Author: Dominique Mabika

The international conference on crypto-assets and digital innovations, under the theme “Crypto-assets and digital innovations: opportunities and challenges for monetary and financial stability”, opened on Friday, May 8 in Dakar. Organized by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), this event brings together experts, decision-makers, and financial sector stakeholders to deepen reflections on the strategic and operational issues related to these innovations, with the aim of strengthening institutions’ capacity to fulfill their mission of monetary and financial stability. Crypto-assets, stablecoins, digital payment platforms, and the increasing digitalization of financial services are profoundly transforming traditional financial systems. These developments improve…

On April 30, 2026, the Gabonese insurer Assinco officially adopted the name BGFI Assurances. This strategic evolution aims to strengthen its integration within the BGFIBank Group, improve the clarity of its offer, and accelerate its digital transformation to better serve its clients. It is part of a global dynamic of harmonizing the entities of Henri-Claude...

Sonatrach group is taking a new step in its development strategy with the signing of energy agreements for the development of the Hassi Bir Rekaiz field and an agreement between Algeria and Egypt regarding the export of petroleum products. This initiative is part of the common desire to strengthen intra-African energy cooperation, according to a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines published on May 5, 2026. The first agreement concerns an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract concluded between Sonatrach and the Thai company PTTEP, partners in the field’s operation, as well as with a consortium composed…

Misr Life Insurance Company, one of the leading life insurers in Egypt, continues to strengthen its leadership team with the appointment of Saleh Imam as Vice President. This appointment is part of the group’s strategy to accelerate its growth, strengthen its position in the life insurance market, and support its next phase of development. Before...

The Moroccan hotel group Risma announced on Monday, April 27, the signing of a definitive agreement with Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts (Albatros) for the sale of the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche hotel for 450 million Moroccan dirhams (around 47 million dollars). This operation is part of the group’s active management strategy for its hotel portfolio....

Nigeria significantly increased its kerosene exports to Europe in April 2026, amidst disruptions in global supplies, particularly related to tensions in the Middle East. According to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dangote refinery now supplies over 95% of Jet A1 fuel consumed in the country and shipped around 1.1 billion liters of aviation fuel...

Transactions made through mobile wallets in Egypt have experienced significant growth in 2025, reaching around 4,000 billion Egyptian pounds (nearly 80 billion USD), according to data published by the Central Bank of Egypt. This progress illustrates the acceleration of the transition towards an increasingly digital economy. By the end of 2025, the total number of registered e-wallets stood at nearly 60 million, compared to only 15.2 million in 2019, representing a fourfold increase in just a few years. This momentum is driven by the growth of electronic payment services and an increasing adoption of digital solutions by consumers. Young people…

In the first quarter of 2026, Maroc Telecom recorded a consolidated revenue of 9,327 million dirhams (approximately $942 million), up 5% year-on-year, according to data published on Friday, April 24. This performance is mainly driven by the dynamics of the Moov Africa subsidiaries, whose revenues increased by 8.5%, as well as by the stabilization of...

In the first quarter of 2026, BNA Insurance reached a total turnover of 50.9 million dinars, approximately 17.4 million dollars, compared to 45.4 million dinars (approximately 15.5 million dollars) a year earlier, representing a 12% increase. This performance reflects the positive effects of the company’s diversification strategy, particularly in the life insurance and savings segments. Life insurance emerges as the main growth driver of the quarter. Premiums issued jumped from 8.8 million dinars (approximately 3.0 million dollars) to 11.6 million dinars (approximately 4.0 million dollars), a 32% increase, illustrating the growing interest of policyholders in capitalization and social protection products.…

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) announced on Wednesday, April 22, the publication of a new regulatory framework governing the actuarial profession. This initiative aims to modernize the sector and improve its efficiency, in line with international developments in insurance markets and non-banking financial services. This reform comes in a context of rapid growth in the...

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.9% in March 2026 compared to the same month of the previous year, according to a note published on Wednesday, April 22, by the High Commission for Planning (HCP). This evolution is the result of a 0.6% increase in food prices and a 1.1% increase in non-food products. In the non-food component, the variations were mixed: prices for “leisure and culture” decreased by 0.4%, while the category of “miscellaneous goods and services” saw a significant increase of 3.5%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 1.2% between February and March 2026, driven…

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in Egypt reached $9.3 billion in the first half of the fiscal year 2025/2026, compared to around $6 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to a briefing published by the Government of Egypt. This performance comes after a period of strong economic momentum recorded before the recent regional crisis, the same source highlights. Over the first six months of the fiscal year, the Egyptian economy posted a growth of 5.3%, supported by several key drivers. The expansion was notably driven by improved performances in the industry, agriculture, information technology, and tourism…

Ennakl Automobiles has released its activity indicators for the first quarter of 2026, marked by a moderate increase in revenue despite a more restrictive regulatory environment. During the first three months of the year, turnover reached 111.171 million Tunisian dinars (around $35.6 million), compared to 108.867 million dinars (around $34.8 million) in the same period in 2025, representing an increase of about 2%. Net cash stood at 17.459 million dinars (around $5.6 million) at the end of March 2026, down from 26.222 million dinars (around $8.4 million) recorded a year earlier. Meanwhile, financial charges have significantly increased, rising from 0.361…

Africa Specialty Risks (ASR), a reinsurance/insurance group, announced on April 20, 2026 the appointment of Mary Driscoll as Regional Head for Southern Africa, based in its Johannesburg office. This appointment is part of the group’s strategy to strengthen its presence in South Africa and accelerate its development in Southern Africa. In her new role, Mary Driscoll will be responsible for consolidating ASR’s direct presence within the Lloyd’s syndicate, while supporting the underwriting teams in identifying new business opportunities across all specialized lines. She will also help provide local brokers with the strength of Lloyd’s market AA rating, a key asset…

Capitec Bank, a South African bank, recorded a 23% increase in its annual profit for the fiscal year ending in late February 2026, driven by a strong expansion in its credit activity and an increase in interest income. The group’s overall profit reached 16.8 billion rand (1 billion USD), compared to 13.7 billion rand (780 million USD) a year earlier, supported by an increase in loan volumes amid sustained demand for financing. Net interest income rose by 19% to 24.1 billion rand (1.4 billion USD), while loan income increased by 14%. Loan disbursements surged by 34% to reach 98.3 billion…

Arab Tunisian Bank has released its activity indicators for the first quarter of 2026. As of the end of March, the net banking income (NBI) stood at 103.9 million dinars (MD), compared to 91.8 MD a year earlier, representing an increase of 13.18%. Net loans after provisions and reserved interest reached 4,962.5 MD at the end of March 2026, compared to 5,446.3 MD at the end of March 2025. Customer deposits amounted to 6,567.7 MD, compared to 6,951 MD a year earlier. In detail, sight deposits reached 2,186.9 MD, compared to 2,057.5 MD at the end of March 2025, showing…

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has approved the increase in the share capital of Arab Development and Real Estate Investment Company (ADRI), raising it from 35,135,168 Egyptian pounds (approximately $653,000) to 45,675,719 Egyptian pounds (approximately $849,000), representing an increase of 10,540,551 Egyptian pounds (approximately $196,000). According to a statement released on Monday, April 20, this operation will be financed by undistributed profits and the result of the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2025. It aims to strengthen the company’s financial structure and support its future expansion in the real estate sector. This decision comes in the context of improved…

The Insurance and Social Welfare Supervisory Authority (ACAPS) has announced the launch of “Fintech Booster – Ideation”, a program dedicated to innovative projects in the fintech field in Morocco. This initiative is part of the actions of the Morocco Fintech Center (MFC), aiming to structure and energize the national fintech ecosystem by supporting projects from the early stages of their development. The program offers a structured support system allowing participants to consolidate their thinking and build their model. It includes group sessions, individual coaching, access to various expertise, and a network of key ecosystem players. Post-program follow-up is also planned…

In anticipation of the 4th edition of the Oil Days scheduled from May 20 to 23, 2026 in Casablanca around the theme “Building attractiveness: strategies and conditions for the development of African hydrocarbons”, Financial Afrik met with Gacyen Mouely, whose expertise is widely recognized in the world of hydrocarbons. In a context marked by the reshaping of energy balances, the rise in governance requirements, and increased competition among oil jurisdictions, he decrypts the essential conditions to make Africa a credible, competitive, and sustainable destination for oil investment. “The oil-rich Africa does not benefit enough from investments related to the hydrocarbon…

In Morocco, the assets of Collective Investment Schemes in Securities (OPCVM) have significantly increased as of April 10, 2026. The net assets under management now stand at 794.35 billion dirhams (approximately $85.79 billion), up 5.02% weekly, according to data from the Association of Moroccan Management Companies and Investment Funds (ASFIM). Long and medium-term bond OPCVMs...

The insurance sector in Nigeria continues its growth trajectory in 2025. Gross written premiums increased by 47.3% year-on-year to reach 2,300 billion nairas (around $1.5 billion), compared to 1,560 billion nairas (around $1.0 billion) in 2024. This performance is mainly driven by the dynamism of the non-life segment, according to the latest data published by...

In Egypt, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has enacted two new laws aimed at accelerating the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in strategic areas of the country, including the northern Sinai and the Gulf of Suez, according to a statement released. The first law, Law No. 81 of 2025, authorizes the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to conclude agreements between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and several international companies for research, development, and exploitation activities in the offshore zone of northern Sinai. Companies such as Brinco North Sinai Petroleum Inc., Brinco North Sinai Oil Limited, Brinco North Sinai Gas Limited,…

In Tunisia, tourist revenues crossed the threshold of 1.6 billion dinars (approximately 512 million dollars) by April 10, 2026, recording an increase of 4.3% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to monetary and financial indicators published by the Central Bank of Tunisia on Thursday, April 16. At the same time, labor income increased by 5.9%, reaching 2.4 billion dinars (approximately 768 million dollars), compared to 2.2 billion dinars (approximately 704 million dollars) a year earlier. These two main sources of tourist revenues and labor income have covered debt services to the tune of 166%, amounting to…

AXA Senegal, Banque Agricole, and the National Agricultural Insurance Company of Senegal (CNAAS) have officially signed a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the financial protection of rural actors in Senegal. This tripartite agreement involves the distribution of an inclusive micro-insurance product called FAGARU+, intended for Banque Agricole customers who have taken out a loan backed by agricultural insurance, particularly farmers, breeders, and fishermen. The initiative aims to provide rural families with financial coverage in case of illness, accident, or death, thereby helping to secure their income and resilience in the face of life’s uncertainties. Through this partnership, the three institutions…

Orascom Construction PLC announced an increase in NNS City’s stake in its capital, following the acquisition of approximately 1.13 million shares, representing 1.03% of the total capital, according to a statement on Thursday, April 16. Following this transaction, NNS City’s stake increased from 12.87 million shares (11.68%) to approximately 14 million shares, or 12.7% of the share capital. At the same time, Nassef Sawiris’ overall stake, through NNS City and its affiliated entities, also increased from 46.69 million shares (42.36%) to 47.83 million shares, or 43.39% of the total. This development reflects the confidence of major investors in the group’s…

Egypt’s external transactions showed a relative improvement during the first half of 2025/2026 (July-December 2025). The current account deficit thus decreased by 13.6% to reach $9.5 billion, compared to $10.9 billion a year earlier. At the same time, the capital and financial account recorded a net inflow of $6.5 billion, according to a statement from the Central Bank of Egypt, published on April 14, 2026. This improvement is mainly explained by the significant increase of 28.4% in net current transfers, which reached $22.0 billion. This progress was largely driven by the sharp rise in remittances from Egyptians living abroad. Meanwhile,…

WAICA Re Kenya announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, reflecting a generally strong performance driven by reinsurance activity and financial income, according to a statement released on April 14, 2026. In 2025, reinsurance income amounted to KSh 5,306,760 thousand (approximately USD 40.9 million) compared to KSh 5,514,794 thousand (approximately USD 42.5 million) in 2024. At the same time, charges related to reinsurance services reached KSh 4,030,911 thousand (approximately USD 31.0 million) compared to KSh 4,465,872 thousand (approximately USD 34.4 million) a year earlier. As a result, the reinsurance service result improved to KSh 1,195,106 thousand…

The Insurance and Pensions Commission of Zimbabwe (IPEC) has implemented a new regulatory framework to regulate the fees charged by pension funds. This measure aims to protect affiliates against excessive costs and improve the return on their retirement benefits. According to the institution, this framework allows for the evaluation of the value added by various service providers involved in the management of retirement schemes, including asset managers, fund administrators, transfer secretaries, custodians, auditors, and actuaries. The goal is to ensure that their fees do not significantly impact the benefits received by members. The regulatory authority emphasizes that the services provided…

Africa Specialty Risks announced on April 14, 2026, the appointment of Youness Soualhine as senior underwriter in charge of construction activity for Morocco. In his new role, he will be responsible for underwriting complex risks related to construction and engineering, both in Africa and other emerging markets. Prior to joining ASR, he worked at SANLAM Morocco, where he recently held the positions of head of engineering, construction, and facultative reinsurance. With a degree in construction engineering from ENIM Rabat, Youness Soualhine also holds a master’s degree in finance from ISCAE Casablanca. According to the press release, the arrival of this…

Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings confirmed, in a report published on April 10, 2026, Egypt’s sovereign rating at B/B, with a stable outlook. It highlights that this assessment reflects a balance between the country’s growth prospects, ongoing economic reforms, and persistent external risks related to regional tensions. Key supporting factors highlighted include the level of foreign exchange reserves, which stood at $52.8 billion in March 2026, as well as the net foreign assets of the banking sector, which reached a record of around $30 billion. Despite a depreciation of about 13% of the Egyptian pound since the start of the…