Bank
African trade is experiencing a period of increased momentum, with improvements observed across infrastructure, business confidence, and macroeconomic stability. This is the first time since the Standard Bank began tracking these trends that all three have improved simultaneously, according to the latest report. The Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer (ATB), Issue 5, examines ten key […]
Bidvest, a B2B services, trading, and distribution group, has relaunched the process to dispose of Bidvest Bank. The previous sale to Access Bank did not proceed due to the failure to secure necessary regulatory approvals. This development was announced alongside the group’s interim results for the six months ended December 2025, which indicated steady earnings […]
The European Investment Bank (EIB) committed substantial funding to various projects across Africa in 2025, focusing on key economies and smaller states. A significant portion of the investment targeted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and prioritized sectors like sustainable energy, transport, water, and health. Project Highlights Across Sub-Saharan Africa Flagship projects included blue economy development […]
A recent survey by EY indicates a prevailing sentiment among financial services CEOs regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment. The survey, encompassing 240 financial services CEOs, suggests that AI is more likely to maintain or increase current headcounts than to reduce them. AI and Headcount Projections According to the EY survey, 60% […]
A Kenyan regulator has ordered GT Bank to pay approximately $257,000 (KES 33,180,000) and refund ASL roughly $102,000 (KES 13,211,285) in improperly levied charges. The ruling follows a complaint lodged by ASL, a diversified company serving the construction, electrical, and industrial sectors, alleging unfair handling of its credit facilities. Background of the Dispute ASL has […]
A $972 million initiative, backed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), has been launched to address youth unemployment in Eastern and Southern Africa. The Skills for Economic Transformation and Jobs Program (SET4Jobs) aims to equip 18 million young people with improved education and job-ready skills by 2034. The program seeks to drive job […]
President William Ruto’s administration is collaborating with the World Bank to modernize Kenya’s health sector and reduce maternal deaths. This initiative follows discussions between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and a World Bank delegation regarding ongoing health support programs. Health Sector Modernization Plans Kenya seeks to utilize World Bank expertise in areas including digitization and […]
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $58.04 million in grant funding to support a solar mini-grid project in Eritrea’s Gash Barka region. The region, known for its agricultural base and livestock resources, is expected to see improved electricity access in the towns of Tesseney, Kerkebet, and Barentu. The funding package, comprising $37.31 million from […]
Standard Chartered Plc is exploring the sale of its corporate and investment banking, retail, and wealth management units in Botswana. The London-headquartered bank has reportedly begun discussions with potential buyers and anticipates receiving initial bids by mid-year. Potential Buyers Standard Bank Group Ltd. and FirstRand Ltd., through its First National Bank unit, are among the […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is partnering with DRC Gold Trading SA to supply gold sourced from artisanal mining operations to the central bank. This initiative aims to capitalize on the country’s mineral wealth and rising global gold prices. Domestic gold anchors Congo’s central bank strategy amid conflict Under the new framework, DRC Gold […]