Kenya

Price Shock Looms as Kenya Imports Costly Petrol Outside G-to-G Deal

Kenya faces a potential spike in fuel prices after oil marketers imported petrol outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) supply framework. Two firms reportedly brought in cargo at a premium of about USD290 per tonne, more than three times higher than the USD84 per tonne fixed under the G-to-G deal with Gulf suppliers.

The imports were approved to avert shortages caused by supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions and shipping constraints. However, the higher premiums could push pump prices up by at least KSh19 per litre in the next pricing cycle unless the government intervenes through subsidies.

(Source: Business Daily Africa)

Tanzania  

CRDB Named Best Trade Partner Bank in East Africa 2026  

CRDB Bank Plc was honoured as the “Best Trade Partner Bank East Africa 2026” by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at the 9th Global Trade Partners Meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 24–26 March 2026. The award recognises CRDB’s leadership in advancing trade finance across East and Central Africa, including facilitating cross-border commerce, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthening supply chain resilience. Officials said the accolade reflects the bank’s sustained innovation, performance, and commitment to expanding access to international markets for Tanzanian and regional businesses. The recognition also underscores CRDB’s role in mobilising capital and promoting financial inclusion, positioning it as a key partner for regional economic integration and growth.

(Source: The Citizen)

Uganda

Afreximbank’s 33^rd Annual Meetings to Boost Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced its 33rd Annual Meetings (AAM2026) will be held in El Alamein, Egypt, from 21–24 June 2026, under the theme “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty.” The summit is expected to convene heads of state, policymakers, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and development partners from across Africa and beyond. Discussions will focus on strengthening regional value chains, expanding intra-continental commerce, and identifying actionable projects to accelerate industrial transformation and economic integration. Organisers say the event will serve as a high-level platform for strategic dialogues, partnerships, and investment mobilisation to support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and boost economic resilience amid global uncertainties. AAM2026 reflects Afreximbank’s mandate to finance and promote intra-African trade as a driver of sustainable growth.

(Source: The Independent)

Rwanda

Equity Bank and MUA Insurance Launch Isheja for Women Empowerment

Equity Bank Rwanda, in partnership with MUA Insurance Rwanda Ltd., has introduced Isheja, a bundled banking and insurance product designed to support women entrepreneurs and professionals. The initiative aims to improve access to affordable finance while strengthening financial protection and business resilience for women. The product offers loans ranging from about Rwf 1 million to Rwf 70 million at preferential interest rates starting around 1.3% per month, alongside flexible repayment terms, including maternity-related relief. It also provides up to 75% collateral coverage to ease access for clients with limited security.

On the insurance side, clients benefit from cover such as motor, fire, and personal accident insurance, as well as value-added services like emergency assistance. The initiative is positioned as a tool to enhance women’s economic participation and financial inclusion in Rwanda.

(Source: The New Times)

Ethiopia

Inflation Falls to 9.7% as NBE Maintains Tight Policy Stance

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) reports that inflation declined to 9.7% in February 2026, maintaining single-digit levels first achieved in December 2025. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) attributes this continued disinflation to tight monetary policy, fiscal discipline, and improved supply conditions. Food inflation eased to 10.8% from 14.6%, while non-food inflation fell to 8.1% from 15.6% year-on-year. Monthly inflation remained low at 0.4%, indicating reduced price pressures. The MPC also noted strong economic performance, with real GDP growth of 9.2% in 2024/25, driven mainly by industry, mining, services, and agriculture.

Credit expansion remains strong, with broad money growth at 39.3% and bank credit rising 45.3%. However, the Committee warned that global geopolitical tensions and oil price shocks could threaten price stability. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a tight monetary stance and keeping policy settings unchanged while closely monitoring risks.

(Source: Ethiopian News Agency)

Sudan 

Bus Operators, Tax Office Agree to Halve Fare Hike and End Strike

Sudan’s bus chamber and the Taxation Department reached an agreement on March 29, 2026, to reduce a planned ticket price increase from 30 % to 15 %, effectively ending a nationwide transport strike that had disrupted travel. Rising taxes and operating costs triggered the protest by bus operators. Under the deal, tax charges on the transport sector were adjusted to reflect the lower fare increase, and official directives to implement the new 15 % tariff were expected within 24–48 hours. Previously, taxes on operators had risen sharply—from 200,000 Sudanese pounds before Eid al-Fitr to as high as 1.35 million pounds, then were lowered to 850,000 pounds after pushback. The transport sector continues to face pressure from rising diesel prices and maintenance costs.

(Source: Sudan Tribune)

Somalia

Somalia Joins PAPSS to Boost Cross-Border Payments and Trade

The Central Bank of Somalia announced on March 31, 2026, that Somalia has officially joined the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). The move is intended to strengthen regional financial integration by enabling faster and cheaper cross-border payments within Africa. PAPSS allows transactions to be settled in local currencies rather than relying heavily on third-party foreign currencies, thereby reducing transaction costs and exchange-rate pressures. It is also expected to improve efficiency in trade payments and support the expansion of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

The Central Bank indicated that participation in the system will enhance financial connectivity, support businesses engaged in cross-border trade and contribute to broader efforts to modernise Somalia’s payment infrastructure and deepen regional economic integration.

(Source: Dawan Africa)