The Africa Tech Ecosystem In November 2025: Record Exits, Cautionary Tales
By Eric Osiakwan As 2025 concludes, the performance of the Africa tech ecosystem is under scrutiny, prompting various projections for 2026. I largely agree with Ido Sum’s comprehensive, data-driven review, “Early. Not Broken,” which analyzes the ecosystem I helped build. His analysis conclusion specifically highlights the landscape of exits, noting: “Nearly half of those exits […]
Nigeria rethinks capital gains tax
In response to significant market concerns, Nigerian officials have announced that they will review a new 30% capital gains tax on the sale of shares, which is currently set to take effect on January 1. The rule, part of a recent tax law, would triple the tax burden for foreign investors unless they reinvest the proceeds in […]
African aviation set to expand
Boeing predicts Africa’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double by 2044, reaching 1,680 aircraft to meet soaring demand for air travel across the continent. The company forecasts 6% annual passenger growth, driven by a young population, a rising middle class, rapid urbanization, and expanded airport connectivity. Of the new aircraft, Boeing projects there will be 856 […]
Kenya sells major Safaricom stake
The Kenyan government is selling a 15% stake in telecom giant Safaricom to South Africa’s Vodacom for roughly $1.6 billion. This strategic sale aims to raise crucial funds as Kenya contends with significant public debt constraints. Vodacom, already a major shareholder, will pay a substantial 20% premium per share, boosting its total ownership to a controlling 55%. […]
Africa’s digital payments surge
African instant payment systems processed nearly $2 trillion in transactions in 2024, reflecting a remarkable growth trajectory in digital finance across the continent. The number of these systems increased to 36 in 25 countries, up from 31 the previous year, with Eswatini, Sierra Leone, and Somalia launching new platforms. This surge follows an average annual growth rate […]
AfDB’s pledge to Namibia
The African Development Bank (AfDB) plans to provide $1.78 billion in financing to Namibia over the next several years, supporting key sectors including transport, energy, and water. This investment aligns with the bank’s strategy to boost Namibia’s economic growth from 2025 to 2030, with a midterm review set to adjust the total amount if needed. While the […]
China pledges faster zero-tariff access
China has pledged to fast-track zero-tariff measures for African countries, signaling expanded economic opportunities for West Africa. The commitment was announced in Abuja by Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai during a meeting with ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, where he praised ECOWAS’ decades of work in regional integration and democratic governance. Yu said the initiative aligns […]
South Africa opens new mine
Soaring gold prices, which recently broke records by exceeding $4,100 per ounce, are triggering significant activity across African markets. This bullish trend, driven by global economic tensions and monetary policy shifts, has now spurred South Africa to open its first new underground gold mine in 15 years. The project, launched by Australia’s West Wits Mining near Johannesburg, […]
Trump brokers rare earths deal
Donald Trump has announced a rare earth minerals deal with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, framing it as both a peace effort and an economic win for the United States. The agreement, signed at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, aims to end a decades-long conflict while granting US companies access to the region’s […]
Kenya secures US health partnership
In a landmark move, Kenya and the United States have signed a pioneering five-year, $1.6 billion health cooperation agreement. This unique government-to-government framework marks Kenya as the first African nation chosen for such a direct partnership, a testament to its stable institutions and strong bilateral ties, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Crucially, the […]
