Trade and Financial Service Round-Up: Issue No. 40 of 2025

  • 16 Oct 2025
  • 3 Mins Read
  • 〜 by Maria. Goretti

Kenya

NSE Investors Join Gold Rush On Global Price Rally

Local investors continue to flock to the Absa New Gold Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). By the end of last week, Absa recorded a turnover of KSh 100.9 million, making it one of the most traded counters on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The ETF outperformed market giants such as Safaricom, EABL, and BAT Kenya. The fund, which tracks the global gold price, has stayed above KSh 5,000, representing a strong year-to-date gain from KSh 3,165 in January. Its price moves in accordance with international gold prices but is quoted in Kenyan shillings, meaning currency fluctuations also influence investor returns. Currently, there are 400,000 units of the Absa New Gold ETF listed on the NSE, with a total market value of KSh 1.76 billion. Most of these units are held by institutional investors, both foreign and local, accounting for 64.36% and 27.81%, respectively, while local individual investors hold 7.83%.

(Source: Business Daily)

Uganda

Emirates Carries 2.8 Million Passengers Since 2000, Marks 25 Years In Uganda

The Emirates is marking 25 years of operations in Uganda. Since its first flight in 2000, the airline has transported approximately 2.8 million passengers on over 15,900 flights between Dubai and Entebbe, linking Ugandans to more than 140 international destinations. The route began as a three-times-weekly service via Nairobi and later Addis Ababa, before becoming a non-stop daily flight in 2007. Over time, Emirates has upgraded its service, now operating a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, the only international carrier offering First Class on this route. Passenger numbers have increased by 16% since January 2025, with robust traffic from the US, China, India, the UK, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The airline has also invested locally through its “Dubai 7s for Good” programme, raising over UGX 587 million to enhance infrastructure, sports facilities, and water access at North Road Primary School.

(Source: The Independent)

Tanzania

Cargo Volumes Surge as Dar Port Gets Tech Upgrade

Cargo volumes at the Dar es Salaam Port have experienced a major increase following recent technology and infrastructure upgrades led by DP World and TEAGTL. These improvements have enhanced efficiency, shortened vessel waiting times, and accelerated cargo handling speeds. Annual throughput jumped from 23.69 million tonnes in 2023 to 27.76 million tonnes this year, with vessel calls rising from 1,860 to 1,990. Ongoing projects, including the addition of five new berths and the expansion of the Kwala Dry Port, aim to increase capacity further and reinforce the port’s role as a key regional trade centre.

(Source: Daily News)

Rwanda

Rwanda to Host Third Edition of KCB East Africa Golf Tour

Rwanda will host the third edition of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour on Saturday, 18th October 2025, at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas. The event will feature 120 local golfers and 200 participants from across East Africa. Organised by BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, the tournament promotes regional unity and the growth of the sport. Lady Captain Brenda Anderson Nyakira praised the tour’s impact on regional golf, while BPR Bank COO Godfrey Kariuki Kamau reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to community development through sports. Top Rwandan golfers, including David Rwiyamirira and Gerald Sezibera, are expected to shine ahead of the Grand Final in Nairobi on 5th December 2025.

(Source: Daily News)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia on Transformative Journey to Realise Climate-Resilient Economy

Ethiopia has announced its plans to build a climate-resilient economy, supported by strong political dedication and practical measures, Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime said during the 4th Africa E-Mobility Week at UNECA in Addis Ababa. He highlighted Ethiopia’s achievements under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, including planting 48 billion trees through the Green Legacy Initiative and generating 98% of its power from renewable sources such as hydro, wind, and solar. The recently inaugurated GERD, producing over 5,000 megawatts of clean energy, represents a major milestone in this transition. Alemu stressed that Ethiopia’s progress demonstrates what can be achieved when political resolve aligns with effective action. The Africa E-Mobility Week gathered policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from across the continent to promote sustainable transport and advance Africa’s shift to clean energy.

(Source: ENA)

Somalia

President Mohamud Urges Stronger Governance, Chairs Weekly Cabinet Meeting

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud chaired Somalia’s weekly Council of Ministers meeting, focusing discussions on accelerating governance reforms and enhancing the delivery of public services. He urged cabinet members to boost cooperation, accountability, and transparency across all government functions. The meeting reviewed progress in security, the economy, and state-building, noting that Somali forces have achieved significant victories against Al-Shabaab in recent months. The Council also discussed projections for the 2026 national budget, which is expected to increase, directing more funds towards key sectors such as health, education, and essential public services. In conclusion, the President urged ministers to actively support the country’s democratisation efforts while strengthening public trust, unity, and institutional capacity.

(Source: SONNA)