

Nigeria’s annual inflation rose to 15.38% in March as higher fuel costs fed into food prices and added pressure ahead of next year’s election.

Nigeria
April 15, 2026
Zambia Forgoes $200 Million in Revenue With Fuel Tax Suspension
Financial Services & Investments

Zambia Forgoes $200 Million in Revenue With Fuel Tax Suspension

Zambia is giving up about $200 million in revenue to soften the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices, households and businesses.

Zambia
April 14, 2026
‘Blend’ Countries Pay Billions Extra as Access to Cheap Multilateral Loans Narrows
Financial Services & Investments

‘Blend’ Countries Pay Billions Extra as Access to Cheap Multilateral Loans Narrows

A new report says developing countries are paying far more for essential projects because concessional MDB lending is too limited and too slow.

Africa
April 14, 2026
IMF Predicts Lower Growth, Bigger Current Account Deficit for Debt-Laden Senegal
Financial Services & Investments

IMF Predicts Lower Growth, Bigger Current Account Deficit for Debt-Laden Senegal

The IMF cut Senegal’s growth outlook and warned of a wider current account deficit as debt pressures continue to weigh on the economy.

Senegal
April 14, 2026
Nigeria Seeks IMF, World Bank Support as Iran Shock Hits Reforms
Financial Services & Investments

Nigeria Seeks IMF, World Bank Support as Iran Shock Hits Reforms

Nigeria wants stronger external backing as surging fuel costs from the Iran war feed inflation and complicate its reform agenda.

Nigeria
April 13, 2026
South African Rand Weakens as US-Iran Blockade Threat Drives Oil Above $100
Financial Services & Investments

South African Rand Weakens as US-Iran Blockade Threat Drives Oil Above $100

The rand fell and South African bonds weakened as investors reacted to surging oil prices and a planned U.S. naval blockade of Iranian shipping routes.

South Africa
April 13, 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa Faces Slower Growth as US-Iran War Raises Costs
Financial Services & Investments

Sub-Saharan Africa Faces Slower Growth as US-Iran War Raises Costs

The World Bank cut its 2026 growth forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa as the Middle East war lifted fuel and fertilizer costs and worsened financing pressures.

Africa
April 7, 2026
Moody’s Revises Ghana’s Outlook to Positive on Domestic Financing Improvement
Financial Services & Investments

Moody’s Revises Ghana’s Outlook to Positive on Domestic Financing Improvement

Moody’s said stronger domestic financing conditions and a better fiscal position have improved Ghana’s outlook, though the country still faces heavy credit risks.

Ghana
April 10, 2026
Libya Signs First Unified State Budget in More Than a Decade
Financial Services & Investments

Libya Signs First Unified State Budget in More Than a Decade

Libya’s rival legislative bodies have agreed on a 190 billion dinar budget in a rare step toward financial stability and national unification.

Libya
April 10, 2026
Kenya Says Reserves Can Cushion Shilling Volatility
Financial Services & Investments

Kenya Says Reserves Can Cushion Shilling Volatility

Kenya’s central bank said its foreign exchange reserves are strong enough to absorb pressure on the shilling from the Iran war and higher global energy prices.

Kenya
April 10, 2026
Ethiopia Reaches Debt-Treatment Resolution With China
Financial Services & Investments

Ethiopia Reaches Debt-Treatment Resolution With China

Ethiopia has secured a new step in its debt restructuring, easing bilateral tensions with China while legal risks from bondholders still hang over the process.

Ethiopia
April 3, 2026
Africa Faces Sharper Growth Slowdown if Conflict Drags On
Financial Services & Investments

Africa Faces Sharper Growth Slowdown if Conflict Drags On

Prolonged fighting in the Middle East could hit Africa’s trade, energy and fertiliser flows, raising living-cost pressures even as a few exporters gain from higher prices.

Africa
April 2, 2026
Afreximbank Raises $2 Billion in Record Syndicated Loan
Financial Services & Investments

Afreximbank Raises $2 Billion in Record Syndicated Loan

Afreximbank ups its borrowing after strong investor demand, tapping lenders across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to refinance debt and fund general expenditures.

Africa
March 31, 2026
AfDB Says Africa’s Growth Risks Were Already Tilted Lower
Financial Services & Investments

AfDB Says Africa’s Growth Risks Were Already Tilted Lower

African economies face weaker growth, heavier debt and higher import costs, with the Iran conflict adding pressure to currencies, inflation and fiscal budgets across the continent.</u>

Africa
March 30, 2026
Ghana’s inflation slows for 15th straight month in March
Financial Services & Investments

Ghana’s inflation slows for 15th straight month in March

Inflation eased to 3.2% as food prices kept falling, though rising fuel costs from the Iran conflict may add pressure later.

Ghana
March 27, 2026
US vows to seek WTO alternatives after Cameroon meeting fails to renew e-commerce moratorium
Financial Services & Investments

US vows to seek WTO alternatives after Cameroon meeting fails to renew e-commerce moratorium

Trade ministers left Cameroon without a WTO reform breakthrough, prompting the U.S. to pursue digital trade deals outside the body.

Cameroon
March 26, 2026
South African rand set for third weekly loss as investors eye rate decision next week
Financial Services & Investments

South African rand set for third weekly loss as investors eye rate decision next week

The rand fell 1.7% as oil-driven risk aversion and a stronger dollar weighed on sentiment ahead of the South African Reserve Bank’s policy decision.

South Africa
March 23, 2026
South African rand shrugs off local data, falls 1% as dollar strengthens
Financial Services & Investments

South African rand shrugs off local data, falls 1% as dollar strengthens

The rand fell 1% as a firmer dollar and higher oil prices outweighed better-than-expected South African inflation and retail sales data .

South Africa
March 18, 2026
South African rand steady as Middle East tensions weigh
Financial Services & Investments

South African rand steady as Middle East tensions weigh

The rand was little changed as markets weighed Middle East tensions, higher oil prices and the coming U.S. Federal Reserve decision.

South Africa
March 17, 2026
South African Rand Strengthens Softer Dollar Offsets Fed Rate Cut Delay
Financial Services & Investments

South African Rand Strengthens Softer Dollar Offsets Fed Rate Cut Delay

Rand trades 16.77/$ +1% stronger previous close Top-40 index +1.3% 2035 bond yield falls 8.91% (-2bps) as softer dollar offsets fading US Fed near-term rate cut hopes amid elevated energy prices gold steady key SA export.

South Africa
March 16, 2026
World Bank $350M Unlocks $10B Private Infrastructure Funding South Africa
Financial Services & Investments

World Bank $350M Unlocks $10B Private Infrastructure Funding South Africa

World Bank provides $350M credit guarantee facility mobilising $10B private capital over 10 years for South Africa power transmission grid expansion; Finance Minister Godongwana hails massive investments ending decade power cuts economic reform agenda.

South Africa
March 13, 2026
South African Rand Stocks Bonds Slide Amid Middle East War Oil Shock
Financial Services & Investments

South African Rand Stocks Bonds Slide Amid Middle East War Oil Shock

Rand trades 16.72/$ (-0.4%) Top-40 index -2% 2035 bond yield spikes 8.435% (+19.5bps) as US-Israel-Iran conflict escalates Israel strikes Beirut/Tehran Iran hits Tel Aviv driving safe-haven dollar flows higher oil prices.

South Africa
March 12, 2026
Standard Bank Targets 8-12% Earnings Growth Betting Africa Trade Infrastructure Boom
Financial Services & Investments

Standard Bank Targets 8-12% Earnings Growth Betting Africa Trade Infrastructure Boom

Africa’s largest lender Standard Bank eyes 8-12% annual headline earnings growth 2026-28 ROE 18-22% revenue 7-10% via energy/infra $300bn gap critical minerals copper/cobalt East/West Africa/Egypt expansion Africa ex-SA 45% group earnings.

Africa
March 11, 2026
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
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