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Africa in Business
In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.
Business round-up with Victor Kgomoeswana
Now for the weekly business round-up, Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open for Business and Africa Bounces Back, joins the programme. Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo. Victor takes us through some of the biggest stories on the continent.
Mozambique faces scrutiny over plan to redirect gas revenues
The Mozambican government has announced plans to redirect its gas revenues towards rebuilding infrastructure damaged by post-election protests and floods, rather than investing in schools and hospitals. However, critics argue that this approach could weaken the country’s long-term development priorities. Joining the discussion to reflect on this is Borges Nhamirre, Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies.
SA honours top consumer innovations at annual Product of the Year awards
South Africa’s most innovative consumer products were recognised at the annual Product of the Year awards held in Johannesburg on Thursday night. Product of the Year (POY) is the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in South Africa and forms part of a global network of more than 40 national programmes created to champion new product development. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.
Fuel shortages tighten grip on Malawi amid rising global pressures
Fuel shortages are tightening their grip on Malawi, with long queues forming at filling stations as businesses and motorists struggle to access diesel and petrol. The crisis comes as rising global oil prices and instability in the Middle East place growing pressure on supply chains and import costs across the region. Transport operators warn that the shortages are already disrupting the movement of goods and threatening agricultural production during one of Malawi’s most critical farming seasons. The government now says it may sell part of its gold reserves to help maintain fuel supplies. Our Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.
Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa gas project raises hopes and questions over viability
Zimbabwe has signed a resource agreement with upstream oil and gas company Invictus Energy, an Australian firm, for the development of the Cabora Bassa gas project, located in northern Zimbabwe near the border with Mozambique. Believed to have the potential to help address Southern Africa’s energy crisis, some experts have highlighted the project’s capacity to unlock significant economic opportunities and strengthen energy security in Zimbabwe. However, concerns remain about its commercial viability. Joining Thami Ngubeni to discuss this further is development economist Dr Eddie Mahembe.
AfDB deal set to unlock $240 million in trade for Zambia’s SMEs
Zambia’s small businesses are set for a major boost after the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a $20 million Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee for Access Bank Zambia. The facility is expected to unlock up to $240 million in trade over the next five years, helping SMEs gain easier access to import financing, regional markets and critical business supplies. The deal also aims to strengthen support for women-led enterprises and deepen Zambia’s participation in global trade. For more analysis, we are joined on the line by Trevor Hambayi, Economist and Financial Analyst in Zambia.
Africa market update with Brendan Jacobs
In Friday's market segment, the focus is on the announcement made earlier by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to increase interest rates by 25 basis points amid rising consumer prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee decided to raise the repo rate to 7.0%, with the prime rate increasing to 10.50%. Four of the six members of the MPC voted in favour of the hike, while two supported keeping rates unchanged. For more on this development, Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, joins the discussion.
Africa Market Update with Zwelakhe Mnguni, Chief Investment Officer at Benguela Global Fund Managers
Time now for our daily market update feature, and today we are joined by Zwelakhe Mnguni, Chief Investment Officer at Benguela Global Fund Managers, to unpack the key drivers shaping markets and what investors should be watching... Talking Points: The African Development Bank has projected that Africa's growth to slow to 4.2% in 2026 as Middle East tensions push up fuel, food and fertilizer costs. Morocco has overtaken South Africa as Africa's leading industrial economy, driven by stronger manufacturing growth, export diversification and industrial policy reforms, according to the AfDB. Senegal's IMF talks face renewed uncertainty after the dismissal of PM Ousmane Sonko, heightening political risk and bondholder concerns over debt restructuring and fuel subsidy reforms.
East Africa’s Mitumba Crackdown Sparks Trade and Jobs Debate
East African countries are renewing efforts to reduce the importation of second-hand clothing, commonly known as mitumba, is a Swahili term literally meaning "bundles". These clothes imported from the US, Europe and China are said to pose major economic, environmental, and industrial challenges problems for the East African Community (EAC). Uganda introduced a new environmental levy on used clothing imports, Kenya has proposed tax changes targeting the sector while in Rwanda the importation of second-hand clothing and shoes has been restricted. Some critics have warned that millions of people depend on the 'mitumba' trade for affordable clothing and employment, while supporters of tighter restrictions argue that cheap second-hand imports undermine local manufacturing. Joining us to reflect on this is Jeff Mbanga, Business Editor of 'The Observer' newspaper in Uganda..
Africa Market Update Viv Govender - Senior Analyst & Portfolio Manager at Rand Swiss
oday on our Africa Markets update take a look at some of the key market movements shaping regional equities, currencies and commodities. From Nigeria's fastest economic growth in a decade, to Senegal's bond performance following the recent political changes. Our market analyst Viv Govender - Senior Analyst & Portfolio Manager at Rand Swiss, joins Unathi to unpack all these and more.... Talking Points: According to new GDP figures reported by 'BusinessDay Nigeria, Nigeria's economy has recorded its fastest growth rate in a decade The United States forces have reportedly . forces have reportedly conducted "self-defence strikes" in southern Iran, a development that could heighten geopolitical tensions and raise concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supply routes and energy markets. Senegal's bonds have fallen sharply in the wake of the appointment of economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as the country's new prime minister. Mining activities in parts of South Kivu Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been suspended for three months in a move that is aimed at putting an end to illegal mining.
AI Takes Centre Stage as FNB Rolls Out Personal Finance Coaching Tool
The digital banking landscape continues to evolve. First National Bank, FNB has launched a digital capability tool designed to help people better understand and manage their finances through accessible and practical ways. The My advisor AI-powered financial coaching tool uses ones banking data to build a personalised financial wellness dashboard, helping manage spending, track debt, build ones budget, and plan for financial goals. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.
Africa Urged to Embrace Alternative Economic Systems for Inclusive Growth
As Africa continues to search for new pathways to inclusive and sustainable growth, attention is turning to alternative economic models that challenge traditional thinking. At the centre of this debate is the call for a shift towards systems that prioritise equity, environmental sustainability, and human dignity over narrow profit-driven growth. Joining us now is Sekoetlane Phamodi, Programme Director at the New Economy Hub, in Kenya ,to unpack what "new economic thinking" really means for Africa's development trajectory.
DRC Suspends Mining in Parts of South Kivu for Three Months Amid Crackdown on Illicit Activity
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has suspended mining activities for three months in parts of South Kivu province, specifically in the Mwenga and Shabunda territories. The government says the move is aimed at cracking down on illegal mining, mineral smuggling, and armed groups benefiting from uncontrolled extraction. This occurs against the backdrop of the Ebola outbreak in the country. South Kivu is rich in gold and coltan, minerals that are critical for electronics and battery supply chains. To give us an update on the current developments in the country we are now joined by Jimmy Shukrani Bakomera, Channel Africa's correspondent in the DRC....
AfDB President Calls for New Africa Narrative Amid Global Economic Uncertainty
The newly elected ninth President of the African Development Bank, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, has called for Africa to redefine its development narrative at a time of mounting global economic uncertainty, climate pressures, and growing demands for infrastructure and energy investment. Speaking on the continent's future prospects at the AFDBAM 2026 Africa Day celebration in the Republic of Congo, Tah said Africa should no longer be viewed through the lens of poverty and deficits, but rather as a continent rich in resources, resilience, economic potential, and regional solidarity, with the capacity to drive its own transformation despite ongoing global crises. Our economics reporter innocent Semosa has more...
AfCFTA hailed as Africa's economic game changer on Africa Day amid global uncertainty
As Africa marks Africa Day today, economists say the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, known as AfCFTA, could become the continent's biggest economic game changer amid growing global uncertainty. Some Experts believe deeper intra-African trade could strengthen economic resilience, boost industrialisation, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and young entrepreneurs across the continent. Let's unpack this feather with Jason Hamilton Guest lecturer in Corporate and Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School.
BRICS nations show uneven progress toward circular economy goals amid rising climate, waste pressures
As pressure grows on countries to confront climate change, pollution, and rising levels of waste, attention is increasingly turning toward the circular economy a system. A recent study comparing the original BRICS countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has found that while some emerging economies are making significant progress in reusing waste and building circular economies, some continue to lag behind in key areas, including recycling infrastructure and policy implementation. Joining us now is Aifani Confidence Tahulela, PhD candidate and researcher at the Durban University of Technology at the DUT BRICS research Institute in South Africa.
Africa Market Update with Koketso Mano, FNB Senior Economist
In today's markets slot we look at the impact of South Africa's (SA) inflation rate on possible increase on the interest rate. We turn also turn our attention to the trade balance. We also turn the spotlight on the African Continental Free Trade Area. For more on this, we're joined on the line by Koketso Mano, FNB Senior Economist.
Banks turn to AI to rethink creditworthiness
Millions of people across the continent today remain excluded from formal credit systems, in spite of their being economically active, running businesses and earning incomes. This is because traditional lending models rely heavily on formal credit histories, leaving large segments of the population outside the reach of mainstream financial services. But artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the global banking sector, and as a result financial institutions are increasingly exploring new ways to assess creditworthiness using alternative data. Joining us to discuss how AI-led lending is reshaping credit access in South Africa, and what this means for banks, regulators, and underserved consumers is Eshmael Mpabanga Regional Head - Southern Africa & Senior Vice President at Intellect Design Arena.
Africa Day Spotlight: Diaspora driving economic growth across the continent
As the continent marks Africa Day, conversations around Africa's future are expanding beyond history, unity, and culture. Today, the African diaspora has become one of the driving forces behind Africa's economic growth. From remittances and startup investments to skills transfer and business development, millions of Africans across the globe are helping to shape stronger economies and support communities back home. This Africa Day, our economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, takes a closer look at Africa's economic outlook and the role the diaspora is playing in shaping the continent's future.
SA's financial hub faces power supply uncertainty over Eskom arrears
Power Utility Eskom has issued a warning to South Africa's (SA) city of Johannesburg that it could face electricity supply interruptions due to unpaid municipal debt totalling over $260 million. It is regarded as one of the largest urban economies in Africa as well as the continent's leading financial centre and s now uder immense pressure to resolve the debt dispute before electricity interruptions begin. Joining us now to reflect on this is Energy Analyst Chris Yelland.
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