Summary: Across Africa, markets are showing resilience with IPOs and falling inflation, while energy transition projects gain momentum. Geopolitical tensions remain acute in Sudan, and human rights concerns are rising in Tanzania. Meanwhile, Africa’s tech ecosystem continues to attract investment and scale rapidly.
Business & Macro
- South Africa: Mobile operator Cell C has finalized plans for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, aiming to raise over $400 million. The move is expected to strengthen its balance sheet and expand its 5G rollout, positioning it more competitively against MTN and Vodacom.
- Ghana: Inflation fell by 140 basis points to 8% in October, the lowest in 4.5 years, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The decline reflects easing food and transport costs, offering relief to households and signaling improved macroeconomic stability.
- Regional Outlook: The African Development Bank projects continental growth at 3.9% in 2025, with East Africa leading at above 5% growth, supported by tourism, agriculture, and mineral exports Stears afdb.org.
Climate & Energy
- Kenya: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved a $64 million loan for a 35 MW geothermal project in Menengai, central Kenya. The project will expand renewable capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- South Africa: Pretoria unveiled a R2.23 trillion ($128 billion) Integrated Resource Plan, aiming to cut coal’s share of power generation from 58% to 27% by 2039 while adding 105 GW of clean energy. Officials describe it as the largest post-apartheid investment program The Independent.
- Continental Context: At COP30 in Brazil, African leaders are pressing for climate finance and debt relief, emphasizing that Africa contributes least to emissions but suffers disproportionately from climate shocks Global Issues.
Geopolitics & Policy
- Sudan: The Sudanese military has vowed to mobilize public support against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rejecting a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has displaced millions and risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa.
- South Africa – G20: Johannesburg is preparing to host the G20 Summit (Nov 22–23, 2025), the first ever on African soil. The presidency theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will spotlight Africa’s demands on climate finance, trade, and debt restructuring africa.time.com.
- Continental Trends: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is projected to boost intra-African trade by 52% by 2035, potentially creating 30 million jobs The African Exponent.
Tech & Deals
- Pan-African Investment: The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested $23 million in the Amethis Europe Expansion Fund, designed to support European SMEs expanding into African markets.
- Nigeria: Food delivery startup Chowdeck fulfilled 1 million orders in October, its best month since launching in 2021. The milestone highlights Nigeria’s growing on-demand economy and investor interest in logistics-tech.
- Tech Ecosystem: The Africa Tech Festival 2025 in Cape Town this month is showcasing advances in AI, fintech, and connectivity, with global players like Mastercard and OpenAI engaging African startups The Exchange.
Security & Human Rights
- Tanzania: Post-election unrest has triggered a violent crackdown. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International report that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas against protesters after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared re-elected with 97.6% of the vote. Internet and electricity blackouts have compounded the crisis Human Rights Watch Amnesty International.
- Central African Republic: The UN has documented 733 violations against 479 children in 2024, including recruitment by armed groups. The situation remains fragile, with militias continuing to commit grave abuses watchlist.org.
- UN Security Council: African members (the “A3”) are increasingly shaping debates, presenting unified positions on peacekeeping and sanctions, reflecting Africa’s growing diplomatic weight Security Council Report.
In short: Africa’s economic outlook is improving with IPOs, falling inflation, and climate investments, but security crises in Sudan and Tanzania highlight persistent instability. At the same time, tech innovation and continental trade integration are reshaping Africa’s global role.
