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August 13, 2025
Business & Macroeconomic Developments
🇰🇪 Kenya Cuts Lending Rate to Spur Credit Growth
The Central Bank of Kenya has reduced its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 9.5%, part of ongoing efforts to stimulate private sector credit. The move reflects moderate inflationary pressure and the government’s push to support economic growth amid tight liquidity conditions.
🇿🇦 ArcelorMittal Plant Closure Under Discussion in South Africa
South Africa’s government is in talks with the local arm of ArcelorMittal regarding the potential closure of a loss-making steel plant in KwaZulu-Natal, according to Bloomberg. The closure could impact hundreds of jobs in an already strained industrial sector.
Climate & Energy
🇬🇦 Gabon Signs $1 Billion Power Plant Deal with Turkey’s Aksa Energy
Turkish firm Aksa Energy will develop and operate a 1,000MW power plant in Gabon’s Ngounié Province, under a deal signed with the government. The project aims to bolster Gabon’s energy infrastructure and reduce power deficits in central Africa.
Geopolitics & Infrastructure
🇰🇪 Kenya Seeks Global Support for $2B Airport Expansion
Kenya has invited international development financiers—including Japan’s JICA, China Exim Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the African Development Bank—to help fund a $2 billion expansion of its primary airport, in a bid to solidify Nairobi’s role as a regional aviation hub.
🇨🇲 France Admits Colonial-Era Abuses in Cameroon
President Emmanuel Macron has formally acknowledged France’s role in “multiple forms of repressive violence” during Cameroon’s decolonization, particularly from 1945 to 1971. The admission follows a historical commission report revealing forced displacement and mass violence orchestrated by French forces.
Technology & Finance
🇿🇦 South Africa Introduces Passport Applications via Banking Apps
South Africa’s Home Affairs Ministry is partnering with commercial banks to allow passport applications through banking apps, aiming to reduce paper fraud and streamline documentation processes.
🇳🇬 Nigeria Collects $55 Million from Fintech Levy
Nigeria has amassed $55 million since implementing a levy on electronic money transfers by fintech platforms, highlighting the country’s growing digital economy and regulatory evolution.
Security & Governance
🇨🇩 Congo-M23 Ceasefire Talks in Jeopardy Amid Fresh Clashes
The Congo army has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of launching attacks in eastern DRC, in violation of ceasefire agreements signed in Washington and Doha. Talks scheduled to resume in Doha have stalled, with both sides trading blame amid rising tensions.
🇳🇬 Nigeria Intensifies Airstrikes, 592 Militants Killed
Nigeria’s air force says 592 militia members have been killed in Borno State over the past eight months, amid escalated air operations targeting insurgents from Boko Haram and ISWAP. Military officials report destruction of over 200 vehicles and 166 logistics hubs, a significant operational gain.
🇲🇱 Mali Arrests Former PM Maiga for Alleged Fund Misuse
Former Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga has been arrested months after criticizing the ruling junta. Authorities allege misappropriation of public funds, though his allies suggest political motivations. Maiga was dismissed in late 2024 amid growing tension over military-led governance.
Diplomacy & Regional Affairs
🇸🇸 South Sudan VP Visits UAE for Economic Cooperation Talks
South Sudan’s Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel is visiting the UAE to attract foreign investment and strengthen bilateral ties. The trip follows President Salva Kiir’s recent Gulf visit and comes as the country faces severe liquidity shortages and unresolved political tensions.
🇸🇸 AU Mission to South Sudan Ends Without Breakthrough
An AU Peace and Security Council delegation concluded a visit to South Sudan, expressing support for the 2018 peace deal and upcoming 2026 elections. However, the AU made no progress on resolving the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, a key opposition leader detained since March.
🇺🇬 Uganda Opposition Petitions Court Against Military Trials for Civilians
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has filed a constitutional petition to block the trial of civilians in military courts. The party argues the new law violates the Supreme Court’s previous rulings, calling it a tool for political repression.
Mining & Resource Governance
🇪🇹 Tigray Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Mining
Officials in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have seized 440 illegal mining machines, citing a 7 billion birr (approx. $120 million) revenue loss due to mineral smuggling. The interim administration warns of environmental damage and has launched a multi-agency crackdown to restore regulatory control.
Continental Outlook
🔗 UNDP: Landlocked African Economies Now ‘Land-Linked’
A new UNDP paper urges a rebranding of Africa’s 16 landlocked economies as “land-linked”, highlighting their growing role in regional value chains under the AfCFTA. With improved logistics and trade corridors, these countries could become vital connectors in continental commerce.
🌐 AI Ambitions vs Infrastructure Realities at Lagos Digital Summit
The Africa Digital Economy and Inclusion Conference in Lagos spotlighted AI’s potential to accelerate growth. However, delegates warned that infrastructure gaps—including limited rural internet access and electricity—could widen inequality unless urgently addressed.
Water Security & Regional Tensions
🇪🇬 Egypt Reaffirms Red Line on Nile Water Amid Ethiopia Dam Dispute
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reiterated Egypt’s commitment to protecting its Nile water security, following Ethiopia’s completion of the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD). Cairo opposes the new Cooperative Framework Agreement, arguing it undermines Egypt’s historical water rights.
Sources: africancenter.org, semafor.com
