In an era where digital fluency is no longer a luxury but a strategic imperative, financial institutions across Africa are grappling with the urgent need to modernise their offerings. Against this backdrop, the recent successful platform launch by Libyan Islamic Bank (LIB), in collaboration with Backbase, offers a compelling case study for senior banking executives navigating the continent’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. This initiative is not merely about technology adoption; it signals a profound shift towards an experience-led banking model designed for the demands of the 21st century.The digital imperative in AfricaFor far too long, traditional banking models, heavily reliant…
Author: Johnson Akinyi
Read More
Nigerian stocks continued their upward trend last week, advancing by 2.2 per cent on the back of notable gains recorded by industrial goods stocks. In all, the benchmark index has added 30.6 per cent this year. “We anticipate a sustained positive bias in the local bourse, as investors’ strong appetite for equity assets continues to fuel upward repricing across tickers,” analysts at Meristem Securities had said in their outlook for the week. “We see legroom for further appreciation in undervalued equities in the financial services, Industrial goods, and utilities sectors,” they added. Half-year corporate results have begun to roll in,…
In SummaryAfrica experienced a 75% surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, reaching a historic $97 billion, marking a significant rebound from previous years.Egypt attracted $46.58 billion in FDI in 2024, accounting for nearly half of Africa’s total FDI inflows, driven by major infrastructure projects and strategic economic reforms.The surge in FDI was notably concentrated in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and digital services, reflecting investor confidence in Africa’s evolving economic landscape.Deep Dive!!In 2025, Africa has witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign capital inflows, with total foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching unprecedented levels across the continent, as highlighted in…
In SummarySome African countries, like Kenya and Rwanda, are gaining global recognition for their youth-led ventures, standard startup policies, and digital innovation. This shows how Africa is evolving from a consumer market to a production-driven one.African countries are solidly including entrepreneurship in their initiative with the establishment of funding, startup acts, and innovation hubs.Countries with smaller economies, like Botswana and Cameroon, are on this list due to their governments’ strategic focus on entrepreneurship. This proves that entrepreneurial strength is more about vision and adaptability than the size of wealth.Deep Dive!!In African countries, entrepreneurship has become part of the criteria for…
In Summary Conference centers in Africa are more than space; they serve as a bridge to global diplomacy, geopolitical alignment, and economic influence while also serving as a backbone for AU forums, continental trade summits, and global NGO gatherings. The placement and structures of centers in cities like Kigali, Nairobi, Cairo, and Cape Town show how urban power centers attract the global space, which includes not just tourists but global financial players, tech experts, and foreign Ministers.Strategic value is the key to most conference centers in Africa. They are linked to government zones and luxury hotel clusters, creating epicenters for…
The United Kingdom has unveiled a new package of trade reforms aimed at boosting exports, creating jobs, and supporting long-term economic growth, in a move set to reshape the landscape of African trade and unlock new economic opportunities for Nigeria and the continent. Announced on Wednesday, July 10, the measures, part of the UK’s flagship Trade for Development initiative, are designed to simplify access to the UK market for developing countries, strengthen trade relationships, and drive investment in key sectors. The announcement also marks a strategic deepening of UK–Africa trade ties as part of Britain’s evolving post-Brexit global trade vision.…
In many parts of the world, tea and coffee are more than just beverages—they’re part of everyday habits. While refined teas often take the spotlight, coarse hibiscus tea is gaining quiet attention for its unique properties. This type of herbal tea hibiscus offers benefits that go beyond appearance. With a rich history rooted in tea culture, tea is a valuable beverage in both traditional and modern settings. This article explores the lesser-known value of coarser hibiscus forms, focusing on their brewing potential, flavor strength, and health uses. Why Coarse Hibiscus Tea Deserves More Attention in Traditional and Modern Routines Coarse…
Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.Guaranty Trust Holding Company, the parent of Nigeria’s biggest bank by market value, will list in London after selling $105mn in shares to investors, as lenders rush to complete the country’s largest bank recapitalisation in decades.Segun Agbaje, GTCO’s chief executive, told the Financial Times that a sale launched on Monday, and arranged by Citigroup, would meet a central bank target for all banks to raise capital by March next year, as the Nigerian economy recovers from a series of currency devaluations. Lagos-listed…
IT WAS AN unlikely picture of harmony. On June 27th the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo stood smiling in the Oval Office next to Donald Trump, America’s president, who hailed the importance of the peace agreement they had just signed. “We’re here today to celebrate a glorious triumph,” said Mr Trump. “The violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity, harmony, prosperity and peace.”
This article was produced with the support of Ithmar CapitalTo start, could you give us an overview of Ithmar Capital?Ithmar Capital was established to promote long-term, impactful and profitable investments that align with the country’s broader development strategies. Unlike typical investment funds, Ithmar Capital operates upstream in the investment value chain, ideating, preparing and structuring transformational projects that require institutional sponsorship. This approach enables better risk allocation, enhances project bankability, and significantly increases the multiplier effect on public capital, helping to attract private capital at scale.Since our shareholders expanded our mandate to cover all productive sectors in 2019, we’ve focused…