Frontier Africa Reports

Commodities Newsnow May 26: DR Congo is battling the resurgence of the deadly Ebola virus, so the authorities have suspended mining activities in parts of the South Kivu of the country for three months. Meanwhile, Ghana says it’s willing to renew the lease on Tarkwa's mining operations for Gold Fields, but that would go through a review before approval.  In Cameroon, the government has tightened rules on artisanal gold mining, looking to curb smuggling of the bullion and cut revenue losses.  In energy news, crude oil prices returned to triple digit territory on Tuesday as Tehran vowed to retaliate the attacks on its vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the country by both U.S. and Israel military, even as President Trump touted that a peace deal is nearly done with Iran. There's more in Frontier Africa Reports daily Commodities Newsroom. Watch. Follow. Like. Share. Comment. @GoldFields_LTD

May 26: EthioTel Lists First IPO on ESX, Pepkor Holdings Reports R54.8bn Revenue Ethio Telecom has officially listed on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, becoming one of the country’s largest state owned enterprises to join the market. The listing gives more than 45,000 retail investors a formal platform to trade shares following the company’s IPO, which raised 3.2 billion birr. While the offer fell short of its original target, the move marks a major step in Ethiopia’s capital market development and privatisation efforts. Pepkor Holdings reported stronger earnings for the six months ended March 2026, with revenue rising to 54.85 billion rand from 48.46 billion rand a year earlier. Net income increased to 3.36 billion rand, while earnings per share also improved, reflecting stronger profitability and continued consumer demand across its retail operations. Now to equities, the Nigerian Exchange declined 0.32%, the BRVM slipped 0.16%, while Mauritius’ SEM advanced 0.56%. Catch more stories shaping Africa’s markets and economies on Frontier Africa Reports across LinkedIn, Facebook, X @FrontierAFR, Instagram @frontierafrlive, and frontierafricareports.com. @ethiotelecom @ESXEthiopia @AfDB_Group @JSE_Group @StanbicIBTC @NBEthiopia @PPDAUganda @FlyRwandAir @ngxgrp @gstockexchange @dsxem @JSE_Group @NSE_PLC @EgxEgyptian @BRVM_UEMOA @ZSE_ZW @BIDC_EBID @joduwole @NGRPresident @BBoason @ecowas_cedeao @_AfricanUnion @nssfug @MwangoCapital

May 26: EthioTel Lists First IPO on ESX, Pepkor Holdings Reports R54.8bn Revenue Catch us live today at 4pm for the stories driving Africa’s business and economic landscape. @frontierafricareports?si=1V2HhU1vawNwS3tH" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@frontierafric… @ethiotelecom @BIDC_EBID @joduwole @NGRPresident @BBoason @ecowas_cedeao @ESXEthiopia @AfDB_Group @JSE_Group @_AfricanUnion @nssfug @MwangoCapital @NBEthiopia

May 26: AfDB Annual Meetings 2026 - Opening Ceremony news.frontierafricareports.com/article/afdb-a… @AfDB_Group @AfDB_Nigeria

Commodities Newsnow May 25: The soundbites from the White House indicate that a 'constructive deal' is being worked out between Washington and Tehran, looking to end the 3-month old hostilities in the Middle East. Oil prices slumped some 5% lower on Monday, as traders and investors hang on to (yet) another line of hope that the Strait of Hormuz would soon be reopened. Meanwhile, Egypt is working on a deal to secure wheat imports from Russia amid global food insecurity. The Chief Economist of the UN FAO, Maximo Ferero said in an interview with Bloomberg on Monday, that the global food system is threatened by the emerging concerns over fertilizer, a major input into agriculture. Ethiopia, however, has reported a triple in its coffee production over the past five years, reaching over 1.5 million metric tonnes each year, as Liberia in West Africa also reports a surge of 54% in its cocoa exports between 2024 and 2025.  Finally in mining, Zambia's listed ZCCM-IH and the DR Congo's MMR have launched a gold production joint venture, while Egypt is making good on deepening and attracting new investments into its mining sector. News reports say that the authorities in Cairo have inked a deal to deliver an airborne geoscience survey of its mining, the first in 42 years. There’s a lot more in our Commodities NewsNow this Monday. Visit frontierafricareports.com for the latest updates, insights, and market stories across Africa. @eni @FAO @WFP @UNDP @DailyNewsEgypt @BBoason

May 25: Moody's Raises SA's Outlook to Positive, UBA Presents FY25 Results to Shareholders Moody’s Ratings upgraded South Africa’s outlook to positive from stable, citing stronger fiscal performance, improving debt metrics and progress on reforms. The agency affirmed the country’s Ba2 ratings while noting that weak growth and inequality remain key challenges. Meanwhile, Shareholders of United Bank for Africa convened at the bank’s Annual General Meeting to assess its 2025 financial results and discuss its strategic direction for the future. In the equities market today, the NSE declined 0.45%, while MASI gained 2.74% and EGX slipped 0.38%. Business and capital market activity across Africa remains in focus this week. For more updates and insights, connect with Frontier Africa Reports on LinkedIn and Facebook, follow @FrontierAFR on X and @frontierafrlive on Instagram, and visit frontierafricareports.com. @Moodys @moodysratings @UBAGroup @JSE_Group @AltronGroup @PR_Diomaye @SonkoOfficiel @GRN_Namibia @GouvernementSN @MTNCameroon @Orange_Cameroun @Camtelonline @EdwinNuvaga @WorldBankGroup @ngxgrp @gstockexchange @dsxem @JSE_Group @NSE_PLC @EgxEgyptian @ESXEthiopia @BRVM_UEMOA @ZSE_ZW

May 22: Afreximbank Posts $268.9mn Profit in 1Q, Ghana Plans First Non-Int. Bank Afreximbank reported resilient results for the first quarter of 2026, with continued balance sheet growth despite a challenging global environment. Total credit exposure rose to USD 42 billion, while average loans and advances increased 8% year-on-year to USD 32 billion, supporting stronger interest income. Profit for the period climbed to USD 268.9 million, with the bank maintaining solid asset quality and a capital adequacy ratio of 23%. Meanwhile, Bank of Ghana says Ghana is on track to launch its first non-interest banking institution in 2026 as part of efforts to diversify the financial sector. Governor Johnson Pandit Asiama said one local bank has already applied for a licence, while several others are preparing applications as regulatory frameworks near completion. On energy prices today, Brent crude rose 0.86%, U.S. WTI gained 0.28%, while natural gas declined 1.16%. In soft commodities, cocoa fell 2.18%, while palm oil gained 0.47%. Catch up on all this week’s stories and interviews on our YouTube channel, and stay connected with Frontier Africa Reports on LinkedIn and Facebook, X @FrontierAFR, and Instagram @frontierafrlive. For more updates and insights, visit frontierafricareports.com. Enjoy the weekend. @WilliamsRuto @fbirol @IEA @thebankofghana @DrJPAsiama @JSE_Group @afreximbank @CyrilRamaphosa @duma_boko @ngxgrp @gstockexchange @dsxem @JSE_Group @NSE_PLC @EgxEgyptian @ESXEthiopia @BRVM_UEMOA @ZSE_ZW

May 22: Afreximbank Posts $268.9mn Profit in 1Q, Ghana Plans First Non-Int. Bank TGIF! Join us as we wrap up the week with updates on financial and trading news. @frontierafricareports?si=1V2HhU1vawNwS3tH" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@frontierafric…

Commodities Newsnow May 21: Two of the world's energy giants - ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy have signed a gas processing project with Egypt. The project is linked to the hydrocarbon fields in Cyprus. Meanwhile, Capricorn Energy is looking to drill a total of 44 wells in Egypt's western desert as the biggest economy in North Africa expands its oil & gas industry. Meanwhile, oil prices were softer late Thursday afternoon as investors hope for a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices have climbed some 50% since the start of Iran hostilities back in late February. A Bloomberg survey shows oil price forecasts between $81 and $100 per barrel over the next 12 months. In mining news Thursday, Ghana has boosted its mineral royalties by a whopping 40% to 2.01 billion Cedis in the January to March period, according to official data. In Morocco, Aya Gold & Silver announces plans to expand its operations in the country by investing as much as $500 million through 2030. Learn more through our daily nuggets of commodity headlines. Go to lnkd.in/dYf5WUhG now. Also Follow, Like, Share and Comment on content found on our social media handles. @exxonmobil @qatarenergy @Bloomberg @AyaGoldSilver @CapricornEnergy

May 21: Ghana Pauses Rate Cut Cycle May 21, Rwanda Slices Repo 100 BPS to 8.25% Bank of Ghana has maintained its benchmark interest rate at 14%, pausing its easing cycle as policymakers assess growing global and domestic risks. Governor Johnson Asiama said rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and persistent price pressures have increased uncertainty around the inflation outlook. National Bank of Rwanda has increased its repo rate by 100 basis points to 8.25% in an effort to contain inflationary pressures. Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said the move is aimed at anchoring inflation expectations and preserving macroeconomic stability. Now to equities, the NSE edged down 0.03%, while the NGX fell 1.04%. The BRVM, however, closed higher with a 0.75% gain. n soft commodities, sugar rose 2.04%, while palm oil slipped 2.29%. Stay informed with Frontier Africa Reports on LinkedIn and Facebook, follow us on X @FrontierAFR and Instagram @frontierafrlive, and visit frontierafricareports.com for more business and market updates. @thebankofghana @DrJPAsiama @Investec @IMFNews @CentralBankRw @SorayaMHlive @fbirol @IEA @BOAD_official @Proparco @Afrimat_Ltd @ngxgrp @gstockexchange @dsxem @JSE_Group @NSE_PLC @EgxEgyptian @ESXEthiopia @BRVM_UEMOA @ZSE_ZW @Afrimat_Ltd

May 21: Ghana Pauses Rate Cut Cycle May 21, Rwanda Slices Repo 100 BPS to 8.25% The markets never sleep, and neither do the Money Moves. Catch us live today at 4pm as we bring you the latest stories shaping Africa’s business and financial landscape. @frontierafricareports?si=1V2HhU1vawNwS3tH" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@frontierafric…

Commodities Newsnow May 20: Starting from the Sahel region, where Niger has picked up a 45% equity stake in the Niger-Benin Republic oil pipeline company that is backed by the Chinese. In a similar energy news, Zambia has signed a half-a-billion dollars deal to build a refinery in Ndola, looking to create 3,500 jobs. Ndola is already home to Dangote Cement's multi-million dollar facility. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised against South Africa's plan to raise tariffs on imported steel. The higher levy of between 10% to 30% was aimed at protecting the country's struggling local steel producers. In soft commodities, Zambia is forecasting that its maize harvest will exceed 4.1 million metric tonnes in the current year. That's some good news. Finally, Cameroon's robusta coffee prices have stabilised around CFA 1,200 AND 1,300 per kilogramme after a brief rally. Whatever commodities you are drinking - tea, coffee - we wish you all a great evening. @DangoteCement

May 20: SA Inflation Hits 4% Ahead SARB on May 28, Nigeria Holds Rate at 26.5% South Africa’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 4.0% in April, the highest level in 20 months, largely driven by rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. The figure climbed from 3.1% in March, marking the first inflation data to reflect the sharp jump in domestic fuel costs. The reading remains within the South African Reserve Bank’s target range, although pressure on consumer prices continues to build. Meanwhile, Central Bank of Nigeria has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 26.5%, maintaining a cautious approach as it monitors inflation and broader economic conditions. Governor Olayemi Cardoso said policymakers believe the recent rise in inflation is temporary and expect current measures to support a gradual return to disinflation. Now to equities, BRVM edged up 0.61%, JSE gained 0.54%, while EGX declined 1.59%. In currencies, the EGP and RAND appreciated by 0.59% and 0.68% respectively. Keep up with the latest stories shaping markets and business across the continent on Frontier Africa Reports. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, connect with us on X @FrontierAFR and Instagram @frontierafrlive, and visit frontierafricareports.com for more updates. @cenbank @olayemicardoso1 @StatsSA @SAReserveBank @MIGA @WorldBankGroup @NEISAfrica @SuluhuSamia @PaulKagame @mpedegypt @SeplatEnergy @ngxgrp @gstockexchange @dsxem @JSE_Group @NSE_PLC @EgxEgyptian @ESXEthiopia @BRVM_UEMOA @ZSE_ZW @BBoason

May 20: SA Inflation Hits 4% Ahead SARB on May 28, Nigeria Holds Rate at 26.5%. Another day, another round of Money Moves. Join us live today at 4pm @frontierafricareports?si=1V2HhU1vawNwS3tH" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@frontierafric…

305TH Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Press Briefing news.frontierafricareports.com/article/305th-… @cenbank @BBoason

Plenary: Mining, AI, Manufacturing: Anchoring the Case for Nuclear Energy Deployment news.frontierafricareports.com/article/plenar… @WorldNuclear @UN, @WilliamsRuto @W_Nuclear_News @IEA, @fbirol, #WorldAtomicAgency, @BBoason

Commodities Newsnow May 19: WARNING!!! The global stockpiles of oil could be depleted within weeks, and that's according to the Head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol. That warning came as oil prices declined a bit on the comment by President Donald Trump that he has instructed his military brass to keep their fingers off the assault buttons (at least for now) against Iran. No one is sure what happens next.  Meanwhile, Italian energy giant Eni is looking at building the third floating LNG platform in Mozambique's Rovuma Basin.  In other commodity news: Zambia has launched a joint venture to formalise the country's huge artisanal gold mining, in line with a few other African resource economies, even as news came in that Australia's Castle Minerals is looking to purchase 90% equity stake in Cote d'Ivoire's Nielle gold project. As far as soft commodities are concerned, the Kingdom of Eswatini has reported a 54.7% jump in its sugar exports to Lilangeni 1.1 billion in April, as Mozambique raised its cotton prices by 22.7% for the 2025/26 season. There's so much more to know in the world of commodities. Visit frontierafricareports.com now. Subscribe to our #YouTube Follow. Like. Share. Comment via our social media handles. @eni @IEA @fbirol @HHichilema @BBoason @Castle_Minerals @GOLDCOUNCIL @EswatiniGovern1 @OPECSecretariat