News
FATF Removes 4 Countries From Watchlist
The FATF removed South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso from its “Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring” list, commonly known as "the gray list."
Author: Charles Wachira
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News
Newest Cross-Border Payment System Goes Live
The 21 member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) can now trade directly in local currencies rather than the US dollar via its recently launched Digital Retail Payments Platform (DRPP), which went live on October 9.
Capital Raising & Corporate Finance
Swiss-Based Coca-Cola Bottler Expands Footprint
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company plans to acquire a 75% controlling stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) for $2.6 billion from The Coca-Cola Company and Gutsche Family Investments. The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Emerging & Frontier Markets
Kenya: Capital Requirement Rule to Trigger Bank Mergers
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) plans to lift its 10-year ban on issuing new banking licenses on July 1.
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Namibia Historic Election Seats First Female President
Namibia marked a milestone in its history on March 21, when Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first...
Banking
Ethiopia: First Investment Banking Licenses Issued
On March 21, Ethiopia issued its first-ever investment banking licenses, marking a historic shift in the nation’s financial sector. The...
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Nigeria’s Vista Bank Approved To Start Operations In France
Vista Bank, a digital-first Nigerian lender, has received regulatory approval from France’s Prudential Supervisory Authority (ACPR) to establish operations in...
Capital Raising & Corporate Finance
Egypt Ends Bank IPO Dearth
Egypt has achieved a historic milestone with the initial public offering (IPO) of United Bank on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX)....
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Botswana Turns A Political Page
Botswana, the world’s second largest diamond producer, ended 58 years of single-party dominance by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) last...
Transaction Banking
Nigeria: Automation Will Add Forex Transparency
Nigeria’s central bank will automate foreign exchange (FX) trading starting in December, replacing the decade-old over-the-counter system to enhance transparency...
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Africa’s Chinese Trade Tie-Up
China continues to dominate trade with the continent. But overlending—and US initiatives to extend its security and investment footprint—are challenging...
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Somalia: Debt Relief Breakthrough
Somalia, ravaged by civil war, terrorism and economic hardship, is poised to receive substantial international debt relief, marking a crucial...