Author: Dominique Mabika

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…

The Tunisian Automobile Company (STA) completed the 2025 fiscal year with a clear improvement in its financial performance. Despite this marked improvement in its results, the company chose not to distribute dividends, favoring a cautious approach to preserve its cash flow in a more restrictive regulatory environment. As of December 31, 2025, the total balance sheet stood at 100.1 million dinars (approximately 32 million dollars), down 6.4% from the 107 million dinars recorded at the end of 2024 (approximately 34.3 million dollars). At the same time, operating revenues showed a strong increase, reaching 173.7 million dinars (approximately 55.6 million dollars),…

Mixx by Yas Togo, a mobile money company licensed as an electronic money institution in Togo, has announced the launch of interconnected instant transfers and payments at the national and UEMOA level. This development follows the authorization from the BCEAO allowing Mixx to integrate the regional interoperable platform PI-SPI. This infrastructure now connects Mixx’s electronic...

In the first quarter of 2026, Tunisia’s foreign trade increased, with exports reaching 16,266.8 million dinars (about 5.2 billion dollars) compared to 15,325.1 million dinars a year earlier. Imports amounted to 21,499.5 million dinars (about 6.9 billion dollars) compared to 20,374.6 million dinars in 2025. Boosted by a rise in exports (+6.1%) and imports (+5.5%), transactions resulted in a trade deficit of 5,232.7 million dinars (about 1.67 billion dollars), compared to 5,049.5 million dinars a year earlier. The coverage rate slightly improved to 75.7% from 75.2%. Exports increased in mechanical and electrical industries (+10.6%) and agri-food industries (+16.1%), supported by…

The World Bank has approved a $500 million financing for Morocco as part of the first of three operations aimed at supporting employment and green growth. This program aims to expand job opportunities through better labor market policies, strengthening SMEs, and investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and the export-oriented pharmaceutical industry, according to a statement released on April 10, 2026. This support accompanies the national roadmap for employment, with the goal of improving the integration of young people and women. By 2029, over 330,000 job seekers are expected to benefit from active labor market programs, while the childcare offer…

Retirement assets in Nigeria reached 29,430 billion NGN (19.7 billion USD) in February 2026, recording an increase of 1,390 billion NGN (930 million USD) compared to the previous month. This growth represents the strongest expansion seen in over twenty years, since the implementation of the pension fund by capitalization, according to the National Pension Commission (PenCom). In January 2026, assets stood at 28,040 billion NGN (18.8 billion USD), fueled by capital inflows and valuation gains, with stocks playing a central role in this dynamic. Local equity holdings reached 5,410 billion NGN (3.63 billion USD), while foreign stocks remained limited to…

Misr Life Insurance – Takaful, an Egyptian life insurance company, announced an increase in its share capital, now set at 400 million Egyptian pounds (approximately 7.3 million USD). This recapitalization was made possible thanks to a contribution of 250 million Egyptian pounds (approximately 4.6 million USD) injected by its main shareholders: Misr Holding Insurance Company, Misr Insurance Company, and Misr Life Insurance Company, according to a statement released on Thursday, April 9. This operation is part of the new requirements imposed by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), which has asked insurance companies to strengthen their capital to ensure the stability…

The Egyptian government has unveiled the main directions of the 2026/2027 budget, focusing mainly on expanding social protection and supporting the most vulnerable populations. Credits for support and social protection reach 832.3 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately $16.6 billion), up 12% from the previous year, illustrating the state’s commitment to strengthening social justice, the Ministry of Finance said. According to an information note, subsidies for food products amount to 175.3 billion pounds (approximately $3.5 billion) and benefit more than 60 million citizens. Furthermore, 55.3 billion pounds (approximately $1.1 billion) are allocated to financial assistance programs, including “Takaful and Karama” and social…

Sasria, the South African public insurer specializing in political and social risks, announces the relaunch of its “Wrap Cover” product. This coverage aims to protect large companies against the rising risks related to civil unrest, riots, strikes, public disorder, and terrorism. The scheme returns to the market nearly five years after its withdrawal, following the riots of July 2021. These events had generated compensation claims exceeding 31 billion rands (1.9 billion USD) and had deeply disrupted the global market for political violence insurance. It is in this context that Sasria chooses to reintroduce additional capacity today. The new version of…

BNA Assurance, a player in life and non-life insurance products, announced a net profit of 17,045,881 Tunisian dinars (approximately 5.5 million dollars) for the year 2025, compared to 16,315,042 dinars (5.3 million dollars) in 2024. This represents an increase of 4.5%, according to the financial statements published on April 6, 2026 following the Board of Directors meeting. In addition, the company’s activity report highlights a significant increase in turnover, which reached 190,546,610 dinars (61.3 million dollars) in 2025, compared to 173,774,364 dinars (55.9 million dollars) in 2024, an increase of 9.7%. Similarly, net investment income amounted to 31,505,769 dinars (10.1…

Moody’s Ratings confirmed, on April 2, 2026, the long-term credit rating of Baa3 with a stable outlook for the OCP Group, a global player in phosphates and phosphate fertilizers based in Morocco. This decision, announced after a rating committee, reaffirms the group’s credit profile resilience in an increasingly demanding geopolitical and economic environment. Firstly, the agency highlights OCP’s structural strengths. The group controls nearly 70% of the world’s proven phosphate reserves and is the leading global producer of phosphate fertilizers in terms of capacity. In addition, its competitive cost structure allows it to generate margins higher than those of most…

Yahia Chraïbi has been officially appointed interim CEO of Allianz Morocco, effective April 7, 2026. This appointment comes in a strategic context marked by the approval of the competent authorities for the merger between Sanlam and Allianz in Morocco, an operation aimed at strengthening the solidity of the insurance sector and creating a reference player in the national market. By combining his new role with that of CEO of Sanlam Morocco, a position he has held since 2021, Yahia Chraïbi becomes the central figure in the governance of the merged group. His main mission will be to ensure unified and…