The archive
Analysis
Everything this desk has published, newest first.
African Startup Funding Reaches $1.44B as Climate Tech Overtakes Fintech
African technology startups raised $1.44 billion during the first half of 2026, while the number of disclosed deals fell sharply. Climate technology overtook fintech as investors shifted toward larger deals, infrastructure and alternative financing.
Cocoa & Agricultural Exports: West Africa's Supply Crisis Reshapes Global Trade
Cocoa prices surged nearly 10% after Ghana projected lower production for the 2026/27 season, raising fresh concerns over global supply. Discover how West Africa's cocoa crisis is reshaping agricultural exports, commodity markets and international trade.
African Fintech & VC Funding: Climate Tech Overtakes Fintech as Startup Investment Reaches $1.44B
African startups raised $1.44 billion during the first half of 2026, with climate technology overtaking fintech as the continent's leading investment sector. Discover the trends reshaping venture capital and startup funding across Africa.
Central Bank & Inflation Watch: Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya Hold Interest Rates Steady
Africa's three largest central banks kept interest rates unchanged as policymakers balanced inflation risks against economic growth. Discover how the latest decisions from Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya could shape markets, currencies and business activity.
Nairobi NSE Market Brief: Kenyan Stocks Hold Steady Ahead of CBK Rate Decision
Kenya's stock market delivered mixed performance in early August as investors positioned themselves ahead of the Central Bank of Kenya's interest rate decision. Here's what the latest movements on the Nairobi Securities Exchange mean for investors and businesses.
Commodities Focus: Brent Falls, Gold Holds Above $4,000, Cocoa Surges on Supply Concerns
Commodity markets took divergent paths in early August 2026 as Brent crude oil tumbled, gold remained resilient above $4,000 per ounce, and cocoa futures rallied sharply on fresh West African supply concerns. Explore the latest price movements and what they mean for African businesses and investors.
JSE Market Brief: Rate Hold, Oil Pressure and Resource Stocks Weigh on South African Equities
South Africa's JSE All Share Index fell 1.79% in July as the SARB unexpectedly held interest rates steady despite rising inflation and higher oil prices. Here's what the latest market movements mean for investors and businesses.
African Forex Watch: Naira Stabilises, Rand Weakens, Kenyan Shilling Holds Firm
African currencies posted mixed performances in early August 2026 as Nigeria's naira remained stable, South Africa's rand weakened following the SARB's rate decision, and Kenya's shilling continued to trade steadily. Here's what the latest FX movements mean for businesses, investors, and regional trade.
BRVM Market Brief: West Africa's Regional Exchange Holds Firm Amid Market Consolidation
The BRVM Composite Index edged higher in early August after investors returned following a period of profit-taking. Discover what the latest performance reveals about West Africa's regional stock market and investment outlook.
NGX Deep Dive: Inside Nigeria's 57.6% Stock Market Rally
Nigeria's All-Share Index just delivered one of the best returns of any stock market on earth this year. We break down which sectors are driving it, whether it can last, and what August's early profit-taking signals.
African Stock Exchanges Dashboard: NGX Dominates With a Blistering 57.6% Rally in 2026
Nigeria's stock exchange just posted one of the best returns of any major market in the world this year while South Africa and Kenya slipped into the red. Here's what's driving the split, and what it means for anyone doing business across the continent.
Africa's Cocoa Market After the Price Crash: What $4,000/t Means for Cameroon, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire
Cocoa futures have stabilized near $4,180 per tonne after a 64% drop from 2024 peaks. Here is how the slump impacts West African state budgets, farmers, and trade.