Verto opens Dubai hub for local money market liquidity and faster Africa–Gulf trade. The regulator's licence enables same-day multi-currency settlements. United Arab Emirates now key Africa–Asia trade hub, flows up 35% since 2019. London-based fintech Verto, which already processes over USD 15 billion annually in cross-border payments for corporate clients, has opened a new...

South Africa's Curro Holdings faces a JSE delisting following a $418 million buyout offer from the Mouton Family Foundation at a 60% premium. The plan will convert Curro's 189 schools into a non-profit organization, redirecting all future profits to fund new schools and student bursaries. Shareholders are set to vote on the transformative deal on Oct 31, reflecting a vision to...

Gabon has expressed interest in hosting the headquarters of a regional fund to finance the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea. The fund aims to mobilize resources for sustainable maritime development, fisheries management, and ecosystem protection. Member states of the Gulf of Guinea Commission are still defining the fund’s capital, governance, and contribution structure. Gabon...

MTN South Sudan now sells Starlink kits and subscriptions nationwide. Starlink offers speeds of 25–220 Mbps and low latency. Starlink now leads South Sudan’s ISP market with 30% share. MTN South Sudan announced on October 2 that Starlink kits and subscriptions are now available for purchase and support at its Customer Service Points and Connect Stores nationwide. The move...

DR Congo suspended cobalt exports in early 2025 before moving to a quota system aimed at regulating global supply. The strategy mirrors OPEC’s early tactics as Kinshasa seeks to turn its dominant resource position into lasting market influence. In February 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suspended its cobalt exports in a bid to influence prices—and succeeded. A few...

Tharisa unveiled a $547 million underground expansion plan for its platinum mine to extend production beyond 2035. Global platinum prices have risen above $1,600 per ounce, their highest level in nearly 12 years, spurring new mining investments. Several major projects, including those by Valterra Platinum, Ivanhoe Mines, and Southern Palladium, are advancing across South...

1,500 schools now have high-speed internet, and two national data centres are in place. Phase II will add 2,500 schools, 100 smart classrooms, a national cloud, and teacher ICT training. The DigiTruck mobile classroom will train 5,000 youth, girls, and farmers in all 30 districts. On October 3, Rwanda announced the completion of the first phase of its ambitious Smart Education...

QatarEnergy bought a 27% interest in Egypt’s North Cleopatra offshore block from Shell, pending regulatory approval. Shell will retain 36% and remain operator, alongside Chevron (27%) and Tharwa Petroleum (10%). The acquisition supports QatarEnergy’s expansion in African and Mediterranean gas basins. QatarEnergy has announced the acquisition of a 27% stake in the offshore North...

Family Bank will hold an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting on October 27, 2025, to approve its listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The direct listing aims to boost share liquidity and enhance financial transparency without raising new capital. The move follows strong half-year results, with a 40% rise in net profit to 2.5 billion shillings. Family Bank, one of Kenya’s...

Côte d’Ivoire has begun preparing a national biodiversity financing plan to direct public and private funds toward environmental protection. The plan aims to mobilize about $5 billion between 2026 and 2030 to preserve forests, mangroves, and marine ecosystems. It will combine state budgets, private sector investment, and new tools such as green bonds and environmental...