Author: Dominique Mabika

The central bank of Morocco, Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), decided, during its first quarterly meeting of 2026 held on Tuesday, March 17, to keep its key rate unchanged at 2.25%. In its statement, the institution indicates that it will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the national and international economic situation, particularly the situation in the Middle East and its potential repercussions on economic activity. This decision is based on several elements. Inflation has recently remained at low levels, driven by the improvement in the supply of certain food products and the decline in fuel prices. In the medium term,…

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Egypt reached around $11 billion in 2025, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) titled “Review of the quality of foreign direct investment in Egypt.” The document highlights the country’s ability to attract increasing volumes of foreign capital, but points to a still insufficient contribution of these investments to job creation and innovation. According to the study, the economic impact of these investments remains limited: every billion dollars of FDI generates only about 1,100 jobs in Egypt. This level represents nearly half of the average recorded in OECD…

The Commercial International Bank (CIB), the main private bank in Egypt, announced that its board of directors has approved the reappointment of Hisham Ezz Al-Arab as CEO for a new three-year term, covering the period from March 2026 to March 2029. This decision was ratified at the General Assembly held on March 15, 2026. At the helm of the bank since 2002, Hisham Ezz Al-Arab was forced to step down in October 2020 at the decision of the central bank, citing “compliance issues.” The governor at the time, Tarek Amer, himself resigned in August 2022 during a monetary crisis, one…

Moroccan insurer AtlantaSanad Assurance recorded sustained growth in its activity in 2025, with a 15% increase in turnover compared to the previous year. According to the company, this performance reflects both the commercial dynamism of its networks and the effectiveness of the strategic directions implemented during the year. In detail, the Life insurance activity saw a strong increase of 43%, driven in particular by the new strategic partnership concluded with Crédit du Maroc as well as the contribution of historical partners, including CIH Bank. On the other hand, the Non-Life insurance activity showed a more moderate increase of 6.3%, supported…

The board of directors of Attijari bank Tunisia announced a net profit of 232.1 million Tunisian dinars (approximately $75 million) at the end of December 2025, compared to 232.4 million dinars (almost $75.1 million) a year earlier. This almost stable performance reflects, according to the bank, its ability to preserve its profitability in a constantly evolving economic environment. In light of these results, the board of directors proposes a dividend payment of 4.200 dinars per share (approximately $1.36), compared to 5 dinars (around $1.62) for the previous fiscal year. This decrease in the per share dividend is mainly explained by…

As the largest automotive market in North Africa and one of the most dynamic on the continent, Egypt confirms at the beginning of 2026 the strength of its economic recovery. According to data published by the Automotive Market Information Council (AMIC), vehicle sales reached 14,100 units in January 2026, compared to 10,150 units in the same period in 2025, representing a 38.7% year-on-year increase. This performance is mainly driven by the strong growth in sales of passenger cars, which increased by 43.3% to around 10,900 units during the period. This is a strong signal of the gradual restoration of household…

As of March 6, 2026, the net assets under management of collective investment schemes (CIS) decreased to 795.5 billion dirhams (approximately $79.5 billion), representing a weekly decrease of 0.48%, according to the latest data from the Moroccan Association of Management Companies and Investment Funds (ASFIM). This decline comes in a climate of nervousness in international financial markets, marked by escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices, which has revived risk aversion. Strong correction in equity funds Equity CIS show the most pronounced correction during the period: their assets dropped by 6.17% in one week, falling from 76.43…

The National Electrolysis and Petrochemical Company (SNEP) announced the appointment of Ali Alami as the new CEO, replacing Fayçal El Kadiri, following the board meeting held on March 6, 2026. This appointment reflects the company’s desire to strengthen its activities and enhance its presence in its markets. A graduate of the École Mohammadia d’Ingénieurs and holder of an MBA from the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, Ali Alami began his career within the OCP Group. He then continued his career in several national and international industrial groups, where he held various management positions. Throughout his career, he has gained…

The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has taken the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) to the High Court, challenging the regulator’s decision to prohibit banks from charging commissions or fees related to bancassurance activities paid by insurance companies. According to the KBA, in Kenya, bancassurance accounts for about 10% of the insurance sector’s revenue and contributes at...

Dr. Islam Azzam has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the General Authority for Financial Supervision, in accordance with Resolution No. 116 of 2026. He becomes the sixth person to lead this institution since its creation in 2009. This appointment is part of an effort to strengthen the efficiency and competitiveness of the non-banking...

Annual inflation in Egypt reached 11.5% in February 2026, according to data released on Tuesday, March 10 by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). This increase, following a low of 10.1% in January, is still significantly lower than the 12.5% recorded in February 2025, reflecting the disinflationary trend that has been underway...

Tunisian diaspora transfers reached nearly 1.5 billion dinars, or 1,467.7 million dinars (approximately $514 million) in the first two months of 2026, according to data published by the Central Bank of Tunisia. This amount represents an increase of 6.7% compared to the same period in 2025. For comparison, these transfers had recorded a more significant increase of 16.1% year-on-year in the same period of 2024, according to data reported by TEMA (approximately $511 million, compared to $432 million) a year earlier, representing an 18.2% increase. This evolution is mainly explained by an exchange rate effect, as the dollar depreciated by…

It took nearly half a century of waiting, multiple delays, and significant funding from the African Development Bank for the Gambia River to no longer be a geographical barrier. Inaugurated on January 20, 2019, and opened to traffic on January 23, the Senegambia Bridge – 942 meters long, 18 meters high – connects Farafenni to Soma and fundamentally transforms the economic dynamics between the north and south of Senegal, while repositioning the Gambia as a regional transit hub. For decades, crossing the river was a logistical gamble. The unreliable and irregular ferries would strand trucks and travelers. Delays could stretch…

In 2026, the states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) will have to mobilize nearly 15 trillion CFA francs on the regional market. An unprecedented volume that reflects both the magnitude of budgetary financing needs and the increasing maturity of debt repayments. Faced with this acceleration of sovereign issuances, the regional financial market is being put to the test. Investors, more selective in an international context marked by high interest rates and increased risk aversion, now demand higher premiums, increasing the cost of debt for states. The question of sustainability, market depth, and the capacity of banks…

The World Bank Group, through the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is launching a new $6 billion mechanism aimed at strengthening access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets. Backed by insurance coverage, this initiative aims to support job creation and stimulate the development of the private sector. The program allows partner insurers to share some of the credit risk associated with loans granted. Specifically, the $6 billion credit insurance policy concluded between the IFC and a consortium of 19 international insurers is expected to support up to $10 billion in new financing. This mechanism enables the IFC…

Khalid Alabbadan has been appointed regional director of the Moroccan office of Ghana Reinsurance PLC. A seasoned professional in the insurance and reinsurance sector, he has extensive experience in leadership positions and technical roles covering the entire value chain of the business. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong expertise in establishing strategic international partnerships in insurance and reinsurance, conducting strategic risk assessments, managing complex claims, negotiating sophisticated placements, and overseeing contractual documentation. He has also excelled in leading risk prevention and management initiatives. Holder of a degree in civil engineering and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, he also…

Moroccan insurance broker AFMA closed the 2025 fiscal year with a performance marked by an 11% increase in its consolidated revenue. This stands at 317 million dirhams (MDH), compared to 286 MDH in 2024. The parent company, AFMA SA, also recorded positive momentum. Its social revenue stands at 264 MDH, up 10% from the 241 MDH achieved a year earlier. The group attributes this favorable evolution to its commercial strategy based on both acquiring new clients and developing its existing portfolio. AFMA intensified its investments in 2025. The total amount committed, including financial interests, reached 26 MDH, compared to 16…

The United States Department of State announced on Wednesday, February 25, the signing of a five-year bilateral memorandum of understanding with Burkina Faso, for a total amount of $147 million. This financial support aims to assist the country’s efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infectious diseases, while strengthening national capacities for epidemiological surveillance and response to health emergencies. According to the official statement, the agreement establishes the basis for enhanced cooperation aimed at improving Burkina Faso’s capacity to prevent and contain the spread of communicable diseases. As part of this partnership, Burkina Faso commits to increasing its…

The board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved, during its meeting on February 25, the fifth and sixth reviews of the program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), as well as the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Program (RSF). This decision paves the way for the disbursement of a new tranche of financing totaling $2.3 billion to Egypt, according to a statement released by the institution. Following this approval, Egypt is authorized to make a new drawdown under the “extended financing” and “resilience and sustainability” mechanisms, in accordance with the economic reform program agreed with the IMF.…

South African insurer Santam has announced the appointment of Nico Conradie as Chief Executive Officer of Santam Re, its reinsurance subsidiary specializing in non-life treaties. He is set to take up his position on March 1, 2026, according to a statement released on February 24, 2026. Nico Conradie has over 30 years of experience in insurance and reinsurance on an international scale. He recently completed his term as CEO of Munich Re’s Africa branch. Within the German group, he also held the positions of executive director and CEO of life insurance. He also led Hannover Life Re Africa, thus consolidating…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided to postpone the proclamation of certain provisions of the National Health Insurance (NHI) law, due to ongoing legal challenges before the constitutional court. In a statement released on February 24, 2026, the presidency indicates that this decision was made following consultations between the head of state and the Health Minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi. The dispute revolves around the legislative process that led to the adoption of the law. The proclamation of the relevant sections is therefore suspended until the South African Constitutional Court makes its decisions, expected following the scheduled hearings from May…

In 2025, the Maroc Telecom group recorded a consolidated revenue of 36.7 billion dirhams (approximately $3.67 billion), an increase of 1.4% at constant exchange rates compared to 2024. This performance is mainly driven by the sustained growth of international activities (+5.3%), led by subsidiaries Moov Africa, combined with the resilience of the domestic market. Specifically, as of December 2025, the group’s total customer base stands at nearly 77 million, up 3.6% year-on-year. This growth is mainly attributable to Moov Africa subsidiaries (+5.1%), while the customer base in Morocco remains stable at around 22 million subscribers. EBITDA stands at 18.49 billion…

Vista Group Holding, a pan-African financial services group, announces the completion of the acquisition of 99.99% of the capital of Saham Assurances Niger, now renamed Vista Assurances Niger, according to a statement released on Thursday, February 12. This strategic operation marks a new step in the structuring of the group’s insurance division and fits into its vision of building an integrated financial ecosystem combining banking and insurance. The stated objective is clear: to expand access to financial protection solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions, while consolidating a consistent and efficient regional offering. Already present in the sector through Vista Assurances…

The Suez Canal Bank (CANA) closed the 2025 fiscal year with a significant increase in performance, confirming its growth momentum in the Egyptian banking sector marked by high interest rates and strong activity in the domestic market. According to a statement released on February 11 by the Egyptian Stock Exchange, the bank recorded a net profit of 6.421 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately $207 million) for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025, compared to 5.681 billion pounds (approximately $183 million) in 2024. This represents an increase of about 13% year-on-year, reflecting the improvement in operational performance and the…

The African insurance sector must strengthen its contribution to financing the continent’s economies. As a key player in the pan-African insurance architecture, the ACTIVA Group has established itself, in just over two decades, as one of the few African champions capable of combining financial strength, strategic discipline, and market intelligence. At the helm, founder and president Richard Lowe embodies this unique trajectory where vision precedes expansion and growth is based on a keen understanding of the continent’s economic dynamics. Present in many countries, ACTIVA has built its footprint on a demanding promise: to sustainably support African economies while providing tailored…

Sanlam Maroc has significantly reduced its stake in Label Vie, falling below the regulatory threshold of 5%. This information was announced by the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC). According to the published statement, the insurer sold a total of 81,350 Label Vie shares on February 2, 2026, with 32,850 shares on the central market and 48,500 shares on the block market, at a unit price of 4,300 dirhams (approximately 430 USD). This transaction represents a total amount of approximately 349.8 million dirhams (approximately 34.98 million USD). Following this transaction, Sanlam Maroc now holds 63,927 shares, representing 2.21% of the capital…

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Arab Tunisian International Bank (BIAT) signed an agreement on February 6, 2026 in Tunis, for a transaction guarantee facility of $50 million, aimed at strengthening Tunisian foreign trade financing. This initiative aims to support local businesses, promote job creation, and improve access to essential goods for the population, particularly through strengthening supply chains and domestic production. The guarantee will specifically facilitate the importation of industrial inputs, production machinery, and equipment in the telecommunications and renewable energy sectors, considered strategic for the country’s industrialization process. It will provide international banks with coverage of…

Investments in Tunisia recorded a remarkable increase in 2025, reaching 8,356.4 million dinars (approximately 2.7 billion dollars), a 39.3% increase compared to 2024. This is according to the 2025 annual report published on February 9, 2026 by the Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA). This dynamic is expected to create 101,681 jobs, an increase of 5% from the previous year. In terms of sectors, despite a temporary adjustment marked by a 14.3% decrease in volume, the industry maintains its structural role in the Tunisian economy. It accounts for 2,924.7 MDT (approximately 943 million dollars), representing 35% of declared investments, and 39% of…

Annual inflation in Egypt saw a slight slowdown in January 2026, standing at 10.1%, compared to 10.3% in December 2025, according to data from the general consumer price index published on Tuesday, February 10 by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). The price index reached 268.1 points during the period. On a...

“The single approval, or ‘single passport’, represents the ideal horizon of our regional integration” Interview by Dominique Mabika As the fiftieth general assembly of FANAF takes place in Abidjan from February 9 to 13, 2026, we present you with an exclusive interview with the market regulator of the Inter-African Conference of Insurance Markets (CIMA), covering...