Monetary Policy

Ethiopiaโ€™s Finance Ministry has issued a directive making it compulsory for all public agencies to accept digital payments, in a bid to modernise the countryโ€™s financial services and deepen financial inclusion.



Kenyaโ€™s President William Ruto on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping anti-money laundering bill targeting crypto firms, shell companies, and real estate transactions, just days after the EU listed the country among high-risk jurisdictions.


The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has slashed its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 9.75%, aiming to stimulate lending to the private sector and sustain economic momentum.


The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has voiced support for the full adoption of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as the countryโ€™s sole currency, even as the unit continues to shed value since its launch in April 2024.


The African Credit Rating Agency is set to launch in September โ€” three months behind its initial schedule โ€” with its CEO expected to be named in the third quarter of the year.


Fitch Ratings has downgraded the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) by one notch to BBB-, placing it at the bottom of investment grade and just above junk status.


Ghanaโ€™s annual inflation cooled sharply to 18.4% in May, marking its lowest level since February 2022, as a stronger cedi and improved external dynamics drove a broad-based easing in consumer prices.


IMF approves $260M for Ethiopia amid reform gains, but FX market strains signal a fragile recovery


Only 5% of Nigeria’s Bureau De Change operators have met the Apex Bank’s new $1.26 million recapitalisation requirement as the final deadline expires today.


Moodyโ€™s upgrades Nigeriaโ€™s credit rating amid improving fiscal discipline and external stability


Ethiopiaโ€™s central bank has capped forex fees at 4% and eased payment limits for importers and travellers, in a bid to boost transparency and improve access to foreign exchange.


  1. A new U.S. bill proposes a 5% tax on remittances sent. While aimed broadly, the move could hit African economies hardest, threatening a vital financial lifeline for millions.

Kenya is considering a new law that will stop businesses from refusing cash payments businesses from refusing cash paymentsย under $775. The bill, introduced by MP Caroli Omondi, is meant to protect ordinary people from being left out as digital payments take over.


The Central Bank of Nigeria has stated in its latest report that more than 69% of Nigerians are against a further increase in monetary interest rates (MPR).


Namibiaโ€™s currency in circulation rose to $305.9 million in 2024, a 6.9% increase from the $284 million in the previous year, according to the latest figures from its apex bank.


The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to stop the CBN from using the name eNaira, ruling that halting its use could harm the economy and public trust.



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.


Kenyaโ€™s central bank has cut its Monetary Policy Rate by 75 basis points to 10 percent, marking the fifth consecutive reduction and the lowest level since May 2023.


Ethiopiaโ€™s cashless drive gathers pace with new e-payment directive

The directive is part of the governmentโ€™s broader financial sector reform campaign aimed at deepening financial inclusion, expanding the tax base through improved payment traceability, and enabling long-term economic growth.

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With $118bn credit gap, Nigeria turns to NIN to fix loan defaults and exclusion

In a sweeping overhaul of Nigeriaโ€™s credit system, the Federal Government has announced that all citizensโ€™ credit scores will soon be linked to their National Identification Numbers (NIN).ย  The move is part of a broader strategy to establish a unified, transparent credit infrastructure that captures every Nigerianโ€™s borrowing behaviour across banks, fintechs, and microfinance institutions.…

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Kenyaโ€™s new anti-money laundering law targets crypto, shell firms and property deals

The move comes just days after the European Commission listed the country among high-risk jurisdictions for failing to adequately combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

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Kenyaโ€™s central bank cuts rate to 9.75% to boost private sector lending

The latest cut marks the sixth consecutive policy easing since August 2024 and comes as annual inflation slowed from 4.1% in April to 3.8% in May

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IMF backs ZiG as Zimbabweโ€™s currency despite 98% value wipeout

The Washington-based lender explained that its latest stance is anchored on โ€œgoodโ€ stability in Zimbabweโ€™s official market and a growing likelihood of convergence between official and parallel market rates.

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African-led credit rating agency delays launch to September, CEO to be named soon

Born out of frustration with the big three rating agencies, AfCRA aims to offer credit assessments that better reflect the continentโ€™s economic realities.

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Fitch downgrades Afreximbank over rising risks and debt exposure

Fitch Ratings has downgraded the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) by one notch to BBB-, placing it at the bottom of investment grade and just above junk status.

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Stronger cedi, tighter policy push Ghanaโ€™s inflation to three-year low

Consumer prices dropped to 18.4% in May, driven by a sharp decline in non-food inflation. Although Ghana is now on a five-month disinflation streak, inflation remains well above the central bankโ€™s target, signalling the need for continued caution.

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IMF clears $260m for Ethiopia amid reform progress, but FX strain lingers

Ethiopiaโ€™s reform program is showing signs of success, with improved inflation, surging export earnings, and an 83% jump in tax revenue unlocking $260 million in fresh funding from the IMF

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A $1.26 million recapitalisation hurdle leaves Nigeriaโ€™s forex operators on the sidelines

The CBN’s recapitalisation benchmark introduced in 2024 aimed at reforming Nigeria’s informal sector runs on a deadline today, only 5% of BDC operators has hit the bar

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Moodyโ€™s upgrades Nigeriaโ€™s credit rating as reforms begin to show results

Nigeriaโ€™s credit rating rises to B3, reflecting stronger economic management and investor confidence, though risks persist.

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Ethiopiaโ€™s central bank caps forex fees at 4%, eases rules for businesses and travellers

In addition to simplifying forex pricing structures for bank customers, the new rules offer greater flexibility for international travellers and businesses through higher cash limits and relaxed import payment rules.

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Over $100bn in African inflows at risk as US lawmakers propose tax on non-citizen remittances

A proposed 5% U.S. tax on remittances sent abroad spell trouble for African economies, which rely heavily on money sent home by their diaspora.

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Proposed central bank law would fine Kenyan businesses for refusing cash payments

A Kenyan lawmaker, Caroli Omondi, has suggested a new law called the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2025. This law would make it against the rules for shops and businesses with real locations to refuse cash for payments under $775. If they donโ€™t follow this rule, they could be fined or sued.

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Almost 70% of Nigerians against further interest rate hike โ€” Central Bank

The Central Bank of Nigeria has stated in its latest report that more than 69% of Nigerians are against a further increase in monetary interest rates (MPR).

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Namibian currency in use hits $306m with fewer counterfeits

The southern African country saw a 10.7% yearly decline in counterfeit notes in 2024, attributed to improved security features, including holographic stripes, microtext, tactile elements, and transparent windows.

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Nigeria court backs apex bank amidst trademark lawsuit over eNaira

Nigeria High Court ruling backs CBN’s right to use eNaira, easing investor concern over Nigeria’s digital currency

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African central banks should be wary of cryptocurrencies โ€“ IMF

Soaring inflation and weak currencies push young Africans to cryptoโ€”but the IMF warns the rush could undercut monetary policy, fuel capital flight, and shake already fragile economies.

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Kenya’s central bank to scrap risk-based pricing model as it eyes more transparent lending

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.

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Kenya cuts benchmark rate to 10% as policymakers prioritise private sector revival

Although private sector lending edged up by 0.2% in March after a February decline, the central bank says borrowing remains sluggish despite falling interest rates since December.

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Ethiopiaโ€™s Finance Ministry has issued a directive making it compulsory for all public agencies to accept digital payments, in a bid to modernise the countryโ€™s financial services and deepen financial inclusion.



Kenyaโ€™s President William Ruto on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping anti-money laundering bill targeting crypto firms, shell companies, and real estate transactions, just days after the EU listed the country among high-risk jurisdictions.


The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has slashed its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 9.75%, aiming to stimulate lending to the private sector and sustain economic momentum.


The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has voiced support for the full adoption of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as the countryโ€™s sole currency, even as the unit continues to shed value since its launch in April 2024.


The African Credit Rating Agency is set to launch in September โ€” three months behind its initial schedule โ€” with its CEO expected to be named in the third quarter of the year.


Fitch Ratings has downgraded the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) by one notch to BBB-, placing it at the bottom of investment grade and just above junk status.


Ghanaโ€™s annual inflation cooled sharply to 18.4% in May, marking its lowest level since February 2022, as a stronger cedi and improved external dynamics drove a broad-based easing in consumer prices.


IMF approves $260M for Ethiopia amid reform gains, but FX market strains signal a fragile recovery


Only 5% of Nigeria’s Bureau De Change operators have met the Apex Bank’s new $1.26 million recapitalisation requirement as the final deadline expires today.


Moodyโ€™s upgrades Nigeriaโ€™s credit rating amid improving fiscal discipline and external stability


Ethiopiaโ€™s central bank has capped forex fees at 4% and eased payment limits for importers and travellers, in a bid to boost transparency and improve access to foreign exchange.


  1. A new U.S. bill proposes a 5% tax on remittances sent. While aimed broadly, the move could hit African economies hardest, threatening a vital financial lifeline for millions.

Kenya is considering a new law that will stop businesses from refusing cash payments businesses from refusing cash paymentsย under $775. The bill, introduced by MP Caroli Omondi, is meant to protect ordinary people from being left out as digital payments take over.


The Central Bank of Nigeria has stated in its latest report that more than 69% of Nigerians are against a further increase in monetary interest rates (MPR).


Namibiaโ€™s currency in circulation rose to $305.9 million in 2024, a 6.9% increase from the $284 million in the previous year, according to the latest figures from its apex bank.


The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to stop the CBN from using the name eNaira, ruling that halting its use could harm the economy and public trust.



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.


Kenyaโ€™s central bank has cut its Monetary Policy Rate by 75 basis points to 10 percent, marking the fifth consecutive reduction and the lowest level since May 2023.