The archive
Analysis
Everything this desk has published, newest first.
African Forex Watch: Naira Stabilises, Rand Under Pressure, Shilling Steady
African currencies showed divergent trends in early August, with the Nigerian naira stabilising, the South African rand facing pressure and the Kenyan shilling remaining relatively steady. Here's what the latest currency movements mean for businesses, trade and investors across Africa.
Nairobi NSE Market Brief: Kenyan Stocks Steady Ahead of CBK Decision
Kenya's stock market traded mixed in early August as investors prepared for the Central Bank of Kenya's monetary policy decision. The NASI gained 0.50%, while the NSE 20 and NSE 10 indices declined.
African Central Banks Hold the Line as Inflation Shapes Rate Decisions
Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya kept their benchmark interest rates unchanged as policymakers balanced inflation risks against economic growth. The decisions highlight the different pressures facing three of Africa's largest economies.
African Commodities Focus: Oil Falls, Gold Holds and Cocoa Surges
African commodity markets moved sharply in early August as Brent crude fell 5.26%, gold remained above $4,000 per ounce and cocoa surged 9.44%. The contrasting moves highlight the growing importance of commodity prices for African exports, currencies and fiscal revenues
BRVM Market Brief: West Africa's Regional Exchange Holds Steady Amid Consolidation
The BRVM Composite Index rebounded to 485.43 points in early August after a period of profit-taking. Telecommunications and public services remain among the strongest-performing sectors as investors reassess valuations across West Africa's regional exchange.
JSE Market Brief: Rate Hold, Oil Pressure and Resource Stocks
South Africa's JSE All Share Index fell 1.79% in July as investors responded to rate uncertainty, higher oil prices and rising inflation. The SARB's decision to hold its repo rate at 7% has added another layer of uncertainty for investors and businesses.
African Startup Funding Reaches $1.44B as Climate Tech Overtakes Fintech
African technology startups raised $1.44 billion during the first half of 2026, while the number of disclosed deals fell sharply. Climate technology overtook fintech as investors shifted toward larger deals, infrastructure and alternative financing.
Cocoa & Agricultural Exports: West Africa's Supply Crisis Reshapes Global Trade
Cocoa prices surged nearly 10% after Ghana projected lower production for the 2026/27 season, raising fresh concerns over global supply. Discover how West Africa's cocoa crisis is reshaping agricultural exports, commodity markets and international trade.
African Fintech & VC Funding: Climate Tech Overtakes Fintech as Startup Investment Reaches $1.44B
African startups raised $1.44 billion during the first half of 2026, with climate technology overtaking fintech as the continent's leading investment sector. Discover the trends reshaping venture capital and startup funding across Africa.
Central Bank & Inflation Watch: Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya Hold Interest Rates Steady
Africa's three largest central banks kept interest rates unchanged as policymakers balanced inflation risks against economic growth. Discover how the latest decisions from Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya could shape markets, currencies and business activity.
Nairobi NSE Market Brief: Kenyan Stocks Hold Steady Ahead of CBK Rate Decision
Kenya's stock market delivered mixed performance in early August as investors positioned themselves ahead of the Central Bank of Kenya's interest rate decision. Here's what the latest movements on the Nairobi Securities Exchange mean for investors and businesses.
Commodities Focus: Brent Falls, Gold Holds Above $4,000, Cocoa Surges on Supply Concerns
Commodity markets took divergent paths in early August 2026 as Brent crude oil tumbled, gold remained resilient above $4,000 per ounce, and cocoa futures rallied sharply on fresh West African supply concerns. Explore the latest price movements and what they mean for African businesses and investors.