🌍 African Continental Brief: Business, Tech, Geopolitics, Security and Human Rights – December 3, 2025

🏦 Business & Macro

Ghana Inflation Falls to 6.3%
Ghana’s headline inflation dropped to 6.3% in November 2025, the lowest since the CPI rebasing in 2021. Analysts expect further monetary easing after the Bank of Ghana cut its policy rate to 18% in late November.
Investment Surge in West African Banking
Dutch development finance institution FMO has invested €10 million into Coris Holding, part of a larger €100 million co-investment led by Mediterrania Capital Partners. The capital aims to expand SME lending and financial inclusion across the WAEMU region.

Kenya’s Nuclear Power Era Begins
Kenya has designated KenGen as the operator of its first nuclear power plant, initially planned at 2 GW capacity. The project aligns with Kenya’s ambition to add 10 GW of electricity capacity and represents a pivot toward low-carbon baseload generation.

Norway Pledges NOK 3.1 Billion to ADF-17
Norway has pledged NOK 3.1 billion to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment (ADF-17), a 5.8% increase over the previous cycle. Funds will support infrastructure, education, job creation, and climate action in low-income countries.
Private Capital Strengthens Coris Expansion
The €100 million investment into Coris Holding underscores a broader trend of African banks attracting external development-oriented capital to expand SME lending and improve governance.

Africa in a Multipolar World
A new brief from Morocco’s Policy Center for the New South highlights how intensifying competition among global powers — the U.S., China, Russia, India, and the EU — could benefit Africa if leveraged for structural transformation rather than dependency.
Currency Volatility Challenges Trade
Exporters across Africa face rising costs due to currency depreciation, with the naira and cedi under pressure. India’s pharmaceutical exports to Africa have plateaued at $3.93 billion, underscoring the need for stronger trade policy support.
Upcoming Conference on Africa’s Geopolitical Future
The Al Jazeera Centre for Studies will host a high-level conference in Doha on December 13–14, 2025, titled “Africa in a Time of Geopolitical Transformation.” Experts will debate sovereignty, external interventions, and governance challenges.
Instability Risk Index Flags East Africa
The 2025 Africa Country Instability Risk Index (ACIRI) shows East Africa overtaking the Sahel as the most volatile region, driven by democratic backsliding and violent conflicts. Nigeria was rated “critical,” reflecting worsening insecurity.

Nigeria Names New Defence Minister
President Bola Tinubu has appointed retired General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister, following his predecessor’s resignation. The move comes amid escalating insecurity marked by kidnappings and violence.
African Business and Human Rights Forum
The UN Global Compact’s African Business and Human Rights Forum in Lusaka emphasized corporate responsibility and remedy frameworks, urging businesses to integrate human rights and sustainability into operations.

Finance & Philanthropy Converge: Rising institutional commitments (e.g., Norway’s pledge to ADF-17) and private-sector investments in African banks reflect growing confidence in Africa’s resilience.
Diversified Energy Mix: Kenya’s nuclear project signals a continental shift toward stable, low-carbon baseload power.
Security Leadership Transitions: Nigeria’s appointment of a former top general underscores the urgency of decisive leadership amid fragility.

Here’s a compact references section in short‑form with embedded links for easy access:

References: APAnews, Reuters, Ecofin Agency, Trading Economics – Ghana inflation; Africa Private Equity News, Billionaires Africa, FMO, Financial Afrik – Coris Holding investment; KenGen, Kenya News – Kenya nuclear project; African Development Bank, AfDB Newsroom, Regjeringen – Norway ADF‑17 pledge; Empower Africa – private capital trends; Policy Center for the New South – multipolar world brief; Al Jazeera Centre for Studies – geopolitical conference; SBM Intelligence – Africa Instability Risk Index; ThisDayLive, Premium Times Nigeria, The Telegraph Nigeria, Reuters – Nigeria defence minister; UN Global Compact – African Business & Human Rights Forum.