Author: Adama WADE

Photo caption: The successive presidents of Afreximbank gathered in Cairo: Christopher Edordu, Jean-Louis Ekra, Benedict Oramah, and George Elombi – four leaders, four generations of a shared Pan-African vision of finance and trade. On October 24, 2025, in Cairo, Professor Benedict Oramah delivered his final speech as president of Afreximbank, thirty-one years after joining the institution he helped shape. In a dense speech, filled with history and strategic insight, he took stock of the bank, its projects, and its contradictions. “Our philosophy was based on the conviction that the only viable path for the development and economic empowerment of Africa…

Cairo, October 24, 2025. When Zimbabwe, ravaged by hyperinflation, burdened with debt, and under international sanctions, saw all international financial institutions turn their backs, one remained: Afreximbank. Under the leadership of Benedict Oramah, who bids farewell to the bank on October 24, 2025 in Cairo, the institution founded in 1993 has emerged as the financial pillar of economic pan-Africanism, embodying a simple and powerful idea: African risk deserves to be taken on by Africans themselves. A decade of strategic transformation Assuming the presidency in 2015, Benedict Oramah transformed Afreximbank from an import-export bank into a continental development bank. The year…

Facts: Mauritius was officially chosen at the end of September 2025 by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to host the headquarters of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA). This decision follows the approval, in July 2024 during the 44th ordinary session of the African Union, of the creation of an independent African rating agency,...

Mobile Money, XAF/XOF convergence and single approval: the governor shares his vision In an exclusive interview with Financial Afrik, Yvon SANA BANGUI, the Governor of the Central African States Bank (BEAC), reflects on the major projects shaping the monetary and financial future of the CEMAC zone. From the rise of Mobile Money to the reform of the single banking approval, and the discussions on the convergence of the XAF/XOF CFA francs, he shares his strategic vision and outlines a financial system that is more resilient, inclusive, and adapted to contemporary challenges. Mr. Governor, you recently conducted a working visit to…

The giant SanlamAllianz, resulting from the merger between South African Sanlam and German Allianz, is preparing to sell its Nigerien subsidiary, according to exclusive information from Financial Afrik. A key player in Niamey, SanlamAllianz Niger ranks in the top 5 of the local market. The negotiation process is expected to pave the way for Vista...

Dakar, September 19, 2025 – The National Assembly has adopted the 2025 Investment Code, presented in advance by the Minister of Finance. This text is part of Senegal’s desire to modernize its legal and institutional framework in order to strengthen its attractiveness and improve its business climate. The result of a consultation process involving the...

Dakar is launching a new public call for savings (APE). The operation, whose subscription started today, aims to raise XOF 300 billion between September 22 and October 10. Accustomed to managing this type of fundraising, Impaxis Securities, arranger and co-lead manager alongside Société Générale Sénégal (the country’s leading bank) as co-arranger, and Société Générale Capital...

Dakar, September 8, 2025 – Coris Investment Group, a pan-African conglomerate founded in 2019 by Burkinabe businessman Idrissa Nassa, has officially finalized today the acquisition of Total Energies’ activities in Burkina Faso. The transfer documents were signed in Dakar by Yacouba Saré, CEO of Coris Invest Group, and Jean-Philippe Torres, President of Total Marketing Services Africa. This strategic operation highlights CIG’s entry into the oil downstream sector, strengthening its presence in a sector previously dominated by international majors. Announced on February 18, 2025 by Mr. Mbacké Badara (TotalEnergies) to Minister Serge Gnaniodem Poda, this transaction represents a major step in…

Addis Ababa, September 2025 – The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to finalize rules of origin by October 2025 to achieve 97% tariff liberalization and pave the way for increased integration of African markets. However, discussions remain stalled in two strategic sectors: textiles and automobiles. These blockages reflect structural divergences. In the textile sector, West African cotton-producing countries defend their positions against nations with textile transformation and export industries (Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco). In the automotive sector, the divide is between countries with emerging industries (Morocco, South Africa, Rwanda) and those fearing direct competition in still fragile markets. Nevertheless,…

On September 1, 2025, will be remembered as a special day in the history of the African Development Bank (AfDB). During a solemn swearing-in ceremony, rich in emotion, the new president Sidi Ould Tah paid tribute to the two heads of state present – the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania – before congratulating his predecessors, Donald Kaberuka and Akinwumi Adesina, two figures who have marked the last twenty years of the institution. Beyond the excitement of this day, a new era now opens, full of immense challenges and urgent…

Sanlam Allianz Re, formerly Saham Re, has dismissed its CEO, Ilyes Hassib, Financial Afrik has learned. With extensive experience in the sector, he had notably led the Africa acceptance department at Société Centrale de Réassurance in 2013, before joining Sanad (Atlanta group) and then Saham. His departure comes just after returning from leave. This decision...

On September 30, 2025, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) will reach a historic milestone with the official launch of the Interoperable Instant Payment System Platform (PI-SPI), orchestrated by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). “This is not just a technical adjustment, but a deep shift towards a new monetary architecture, where the slowness, fragmentation, and delays that plagued financial transactions will be nothing but distant memories,” explains an expert from a currency exchange office. From this date, transfers between banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile money operators will be executed in real time, 24 hours a…

Thirty days before the end of his term, Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing president of the African Development Bank (BAD), is making decisions as if he had five more years at the helm of the institution. Promotions, privileges, and benefits are raining down on the Lagune. More than 22 senior executives have just been appointed to key positions. A frenzy of signatures that raises questions. Among the promoted, his loyal chief of staff Alex Mubiru has been elevated to head of the representation for Southern Africa in a first wave that concerned a few executives. The latest wave, made public on July…

At a time when it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Sonatel displays solid results and a certain resilience in a regional stock market environment that remains cautious. In the first half of 2025, the telecoms group, active in Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone, recorded a turnover of 960.2 billion FCFA (+9.4%), an EBITDAAL of 458 billion FCFA (+12.3%), representing a margin of 47.7%, and a net profit of 208.1 billion FCFA (+8%). These figures reflect a healthy trajectory, driven by sustained investments of 152.6 billion FCFA and consistent execution rigor. On the strategic segments, the customer base reached 42.5…

Exclusive interview with Dalvim Pipa, Director of DEEDC at the Capital Markets Commission (CMC – Comissão do Mercado de Capitais). Conducted on the sidelines of ATIDI’s annual meetings (June 21st), this conversation highlights the key reforms underway to enhance the attractiveness of Angola’s financial market and position the country as a credible player in regional...

ounded in 2013, Financial Afrik is a bilingual, pan-African media platform delivering trusted news, expert analysis, and strategic insights on finance, banking, capital markets, and public policy across the continent. Certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), Financial Afrik publishes real-time articles through its website, a daily newsletter for decision-makers, a monthly magazine with deep dives, and mobile apps dedicated to news and events. Its readership spans financial executives, investors, policymakers, and researchers seeking high-quality, independent reporting on African economies.

Intersecting Portraits of a Rising Generation in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Region Swept by the crosswinds of the Mozambique Channel and the Indian Ocean, a new generation of leaders is redefining the contours of finance not only in Madagascar but also in the Comoros, Mauritius, and the wider region. They are bankers, insurers, industrialists, fund managers, or digital strategists — united by a shared ambition: to build sustainable economic models rooted in regional dynamics and open to international investment. Here is a mosaic of rising figures in Madagascar’s evolving economic landscape. Hugues Bonshe Makalebo, the Network StrategistCEO of Baobab…

“Implementing the AfCFTA requires tact and patience,” asserts Riyad Mezouar, Chairman of the Bureau of African Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning, following the marathon conference of African finance ministers held from March 12 to 18 in Addis Ababa. This statement, made during an event coinciding with the fifty-seventh session of the Economic Commission for...

Abidjan, February 18, 2025 – Atlantique Finance (AFIN), a subsidiary of the Pan-African group Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP), has achieved a major milestone by ranking as the top Securities Brokerage and Management Company (SGI) in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) for the year 2024. With a market share of 25% and handling transactions worth 235 billion FCFA, AFIN stood out among the thirty-six SGIs operating in the market, reinforcing its central role and expertise in the regional financial sector. This exceptional performance underlines the effectiveness and relevance of AFIN’s business model, solidifying its position as a leader in…

In a media landscape where fake news often overshadows the truth, Yacoub Sidya, CEO of MSS Security, Global Aviation, and Phoenix Precious Metals, believes that disinformation is one of the weapons used by hidden lobbies. In this interview, Sidya, who refuses to see himself as a victim, discusses business in general, his entrepreneurial journey, and addresses alleged connections with Russia. Some newspapers have accused you of having ties with Nordgold, a mining company owned by sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov. What do you have to say about this? To clarify, I have never denied knowing or working with NordGold. They…

Appointed Senior Executive Vice President (Finance, Administration, and Banking Services) of Afreximbank in December 2023, Denys Denya has a clear view on the evolution of the bank’s operations, the treasury situation, market exposure, and, among other things, outstanding credit. Having been with Afreximbank for ten years, the finance executive has played a role in increasing and diversifying the bank’s funding sources, seeking liquidity, and growing the balance sheet, asset quality, and financial reporting fidelity. Financial Afrik interviewed him on the sidelines of the latest Afreximbank assemblies held in the Bahamas from June 12 to 15, 2024. Afreximbank announced a disbursement…

Adama Wade, Special Envoy to Nassau, Bahamas. The 31st annual assemblies of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) opened on June 12, 2024, in Nassau, Bahamas, with a welcoming speech by John A Rolle, Governor of the Central Bank of the Bahamas. Speaking next, Denys Denya, Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasized the need for a strong...

“Our exposure in West Africa is the highest among all regions ” Manuel Moses, the General Director of the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), granted an interview to Financial Afrik regarding the positioning of this multilateral insurer, which contributes to covering various risk classes for partners, donors, investors, and suppliers. Leading ATIDI since 2020, this Zimbabwean executive, a former IFC member, brings 25 years of experience in finance, banking, insurance, and investment on an international scale, including 15 years at the IFC where he held the position of Country Manager for East Africa. He has also held senior…

Chadian financier Abbas Mahamat Tolli has just been endorsed by the heads of state of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) as a candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Here are his impressions in an exclusive interview with Kapital Afrik. The ECCAS has designated you as a candidate for...

By Adama Wade  In a world where financial markets are increasingly interconnected, Africa is taking a major step forward. On Thursday, November 23, 2024, during the 30th anniversary celebration of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) in Nairobi, a historic event occurred: for the first time, shares listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange were traded on the Regional Securities Exchange (BRVM). This moment marked a giant leap in African economic integration. This operation, which took place under the watchful eye of Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, illustrated the immense potential for collaboration between African financial markets. It was carried out…

« AIF provides a unique platform for the project developers » For Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the Acting CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), this AIF edition in Marrakech is unique as it is focus on value chain. The CEO who represented Islamic Developpement Bank president H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, has answered to our questions. How can this Africa Investment Forum (AIF) bring investors together and create great opportunities for the continent? This forum is unique as it focuses on project investment and financing opportunities,…

By Adama Wade, Marrakech Far from the devastation that followed the deadly earthquake on Saturday, September 9, the wooden, aluminum, and renewable material structures set to house the annual assemblies of the World Bank and IMF have absorbed the shock well. “No significant damage,” said one of the officials responsible for this massive construction site, covering 50 hectares and expected to host 140,000 delegates from 190 countries worldwide. The event is scheduled from October 9 to 15, 2023, at the Bab Ighli site. Over a thousand workers labor daily at this site, adjacent to the old city, the Medina, which has…

“Our vision is to build a world-class bank and contribute to the financial and economic integration of Africa!” Having taken office in March 2023 as the CEO of the foremost Pan-African banking group, Kenyan banker Jeremy Awori gave an exclusive interview to Financial Afrik. He discussed the outlook for Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), his top priorities to boost profitability, the situation in specific strategic countries, and the disconnection between the stock price of the group and its fundamentals. Exclusive. You’ve been at the helm of the Ecobank TI Group for a few months, the first Pan-African group by its geographical…