Why African Investors Should Look Beyond the Ceasefire

The Middle East ceasefire has eased market tensions, but African investors should remain cautious. Cliff Bakashaba, Head of Investments at Jubilee Asset Management Limited, explains how geopolitical shocks continue to affect inflation, currencies, interest rates and investment performance across Africa. The article explores why long-term investors, insurers and asset managers must look beyond short-term market relief and focus on resilience, risk management and country-specific investment strategies.

Is Climate Financing Helping African Businesses Grow?

Is climate financing truly helping African businesses grow? This article explores how climate change is reshaping Africa’s business landscape and why access to climate finance is critical for MSMEs and farmers. Drawing on real-world examples from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia, it highlights how microfinance institutions like Advans are integrating climate risk into financial products, insurance, and education to build resilience, support recovery from climate shocks, and enable sustainable business growth across the continent.

How South Africa’s corporate medical aid landscape is changing in 2026

South Africa’s corporate medical aid landscape is undergoing major change in 2026 as Sanlam and Fedhealth launch a new integrated scheme aimed at employers seeking flexible, affordable, and wellness-driven healthcare benefits. Despite more than 70 medical schemes nationally, only a small group of open schemes dominate the market, led by Discovery Health. The new Sanlam–Fedhealth partnership introduces a corporate-focused model combining medical aid, primary care, gap cover, wellness programs, mental-health support, on-site clinics, and data-driven reporting to reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and provide predictable, customisable benefits for companies and employees.

Global Trade Credit Insurance Claims Drop in 2024, but Africa Remains Key Risk Zone, Survey Finds

Global trade credit insurance claims dropped in both volume and value in 2024, with total claims falling by nearly 25% to just over $400 million, according to a survey by the Lloyd’s Market Association and partners. Despite the decline, Africa remained the leading source of claims, accounting for 71% of cases. Most claims were paid promptly, highlighting the reliability of trade credit insurance, particularly in high-risk regions and infrastructure sectors.

M-KOPA-branded Smartphones Surpass 1 Million Sales in First Year

M-KOPA, the leading fintech company focused on enhancing financial inclusion, has achieved an impressive milestone: over 1 million smartphone sales within its first year of launching its own brand. The smartphones, embedded with M-KOPA’s Smart Money Platform, provide users across Africa with access to affordable credit, health insurance, and device protection. The company’s flagship X20 model and additional devices like the X2, M10, and S34 are revolutionizing how smartphones can be used to drive financial independence, particularly in emerging markets. With an assembly plant in Nairobi, M-KOPA also contributes significantly to job creation and local economic development.

Digital Dynamism in the Finance Sector: Moving at the right speed and the right economics

In Digital Dynamism in the Finance Sector, Tawanda Chatikobo of Absa Regional Operations explores how African financial institutions must evolve to meet rising digital expectations. With mobile-first consumers, growing fintech ecosystems, and platforms like super apps reshaping user behavior, banks face a dual imperative: deliver world-class digital experiences while maintaining cost-efficiency. The article examines how embedded finance, open banking, and ecosystem partnerships can drive inclusion, innovation, and customer-centricity across Africa’s financial landscape.

Call for Refugee-Led Clean Energy Enterprises in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia to Apply for Inclusive Investment Grants

Ashden is offering grants of up to £10,000 for refugee-led clean energy projects in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These grants aim to support innovative clean energy solutions such as solar power and clean cooking technologies in displacement settings, empowering refugee entrepreneurs and organizations with financial and technical assistance. The program is part of the Transforming Humanitarian Energy Access initiative, in partnership with the Howden Foundation and other global organizations.

JEKTA Expands Operations Ecosystem with New Partnerships

JEKTA, the Swiss manufacturer of the PHA-ZE 100 zero-emissions amphibious aircraft, is enhancing its operational ecosystem through two new partnerships. The company has partnered with Aerovy to provide advanced software for aircraft health monitoring and predictive maintenance, ensuring efficient operations and cost management for PHA-ZE 100 operators. Additionally, JEKTA has teamed up with Advanced Technology Assurance (ATA) to offer tailored insurance solutions for amphibious aircraft, providing coverage and risk management support to operators. These partnerships strengthen JEKTA’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive operational solution for customers.