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Top stories

Bank of Zambia records show the minimum paid-up capital requirement was first introduced in January 2012, giving the British bank a 14-year window to reach compliance.

The latest adjustment represents the largest single hike since August 2023 and brings cumulative tightening to 75 basis points since the bank adopted a more hawkish stance in September 2025.

The IPO involves the sale of 11.81 billion ordinary shares at KSh 9 per share, representing a 65% stake in the pipeline operator. The government aims to raise KSh 106.3 billion, equivalent to roughly $825 million, while retaining a strategic minority stake of 35%.

The historic transaction attracted bids exceeding $619 million from more than 30 institutional investors, underscoring strong demand for instruments designed to shield banks and taxpayers during periods of financial stress.

The total package is split in two: a $61 million disbursement under the Extended Credit Facility, alongside a $30 million commitment from the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, which supports investments aimed at strengthening climate resilience in Niger.

After the fourth review of Burkina Fasoโs Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement, IMF made a disbursement of about US$33 million. Approved (RSF) arrangement of about US$124.3 million.

Ghana announced the successful distribution of $ 909 million interest payment to DDEP bond holders. The move is expected to renew investor confidence in Ghanaโs fiscal capacity as the country prepares to re-enter the domestic bond market.

Although South African consumers saw a slight reprieve in January as the annual inflation rate edged down to 3.5%, Inflation has slowed less than expected leading to speculation among traders that the Central Bank might not resume interest rate cutting by March 2026.

The widely expected move mirrors recent developments in South Africa, where monetary policy decisions continue to shape Namibia’s outlook.

Senegal secures funding to repay $485m Eurobond dues, sparking a bond rally but raising concerns over rising short-term borrowing risks.

The updated demographic data places GDP per capita at about $1,207 in 2023 and roughly $1,281 in 2024. In 2025, sustained economic growth, estimated at 6%, and a gradual easing in population growth pushed the indicator beyond $1,300.

The marginal 0.05-percentage-point decline reflects a continued trend of disinflation and widens the scope for a rate cut decision when policymakers meet next week.

In a statement issued last Friday, the Washington-based lender said the package will fund an initial response plan aimed at supporting around 40,000 households affected by Cyclones Fytia and Gezani. Sector-specific measures are also underway.

The new agreement adds to growing financial backing from multilateral lenders as Ethiopia pushes ahead with reforms under a programme backed by the International Monetary Fund.

The 75 basis points cut to 13.50%, defies market expectations for a more modest reduction to 14.00% amid fast-falling price pressures.

The decision marks the 10th consecutive reduction since the easing cycle began in 2024 and brings the Central Bank Rate (CBR) to its lowest level since January 2023.

Egyptโs inflation rate slowed for the first time in two months in January, mirroring trends in Ghana and Kenya and strengthening expectations that the central bank may deliver another interest-rate cut later this week.

While overall conditions continued to improve, firms reported weaker gains in employment and purchasing activity, reflecting slower order inflows, a drawdown in backlogs and concerns about excess inputs.

While Egyptโs PMI fell into contractionary territory in January, S&P noted that the reading remained higher than the long-run average, indicative of a strong pace of non-oil GDP growth.

The statistics bureau said the moderation in Kenyaโs inflation partly reflected base effects, following relatively higher prices during the same period last year.