A curated overview of key developments across Africa, spanning economics, energy, politics, and technology.
Business & Macro
🇰🇪 Kenya Cuts Rates Again
The Central Bank of Kenya lowered its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 9.25%, the eighth consecutive cut since August 2024. Inflation stood at 4.6% in September, comfortably within the 2.5–7.5% target band. The Monetary Policy Committee said the move aims to stimulate private sector lending and support growth, with GDP projected to expand by 5.2% in 2025 and 5.5% in 2026 [Ecofin Agency; Zawya].
Climate & Energy
🇳🇬 Nigeria Oil Output Disrupted by Strike
A three-day strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) forced the country to defer more than 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil production, alongside losses in gas output and electricity generation. The NNPC Group CEO Bayo Ojulari said the disruption cost Nigeria an estimated $39.6 million in lost crude sales before the government intervened to end the dispute [Premium Times; Arise News].
Geopolitics & Policy
🇹🇩 Chad Ends African Parks Partnership
Chad has terminated its 15-year partnership with African Parks, a conservation charity where Prince Harry sits on the board. Authorities accused the group of failing to curb poaching and showing a “disrespectful attitude” toward the government. The decision ends African Parks’ mandate over the Ennedi Reserve and Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, once central to elephant protection efforts. The charity said it is in talks with officials to resolve the dispute [MSN; Africanews].
🇿🇦 Ramaphosa in Europe for Strategic Talks
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa began a European tour with meetings in Ireland on 8 October, holding talks with President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Discussions focused on trade, innovation, and education, with bilateral trade between the two countries rising 12% to $638 million in 2024. Ramaphosa will next attend the EU Global Gateway Forum in Brussels (9–10 October), aimed at scaling up European investment in Africa and other regions [SA News; Medafrica Times].
Tech & Deals
🇰🇪 M-Kopa Turns First Profit
Kenyan fintech M-Kopa reported its first-ever profit in 2024, posting KES 1.2 billion ($9.2 million) after years of losses. Revenue surged 66% to $416 million, driven by strong demand for smartphones and bundled financial services. The company now serves over 7 million customers across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, and has disbursed more than $2 billion in credit [TechCabal; Fintech News Kenya].
🇳🇬 Falcon Aero Secures $10m Facility
Nigeria’s Falcon Aero, parent of private jet service VivaJets, raised $10 million in debt financing led by TLG Capital and supported by Wema Bank. The facility will help retire legacy debt, expand the fleet, and strengthen intra-African connectivity. Executives said the deal marks one of the first internationally structured aviation financings for a Nigerian operator [Nairametrics; Billionaires.Africa].
Human Rights
🇿🇦 South Africa: Rights Commission Challenges Healthcare Discrimination
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has filed an urgent court application against groups accused of blocking non-nationals and undocumented people from accessing public healthcare facilities. The case, to be heard in Durban later this week, follows reports of continued denial of treatment despite earlier warnings. The SAHRC stressed that access to healthcare is a constitutional right for all persons within South Africa’s borders [CAJ News Africa].
🇺🇬 Uganda: Civil Society Faces Funding Strain
Human rights organizations in Uganda have been warned to prepare for a sharp decline in foreign donor funding, as global priorities shift toward defense and domestic stability in Western nations. Analysts cautioned that the funding squeeze could weaken advocacy efforts ahead of the 2026 elections, where over 2,000 rights complaints have already been registered, including unlawful arrests and restrictions on assembly [Parliament Watch Uganda].
🇲🇬 Madagascar: Crackdown on Protests
Amnesty International has urged authorities in Madagascar to investigate the use of deadly force against protesters, following demonstrations by young people against new laws granting sweeping powers to security forces. Rights groups argue the measures risk criminalizing peaceful assembly and violate international human rights obligations [Amnesty International].
Outlook
Africa’s economic and political landscape remains dynamic: Kenya continues monetary easing to support growth, Nigeria grapples with energy sector volatility, Chad redefines conservation partnerships, and South Africa deepens EU ties. Meanwhile, fintech and aviation deals highlight the continent’s evolving investment climate, with technology-driven firms like M-Kopa and Falcon Aero signaling resilience and growth potential.
Sources: Ecofin Agency, Zawya, Premium Times, Arise News, MSN, Africanews, SA News, Medafrica Times, TechCabal, Nairametrics, Semafor.
