listen to Africa in Business
Africa in Business
In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.
Ghana finalises its $3 billion bailout programme with IMF
Ghana has finalised its $3 billion bailout programme with the International Monetary Fund. Refelcting on the programme, the government says it helped reduce inflation, strengthen the cedi, and improve economic growth. Ghana sought assistance from the IMF back in 2022 as a result of rising debt, high inflation, and a weakening economy after Covid-19 as well as the war in Ukraine. The country has announced that it will now advance towards a new IMF programme called the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), which supports economic reforms without giving direct loans. Joining us now to reflect on this is Dr Frank Bannor - Research Associate, Public and environmental economics Research Centre (PEERC) at the University of Johannesburg South Africa. He is also lecturer at the Ghana Institute Management and Public Administration.
Malawi’s fiscal crisis deepens as debt, borrowing pressures mount
Malawi's dire fiscal state is increasingly a cause for concern not only for the country but by the African continent. Rising debt exceeding 85%, poor revenue collection and high domestic borrowing are some of the leading pressure factors for this financial state. To avoid the total collapse of its economy, Malawi has turned to the World Bank for assistance. To help us shed some light on the dire financial challenges faced by Malawi, is Dr Bertha Bangara Chikadza, President of the Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA).
Kenya protest update
Let's now head to Kenya, where President William has called for an emergency cabinet meeting. This follows massive disruption in the public transport sector after operators downed their tools. They are protesting the recent fuel price hike. Some operators engaged police in running battles after blocking roads. Many Kenyans were left stranded as more opted to stay at home or work remotely, leaving many roads empty and cities deserted. Police say upto 250 people have been arrested, while over 100, including three police officers are nursing injuries. Joining us now for an update is Alex Kiarie, Channel Africa's Nairobi correspondent.
African aviation leaders gather in Johannesburg for Continental ndustry Summit
Africa's aviation future has taken centre stage as the Airlines Association Aviation Stakeholders Convention officially kicked off in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA) bringing together key industry leaders and stakeholders from across the continent. The Association AFRAA, in partnership with SA Airways are hosting the 14th Aviation Stakeholder Convention and 3rd African Aviation Summit 2026. Held under the theme: Resilient African Aviation: Partnerships - Empowerment - Profitability, the gathering is one of Africa's leading forums for air transport industry stakeholders by to dialogue, exchange knowledge and experiences for the development of the travel ecosystem. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.
Interior design emerges as key driver of property investment value
While some might think that interior design is not an important factor in choosing a home and can be addressed later after purchase or rental, interior design expert Vinette Diab-Nicholls differs says that today, successful property investors understand that a home is no longer just about square metres and location, as high quality tenants are looking for a lifestyle. As the property market continues to evolve, this suggests that aesthetics and tenant experience are becoming key economic factors. Vinette Diab Nicholls is owner and head designer of Giava Interior, an award winning interior design studio catering to residential, hospitality, retail and corporate clients. She joins us now to share key insights about how to elevate an investment property.
Zero-tariff policy will strengthen sustainable trade, economic cooperation with Africa: China
China's Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, says Beijing's zero-tariff policy for African exports is aimed at creating a mutually beneficial and sustainable trade relationship between China and the continent. Speaking on Friday during a webinar reflecting on China's recently implemented zero-tariff policy on goods from African countries, Ambassador Wu Peng stressed that the initiative should not be viewed as charity, but rather as a strategic effort to deepen economic cooperation and balance trade relations. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.
Africa Business Round Up with Victor Kgomoeswana - author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
On this week's Business Round-Up on today, we look at the biggest stories shaping Africa's economic and investment landscape. Host Thami Ngubeni is joined by Victor Kgomoeswana - author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back, and the Executive Director for Marketing & Communication at the University of Limpopo - to unpack the developments making headlines across the continent. Talking Points: -Appian Capital Advisory is a private equity investment firm has secured a 95% stake in Namibia's Omitiomire copper project through the purchase of Omico Copper -According Ghana Statistical Service (GSS)'s latest Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG), Ghana's economy expanded by 7.7% in February 2026 -Nigeria's Elipse International Ltd's investment in domestic copper processing infrastructure has seen the mining sector experience significant growth and development. -Egypt's startup ecosystem is starting to mature, with increased investor confidence and growing activity in sectors like logistics, fintech, and e-commerce.
Kenya erupts in anger over fuel price hikes as transport operators threaten nationwide shutdown
Spontaneous protests and anger have marked Kenya's overall disappointment over the recent fuel fuel price hikes that were announced on Thursday evening. As the nation now looks at a possible new normal of diesel costing more than petrol, public service vehicle operators have threatened to paralyse operations from Monday if the government does not rescind the decision. For an update, we are now joined by Alex Kiarie -Channel Africa Correspondent based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Africa Market Update with Viv Govender, Senior Analyst & Portfolio Manager at Rand Swiss
Today on the Africa Market Update we look at rising debt pressures, geopolitical risks and major energy deals are shaping Africa's markets. Joining us now is Viv Govender, Senior Analyst & Portfolio Manager at Rand Swiss.... Talking Points: -Morrocco and Nigeria anticipate signing an intergovernmental agreement in the fourth quarter of 2026, in a infrastructure and energy project that is expected to transform Africa's position in global gas supply, -Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, is calling for changes to the global financial system, highlighting growing sovereign risk pressures across African economies, -Iran's Foreign Minister has reportedly accused the United Arab Emirates of direct involvement in military operations against Iran during a BRICS meeting, raising fresh geopolitical risks and concerns over potential impacts on global oil markets
Zambia intensifies renewable energy push to attract investment after drought-hit hydropower crisis
Zambia is intensifying efforts to attract investment into its energy sector, as the country accelerates its transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy following the devastating drought that affected hydropower generation between 2023 and 2024. Speaking to Channel Africa, on the margins of the recently concluded Zambia Investment Forum in Pretoria, Zambian energy expert Hope Chanda Musonda says the country has already added hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy to the national grid through solar and other clean energy projects. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe spoke with Zambian Energy Expert Hope Chanda Musonda.
Nigerian President urgues African nations to turn trade commitments into action for economic growth
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu says Africa must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to strengthen intra-African trade and economic cooperation. Speaking at the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, President Tinubu urged African nations to deepen collaboration, unlock investment opportunities, and build stronger partnerships capable of driving sustainable growth across the continent. The forum brought together policymakers, government officials, business leaders, and industry experts to discuss Africa's economic future and strategies for inclusive development. Channels Africa's economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.
President of Rwanda urges private sector-led growth, regional integration at 2026 Africa CEO Forum
At the 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda, President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has used the platform to address Africa's top business leaders, policymakers, and investors on the continent's economic future. Speaking at the high-profile gathering, President Kagame focused on strengthening Africa's private sector growth, improving regional integration, and accelerating investment-led development as key drivers for sustainable economic transformation. Channel Africa's economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.
Africa CEO Forum opens in Kigali with focus on shared ownership, scaled growth
African business leaders, investors, heads of state, and senior government officials from across the continent and beyond, have converged in Kigali, Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum which began today. This year the event is taking place under the theme: "The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership." To reflect on what can be expected form the event is Teddy Kaberuka, International Consultant and Economic Analyst and AI strategist based in Rwanda.
SA eyes domestic tourism growth as Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 ends in Durban
Domestic tourism is expected to remain a major driver of growth for South Africa's (SA) tourism sector as Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 concludes in the city of Durba, in KwaZulu Natal province. Industry stakeholders say initiatives aimed at encouraging local travel are becoming increasingly important amid global economic pressures and changing consumer spending patterns. To reflect on this year's Indaba and the state of domestic tourism, Head of SA Hub for Domestic Tourism at SA Tourism, Mashoto Mokgethi.
Africa Market Update - Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge offers entrepreneurs chance to win $60 000 prize
In today's markets slot we look at the Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge. Now in its second national edition, the competition offers qualifying entrepreneurs across all the nine South African (SA) provinces the chance to compete for provincial prizes and ultimately a grand prize of $60 000 in the national finals later this year. The provincial round of applications of the contest opened earlier this month on the 6th and closes on the 22nd. For more on the competition, Lesiba Matladi - Senior Manager for Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank SA.
US, Chinese Presidents meet for high stakes talks
United States (US) President Donald Trump is in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at stabilising relations between the world's two largest economies. The two-day summit is expected to focus on trade, technology, regional security, and maintaining a fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing. Joining us now to reflect on the significance of this summit is Emmanuel Matambo, from the Stellenbosch Institute for advanced study, based in South Africa.
Ramaphosa urges global investors to tap Africa’s infrastructure potential, says it could double GDP by 2040
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has told global investors that Africa’s infrastructure sector remains one of the world’s biggest untapped economic opportunities. Addressing the opening of the BlackRock Infrastructure Investment Conference in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said increased infrastructure investment across the continent could nearly double Africa’s GDP by 2040. His remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to attract foreign investment and drive infrastructure-led growth, following South Africa’s recent Investment Conference, which secured billions in new commitments. Channel Africa’s Reporter, Michael Mbewe, filed this report.
Africa market update with Herman Van Papendorp – Head of Asset Allocation at Momentum Investments
Global energy markets remain on edge as investors continue to respond to uncertainty surrounding tensions in the Middle East. To unpack the key market movers and what they could mean for African investors, businesses and consumers, Herman van Papendorp, Head of Asset Allocation at Momentum Investments, joins with the latest insights from the financial markets review.
South African business leaders raise alarm over rising online betting risks
As online betting continues to grow across the continent, some business leaders in South Africa have warned of the serious consequences associated with it. With the industry attracting more young people, experts have cautioned that it may be contributing to addiction, overspending, rising gambling-related debt, and increasing financial pressure on households. Joining the discussion to reflect on this is Sean Coleman, CEO of the South African Bookmakers’ Association.
South Africa pushes rail revival amid ongoing economic and infrastructure struggles
South Africa’s rail sector has faced years of operational challenges, including cable theft, vandalism, infrastructure backlogs and declining freight volumes. Business leaders have repeatedly warned that inefficiencies at ports and along rail lines continue to weigh heavily on economic growth. The state-owned logistics company says it has made significant progress in modernising the country’s rail network, improving infrastructure management, and opening the sector to greater private sector participation. Our South Africa Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.
Save video to ...
