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While foreign exchange gains drove the rebound, the CBN’s earnings report also revealed a sharp drop in net interest income and surging liabilities, pointing to ongoing financial pressures.
Designed to drive economic transformation and inclusive growth, the AfDB’s new strategy will see $2.95 billion invested in Nigeria over four years, with total support—when combined with co-financing from development partners—expected to reach $3.2 billion.
While not explicitly linked by the lastest trade data, the fact that Trump’s 25% auto tariffs took effect in the same month South Africa’s U.S. export earnings declined raises questions about the policy’s early impact on bilateral trade.
The agreement allows the local lender issue letters of credit and other trade instruments backed by the AfDB’s full risk coverage
Last month, Egypt’s central bank slashed its benchmark interest rate by 225 basis points to 25% – marking its first cut in nearly five years – after inflation drop sharply to 13.6%.
After months of negotiations, restructuring, and meeting some of the World Bank’s conditions, the local lender is now poised to receive an initial disbursement covering about 54% of the total approved funding.
Weighed down by higher costs and softer interest earnings, the bank’s gross earnings dropped to $965,364, from $1.2 million recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.
The latest figure shows a staggering rise of over 6,000% in penalties compared to last year. The seven banks racked up fines for a range of infractions, from breaches in the forex market to lapses in anti-money laundering regulations
During the review period, domestic borrowing increased the central government’s total debt stock by 10.2%, while external debt played a key role in boosting the country’s foreign reserves
The sector’s strong performance was also reflected in its balance sheets as total assets rose by 7.1%—driven largely by growth in short-term securities and net loans and advances.
The anticipated investments, expected over the next two years, will bring Egypt’s total FDI from Kuwait to $27 billion.
While high-yield certificates had played a crucial role in stabilising Egypt’s monetary environment, the recent drop in inflationary pressures has prompted a policy shift towards lower rates and more growth-focused measures.
The reversal follows weeks of tension between the African National Congress (ANC) and its main coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which opposed the VAT hike both in parliament and in court.
The Central Bank of Kenya is moving to replace its risk-based lending model with a benchmark-based system anchored to the central bank rate, aiming to improve transparency and rate transmission.
Notably, digital banking charges made up the largest portion of earnings from fees and commissions for most of the reviewed banks.
The new agreement lays the groundwork for strong regional ties—one that could help cushion the continent from the ripple effects of the intensifying trade tensions between the world’s largest economies.
So far, the copper-rich nation has reached final agreements with France and Saudi Arabia, but deals with other key creditors — including its largest, China — remain unresolved.
The new focus aligns with recent calls by the World Bank for Botswana to urgently diversify its economy, unlocking sustainable growth opportunities.
Last year, electronic payment transactions soared to a record $702.6 billion, crossing the quadrillion threshold in naira and surpassing the 2023 figure by a whopping 79.6%.
The economic growth is fuelled by a rebound in tourism and construction activities, easing inflation and a declining debt burden.