Kenya

CBK Governor Asks Banks to End ‘Excuses’, Cut Loan Rates

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has instructed commercial banks to stop offering excuses for not lowering the cost of loans following recent benchmark rate cuts, as the new risk-based pricing regime takes effect. Banks are expected to adopt a new industry loan-pricing standard, the Kenya Shilling Interbank Average (KESONIA), by February 2026, as CBK aims to align lending rates with the Central Bank Rate (CBR). This initiative comes amid industry challenges in reducing borrowing costs for customers in line with public expectations.

(Source: Business Daily Africa) 

Tanzania

New Investment Avenue as TCB Launches TSh150bn Bond to Boost SME Financing

Investors now have a new chance following Tanzania Commercial Bank’s (TCB) launch of the Stawi Bond, a medium-term programme worth TSh 150 billion. The five-year bond, marking TCB’s debut in the capital markets, offers investors a 13.5 per cent interest rate payable quarterly. Proceeds will be allocated towards affordable loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support business growth and job creation. With this move, TCB joins other institutions that have so far listed bonds worth a combined TSh 1.87 trillion on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE).

(Source: The Citizen)

Uganda 

Umeme’s Half-Year Loss Highlights Long Wait for Buyout Settlement

Former Uganda power distributor Umeme fell into losses as it awaits the outcome of a protected arbitration over its buyer claim. The company, listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange and cross-listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, reported a net loss of USh 166.7 billion for the six months to June 2025, reversing a net profit of USh 13 billion a year earlier. The significant downturn follows the expiry of Umeme’s 20-year electricity distribution concession on 31 March, which left the company without revenue from power sales in the second quarter.

(Source: Daily Monitor)

Rwanda

Rwanda Looks to Nuclear Energy via Small Modular Reactors

Rwanda is progressing with its nuclear energy ambitions by establishing strategic partnerships with developers of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB). Fidele Ndahayo stated this during the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna on Wednesday, 17 September. “Rwanda continues to strengthen its independent nuclear regulatory body to ensure robust oversight of nuclear activities,” he said. “We are also establishing strategic partnerships with companies developing SMR and advanced reactor technologies,” he added.

(Source: The New Times) 

Ethiopia

Authority Raises Minimum Capital Requirements for Coffee Exporters

The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority has increased the minimum capital thresholds for individuals and businesses aiming to participate in the coffee export sector. Private exporters must have at least 15 million Birr in capital, according to the ‘Coffee Marketing and Quality Control Directive.’ In comparison, the minimum is 20 million Birr for share and private limited companies. This marks the second time the Authority has amended the minimum requirements this year, with the previous change raising the capital threshold from 1.5 million to 10 million Birr. Both private and company exporters are required to submit bank statements and reveal ownership structures to obtain a certificate of competency from the Authority, as stipulated in the directive.

(Source: The Reporter) 

Somalia

Somalia Government Targets Mogadishu Neighbourhood for Demolition Despite Residents’ Legal Claims

Heavily armed members of Somalia’s security forces were deployed in Mogadishu’s Oodwayne neighbourhood on Sunday, accompanied by bulldozers and military vehicles, to mark homes for demolition. Residents, who claim legal ownership of the land, protested the move. Tensions escalated when troops opened fire on demonstrators opposing the eviction, killing one woman and injuring at least five others. This show of force has increased fears among low-income families in the area, which is located close to the city centre and is considered relatively safer compared to other informal settlements.

(Source: Somali Guardian)

Sudan

Sudan Bans Private Gold Exports, Central Bank to be Sole Buyer

Sudan’s central bank on Monday prohibited all private gold exports, declaring it would be the sole legal buyer and exporter of the precious metal to curb smuggling and conserve foreign currency reserves. The move enforces a September 2, 2025, cabinet recommendation from the Supreme Committee for Economic Emergencies, which urged restricting the purchase and trading of gold to a single government entity. The government hopes this policy will halt widespread gold smuggling to countries such as the UAE and Egypt, which deprives Sudan of essential foreign currency needed for importing vital goods, including wheat and fuel. In a circular, the central bank stated that all gold produced by artisanal miners and tailings processing companies must be sold exclusively to the Bank of Sudan or its designated agents. It added that purchases will be made at current international market prices and managed by the state-owned Sudan Gold Refinery. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune)