Tag: Capital Markets

Why Investors Are Looking at African Fintech Again

African fintech is regaining investor attention as the sector matures beyond venture-led growth into sustainable, revenue-generating businesses capable of attracting institutional capital. Recent IPOs by South Africa’s Optasia and Morocco’s Cash Plus, alongside expectations around Airtel Africa’s mobile money business and OPay, signal renewed confidence in African fintech’s long-term potential. With fintech revenues projected to reach $65 billion by 2030, the continent continues to benefit from rising smartphone penetration, mobile money adoption, and a young, urbanising population. Increased merger and acquisition activity, stronger local partnerships, and improved funding momentum in 2026 suggest African fintech is entering a new phase focused on scalability, profitability, and liquidity opportunities for investors.

Africa’s Capital Markets Are Moving Again. Here’s How.

Africa’s capital markets are showing renewed activity as liquidity returns and borrowing costs ease, opening new opportunities for corporate financing. The recent oversubscribed KES 16.7 billion bond by East African Breweries highlights growing investor appetite and the potential for creative funding structures across the continent. While Africa’s corporate bond market remains underdeveloped—accounting for just 0.1% of global corporate bonds—syndicated loans, blended finance, and structured solutions are on the rise. Regulatory frameworks are supportive, but scale, market understanding, and flexibility determine access and outcomes. Innovation, new financial products, and demonstrated transaction execution will be key to unlocking Africa’s capital markets and channeling domestic savings into long-term investments beyond South Africa.

The blockchain frameworks set to enhance fintech development in 2026

As digital capital markets mature, blockchain frameworks are becoming the backbone of fintech innovation in 2026. With over half a billion users globally and widespread adoption by financial institutions, blockchain is reshaping payments, settlements, smart contracts, and decentralized finance. This article explores the leading blockchain frameworks driving fintech development—Corda, EOSIO, Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, and XRP Ledger—highlighting their real-world use cases, scalability, regulatory readiness, and impact on banks, fintechs, and digital asset platforms. Industry insights from D24 Fintech CTO Osama Bari outline how choosing the right framework will be critical for fintechs seeking efficiency, security, and long-term growth in an increasingly competitive blockchain ecosystem.

Absa CIB closes USD72 million aviation financing facility with AELF to support fleet expansion across Africa

Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) has successfully arranged a USD72 million structured aviation finance facility with Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF) to expand its aircraft fleet across Africa. Acting as Mandated Lead Arranger and Senior Lender, Absa CIB enables AELF to increase leased aircraft for African carriers, enhancing regional connectivity, aviation infrastructure, and job creation in the aviation sector. The deal reflects Absa CIB’s expertise in commercial aircraft leasing, aviation finance solutions, and structured asset finance. This partnership strengthens long-term collaboration between Absa and AELF, supporting sustainable growth in Africa’s aviation industry, airline operations, and fleet financing strategies.

FROM TURBULENCE to RENEWAL: SA’s 2026 ECONOMIC PATH

South Africa enters 2026 at a pivotal moment as early signs of economic recovery emerge following years of turbulence caused by COVID-19, energy insecurity, and structural constraints. Improving commodity prices, a stronger rand, lower inflation, rising equity markets, and renewed investor confidence are helping stabilise growth, while infrastructure investment and political cohesion are laying foundations for long-term resilience. However, persistently high unemployment remains the country’s most urgent challenge. To convert economic momentum into inclusive prosperity, South Africa must accelerate reforms, strengthen local government, modernise infrastructure, and implement targeted job-creation strategies that support sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.

5 Big Power Moves 2025 Brought Us

In 2025, South Africa’s energy sector reached a critical turning point, shifting from crisis management to long-term reform. This article by SolarAfrica CEO David McDonald outlines five major power moves reshaping the market: the transition toward a wholesale electricity market (SAWEM), a surge in energy trading licences, the rise of one-to-many renewable generation, the entry of private capital into transmission infrastructure, and unprecedented corporate adoption of renewable energy. Together, these changes are accelerating private investment, competition, and wheeling solutions—setting the stage for a faster, more flexible, and sustainable power system in 2026 and beyond.

Awareness Gap Stalls NGX Tech Listings and Blocks Local Exits, TLP Advisory Report Reveals

A new TLP Advisory report reveals that Nigeria’s low awareness of NGX listing requirements is slowing tech IPOs and pushing founders toward offshore exits. With 53% of founders unfamiliar with the NGX process and 77% facing currency mismatch pressures, the study highlights how structural barriers, liquidity concerns, and regulatory frictions limit local listings. The report urges reforms, stronger education initiatives, and improved market infrastructure to unlock Nigeria’s IPO pipeline and strengthen the country’s digital economy.