African Continental Brief: Business, Tech, Geopolitics, Security and Human Rights – 26 November 2025

Nigeria holds rates steady as inflation cools: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintained its benchmark interest rate at 27%, despite inflation easing to 16.05% in October, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline. Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the decision reflects caution, allowing time for earlier rate hikes to filter through the economy afdb.org FurtherAfrica.
Africa’s growth outlook improves: The African Development Bank (AfDB) raised its GDP growth forecast to 4.2% in 2025 and 4.3% in 2026, citing stronger service sectors, agricultural output, and infrastructure investment. The World Bank’s Africa Pulse similarly projects 3.8% growth in 2025, with inflation stabilizing across most Sub‑Saharan economies afdb.org FurtherAfrica World Bank Group.

Safaricom issues Kenya’s first corporate green bond: The telecom giant launched a KSh 15 billion (US$115 million) tax‑exempt green bond, part of a KSh 40 billion programme, to finance sustainable infrastructure in Kenya and Ethiopia DW.
Africa’s solar revolution gains momentum: Falling solar costs and Chinese equipment imports are driving rapid adoption, with projects like South Africa’s 100 MW solar thermal plant showcasing the continent’s renewable potential DW.
EU pledges €15.5 billion for Africa’s clean energy transition: A campaign co‑led by the European Commission and South Africa secured funding for 26.8 GW of new renewable capacity, aiming to provide electricity to 17.5 million households Energy ESG News.

Africa Finance Corporation secures US$75m loan: The AFC obtained financing from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to expand infrastructure investment FurtherAfrica.
Nedbank settles with Transnet: South Africa’s Nedbank agreed to pay R600 million (US$34.8m) to Transnet SOC Ltd, ending a decade‑long dispute over a swap transaction FurtherAfrica.
African fintech investment surges: Despite global venture capital slowdowns, African fintech attracted record funding in 2025, with North and East Africa leading deal flow. The sector raised US$640 million, highlighting resilience and investor confidence FurtherAfrica Business Elites Africa.
Africa Investment Forum 2025: Hosted in Rabat, Morocco, the forum brought together major institutions including AfDB, Afreximbank, and AFC to mobilize capital for transformative projects Africa Investment Forum.

Guinea‑Bissau election standoff: Both incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embaló and challenger Fernando Dias da Costa claimed victory, sparking tensions with soldiers deployed around Bissau and reports of gunfire Stimson Center.
G20 Summit in South Africa: For the first time, Africa hosted the G20 Summit, focusing on climate adaptation, clean energy transition, and debt relief for developing nations The World Economic Forum.
North Africa developments: Algeria announced new strategic development initiatives, while Morocco advanced industrial ambitions. Meanwhile, crises in Mali and Sudan deepened, with jihadist groups and Russian influence complicating Sahel stability Stimson Center.

Sudan hospital attack: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) withdrew staff from a Darfur hospital after a stretcher‑bearer was shot dead, raising concerns about medical neutrality amid ongoing conflict Africa Center for Strategic Studies.
Nigeria mass abductions: Insurgent groups kidnapped at least 402 people, mostly schoolchildren, across Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Borno states since mid‑November. Only 88 have escaped or been freed, prompting UN calls for urgent action UN News.
Human rights concerns: The Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) highlighted worsening crises in Sudan, racial discrimination, and women’s rights issues during the UN Human Rights Council’s 60th session gicj.org.
US‑Nigeria tensions: President Donald Trump threatened military action over alleged persecution of Christians, straining diplomatic relations and raising fears of religious polarization Global Issues.

Nigeria’s monetary policy is likely to remain tight until early 2026.
Safaricom’s green bond and EU pledges could accelerate Africa’s renewable energy transition.
Guinea‑Bissau’s contested election and Sahel instability remain flashpoints for regional security.
Rising fintech investment and infrastructure financing signal resilience, but governance and rights protections will be critical.

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