Ester Ochse, Product Head of Integrated Advice at FNB, unpacks South Africa's 2026/2027 budget speech

In this week's FNB  Slot, we look at some of the key takeaways from South Africa's 2026/2027 budget speech. Some of the key points of our discussion include the budget relief for households. We also delve further into the increase in the limit of the Tax Free Savings Account from 1 800 dollars, to …

The International Labour Organisation says the construction sector is deeply fragile for many workers

A regional knowledge sharing event on decent work in the construction sector has heard that in South Africa, a construction worker dies every week. Jens Drying Christensen, Senior Enterprise Development Specialist at the International Labour Organisation, says the sector is deeply fragile for many …

Mauritius Commercial Bank's inaugural GCC and India-focused syndicated term  loan key for the South-South Axis economic bloc

The "South-South Axis" linking the Gulf Cooperation Council, India, and Africa is emerging as a dynamic economic bloc, propelled by trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. At the heart of several transactions within this network is Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), which plays a pivotal role …

The 18th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba explores ways to mobilise blended finance and private-sector investment

The 18th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa's Western Cape province, is focusing on strategies to unlock gas-to-power opportunities and develop domestic gas markets. The event will also explore ways to mobilise blended …

Joint bombardment of Iran sends shockwaves through the global economy

The joint bombardment of Iran by Israel and the United States has sent immediate shockwaves through the global economy, with the impact most visible in oil prices. Brent crude surged more than 8% this morning to nearly $80 a barrel, while European natural gas prices spiked by up to 28% amid fears o…

South Africa's Border Management Authority's budget increased to assist in its work to address illegal immigration

Legal experts believe the latest budget allocation directed to South Africa's Border Management Authority - BMA, will give rise to an increase in already ongoing compliance inspections by the relevant enforcement departments, in order to address illegal immigration and the employment of illegal for…

Mozambique hosts trade ministers as they seek to strengthen intra‑African cooperation

Mozambique is hosting African trade ministers in Maputo for high‑level talks aimed at strengthening intra‑African cooperation and advancing a more inclusive continental trading system. The meeting, expected to adopt the Maputo Ministerial Declaration, seeks to align Africa’s trade priorities, ampli…

Bank of Botswana's MPC leaves interest rate unchanged at 3.5%

The Bank of Botswana’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously maintained the country’s main interest rate at 3.5% for the second consecutive meeting. Addressing the media in Gaborone following the MPC meeting, Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki said the economy is expected to continue…

Business round‑up with Victor Kgomoeswana, author and Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open for Business and Africa Bounces Back, and the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo, rounds up the business news that made headlines this week.

Cocoa industry debt raises concerns about mounting liquidity pressures in the sector

Ghana’s licensed cocoa‑buying companies are reported to owe banks up to $750 million, raising concerns about mounting liquidity pressures in the industry. Samuel Adimado, President of the Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana, says the debt burden has grown partly because Cocobod, the country’…