Africa in Business
In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.
Ramaphosa reaffirms South Africa's position as a competitive investment destination
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, has reaffirmed South Africa's position as a competitive investment destination, as he addressed the Sixth South Africa Investment Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The conference, which brings together government, investors and strategic partners, is aimed at driving investment-led growth and unlocking new economic opportunities. Our reporter Lebogang Mabange has more...
Standard Bank concludes the sale of South African non-alcoholic beverages manufacturer, Twizza
Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking's Corporate Finance Advisory team successful completion in the 1- hundred - and 22 million dollars sale, of the South African non-alcoholic beverages manufacturer, Twizza to Bevco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of India-based Varun Beverages Limited ("Varun") for an amount of 1 - hundred and - 22 million dollars. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Raven Moodley, Head of Corporate Finance Advisory for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa...
Statistics South Africa victim of a ransomware attack by the emerging cybercrime group known as XP9
Statistics South Africa has fallen victim to a ransomware attack by the emerging cybercrime group known as XP95. The threat actors claim to have successfully breached the agency responsible for conducting South Africa's census, as well as producing and disseminating other official statistics, like the Consumer Price Index. This cyber attack, it's said to have come at a time when ransomware attacks are escalating globally, reflecting a sharp rise in the frequency and sophistication of cybercrime. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Nemanja Krstic, Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East (AME), and the European Union (EU) at Galix...
Botswana in talks with Angola, to acquire a roughly 30% stake in the 6.6 billion dollar Lobito refinery project
Botswana is reportedly in discussions with Angola, to acquire a roughly 30% stake in the 6.6 billion dollar Lobito refinery project, which is still under construction. The move is part of Gaborone's strategy to secure long-term fuel supply amid growing concerns over energy security. The talks come as global attention turns to the Strait of Hormuz, where rising tensions have raised fears of potential disruptions to international fuel supplies. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Energy Analyst, Tshepo Kgadima...
Concerns over opportunistic price hikes amid the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
A surge in global oil prices, fuelled by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, has intensified concerns about price gouging and has placed significant strain on economies across Africa. With more than 40 of the continent's 54 countries reliant on imported oil, the spike, which has seen Brent crude climb above $100 per barrel, is driving up inflation, weakening national currencies, and sharply increasing the cost of food and transport. The Competition Commission of South Africa has issued a strong warning to businesses, cautioning against opportunistic price hikes as fuel costs continue to rise amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Kundai Ngwena, Head of Environmental Governance at the African Centre for Governance and Spokesperson for the African Civil Society G20 Climate, Energy and Sustainable Finance...
AA threatens action against the government should the upcoming fuel price hikes be driven more by taxes than global oil costs
The Automobile Association of South Africa has warned it may take action against the government if upcoming fuel price hikes are driven more by taxes than global oil costs. The warning comes as South Africa braces for record increases in diesel and petrol prices, largely due to supply disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council says it is considering fare increases amid operators' struggles to absorb rising fuel costs. Innocent Semosa spoke to the CEO of the Automobile Association of South Africa, Bobby Ramagwede...
The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference ends in deadlock, after Brazil blocks the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions
Talks at the 14th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference (MC14) ended in deadlock, after Brazil blocked a United States-led bid to extend the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions, delivering a fresh blow to the struggling trade body. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, noted that the e-commerce moratorium had expired, allowing countries to impose duties on digital goods like downloads and streaming. However, the marathon discussions in Cameroon made headway in drafting a plan for broader WTO reforms, though final agreements remain pending. Innocent Semosa spoke to the CEO of XA Global Trade Advisors, Donald MacKay...
The Outcome Finance Alliance (OFA) Summit explores strategies for making pay-for-success financing instruments cost-effective and scalable
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with the Presidency's Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, hosted the Outcome Finance Alliance (OFA) Summit, to explore strategies for making pay-for-success financing instruments cost-effective and scalable. The summit also aimed to support development agencies and governments in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The South African Medical Research Council leveraged the event to identify pathways for expanding public-private partnerships that can accelerate the impact and institutionalisation of outcomes-based financing, in addressing high HIV rates and broader pressures on South Africa's health system. Innocent Semosa spoke to Professor Fareed Abdullah, the Director at the Office of AIDS and TB Research at the South African Medical Research Council...
The latest market development with Senior economist at FNB, Koketso Mano
Senior economist at FNB, Koketso Mano looks at the factors that contributed to the South African Reserve Bank holding the interest rates, the Quarterly employment statistics, and the expectation for Manufacturing PMI for March...
Protest over coronation of Nigerian king described as a breach of South Africa's sovereignty
South African political party, ActionSA is protesting the recent coronation of a Nigerian Igbo "king" in KuGompo, formerly East London. The party says the coronation is a breach of South Africa's sovereignty. The party argues the event disregards the country's traditional leadership, particularly the AmaRharhabe Kingdom in the province. Lulu Gaboo spoke to ActionSA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip
Pakistan announces its ready to host talks between the US and Iran
Pakistan has announced it is ready to host talks between the United States and Iran, in what could mark a significant step toward de-escalating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Pakistan says both sides have expressed confidence in its role as a mediator, following weeks of quiet diplomacy. However, uncertainty remains over whether these talks will be direct or indirect, and neither Washington nor Tehran has formally confirmed participation. The potential negotiations come amid continued violence, rising casualties, and growing fears over regional stability, with tensions also affecting global oil supplies and key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. To help us unpack these developments and what they could mean for the region and the wider world, Lulu Gaboo spoke to Amir Bagherioromi, a South African Iranian independent political analyst and writer focusing on Iran, the Middle East, and global power dynamics
Sudan is stepping up efforts to rebuild its energy sector with a focus on expanding renewable power
Sudan is stepping up efforts to rebuild its energy sector after years of conflict, with a renewed focus on expanding renewable power. The country's Minister of Energy and Petroleum Elmutasim Ibrahim Ali said widespread damage to electricity infrastructure has disrupted supply nationwide, prompting urgent work to restore generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Channel Africa's reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report.
Business round up with Victor Kgomoeswana, author and the Executive Director for Marketing, Communication at the University of Limpopo
Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back", and the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo unpacks business news that made headlines in the week. TALKING POINTS: ** Uganda experienced a 72% increase in merchandise export revenue, rising from $844.60 million in January 2025 to $1,453.53 million in January 2026.... ** Kenya Airways posted a $138 million pre-tax loss in 2025... ** Ghana and Colombia have agreed to a direct shipping link between teh ports of Tema and Cartagena
WTO Director-General calls on countries to overhaul global trade rules, citing that the old world order had gone for good
Trade Ministers are meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon, for the 14th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14). The four-day meeting seeks to push forward reforms of the global trade body, amid warnings from diplomats and trade officials that without an agreement, countries could begin setting trade rules outside the WTO framework. On the first day of the meeting, the Director-General of the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, called on countries to overhaul global trade rules, citing that the old world order had gone for good, following a year of turmoil sparked by U.S. tariffs and wider geopolitical tensions. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Trade Analyst, Viwe Ntshongwana.
Automotive sector sees a sharp rise in interest, sales of electric vehicles, as consumers feel the petrol price pinch
South Africans are preparing for what could be the largest fuel price hike in the country's history, as global oil prices climb above $100 a barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Central Energy Fund has signalled a tough outlook for April, with significant increases in both petrol and diesel prices expected. Meanwhile, automotive industry experts say the anticipated fuel price shock is driving a sharp rise in interest and sales of electric vehicles (EVs), as consumers increasingly look for alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Alan Quinn, Chief Product & Innovation Officer, Cars.co.za.
Afri-Masterclass shines a spotlight on women who are building sustainable wealth
In an era where financial inclusion and economic empowerment remain critical across the continent, women are increasingly stepping into spaces of wealth creation and enterprise. The AFRI-MASTERCLASS: Women Creating Wealth, currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa, is bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring businesswomen to share strategies on building sustainable wealth. Channel Africas economics reporter innocent Semosa has more .
Authorities from the SADC region meet to discuss ways of mitigating the impact of the highly contagious FMD
Authorities from Botswana, South Africa and Namibia convened in Gaborone to discuss ways and means of mitigating the impact of the highly contagious Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). At the end of a three-day workshop expected to come to an end on Sunday, a coordinated response to the disease will be developed in order to combat the disease in the three countries. Channel Africa's Shingirai Madondo reports.
Senegal is accused of covertly borrowing $754 million to avoid a potential default
Senegal has rejected claims that it covertly borrowed $754 million to avoid a potential default. Reports had alleged that the government secretly secured the funds last year from development lender Africa Finance Corporation and First Abu Dhabi Bank, with terms that gave the lenders priority over existing bondholders. In response, the country's Finance Ministry says the transactions were part of a broader strategy to diversify funding sources as the West African nation seeks to raise capital to service its substantial debt and meet government expenditure needs. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Dr Abotebuno Akolgo, an economist and Program Manager at the International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs).
SA Reserve Bank leaves repo rate unchanged at 6.75% amid steeply rising oil prices
South Africa's (SA) Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, says the bank has decided to keep the repo rate steady at 6,75% amid steeply rising oil prices. This means that the prime lending rate remains at 10.25% . Kganyago says the bank is closely watching the effects of the oil price shock on the back of the conflict in the Middle East. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Fatgie Adams, Head of Credit Risk Solutions at TransUnion.
C Suite: Bunjiwe Gwebu, Executive Manager of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone
In the C Suite, we are joined by Bunjiwe Gwebu, Executive Manager of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) under the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA). With over 20 years of professional experience spanning economic development, spatial planning, and investment facilitation in both public and non-governmental sectors, Gwebu has held senior management positions at leading national and municipal development institutions. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Digital Transformation, she is committed to driving inclusive, people-centred economic growth and industrialisation, with a focus on transforming local economies. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Bunjiwe Gwebu, Executive Manager of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone.
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