South Africa’s municipal failures threaten small business growth as leaders call for accountability and investment

Political leaders gathered at the National Results Centre in Johannesburg South Africa say dysfunctional municipalities are putting the survival and growth of small businesses at risk. They warn that unreliable electricity and water supply, coupled with poor service delivery, are driving up operati…

South Africa’s 2026 local elections: Political parties assess polls as vote counting continues

As vote counting continues following South Africa's highly contested 2026 Local Government Elections held on Wednesday, political parties have begun reacting to the electoral process, with many describing the polls as free and fair even before the counting process got underway. Voting stations open…

Africa's new credit rating agency aims to reshape investor confidence and lower borrowing costs

Africa's efforts to reshape how its economies are assessed by international financial markets are gaining momentum, with the Africa Credit Rating Agency engaging 15 African sovereigns and targeting the publication of its first credit ratings by March. The initiative aims to provide an African persp…

 Standard Bank expands ESD Awards to boost SME growth, competitiveness and job creation in South Africa

In our market's slot today we focus on the impact of Standard Bank's Enterprise & Supplier Development - ESD programmes on SME growth and sustainability. We look at how these initiatives are helping entrepreneurs build resilient businesses, access market opportunities, strengthen their competitiven…

Nigeria seeks $7.7 billion in external borrowing as debt pressures and development needs mount

Nigeria is seeking parliamentary approval for a new 7.7-billion-dollar external borrowing plan to finance projects and programmes under its 2026 national budget. President Bola Tinubu's administration says the proposed borrowing will support its broader economic reform agenda, as the country contin…

Africa’s economic momentum: Dangote Cement and MTN Ghana post growth as Mali advances mining cooperation with Russia.

Africa's economic landscape is showing signs of renewed momentum, with major developments in manufacturing, telecommunications, mining and regional infrastructure. Nigerian industrial giant Dangote Cement has reported a 31 percent increase in nine-month profits, while MTN Ghana has recorded strong …

C-Suite: Lesaka Technologies CEO Lincoln Mali reflects on his remarkable journey to business leadership.

On our C-Suite feature today, we get to know Lincoln Mali, CEO of Lesaka Technologies, author, speaker and internationally acclaimed businessman. He is described as one of Africa's most decorated business leaders. His CV is too long to mention in this interview. He joins us now to give us a glimpse…

South Africa says economy will remain stable as US reviews its AGOA trade benefits eligibility.

South Africa says its economy will remain stable regardless of the outcome of a US review of its eligibility for African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, trade benefits in 2027. Trade Minister Parks Tau says the government remains committed to dialogue with Washington ahead of an expected annou…

China’s industrialisation offers Africa lessons as Beijing hosts the 10th China-Africa Youth Festival.

China has become one of the world’s leading manufacturing and technology powerhouses, building industries that supply markets across the globe. As African countries seek to industrialise and create employment, what lessons can they draw from China’s economic model? Channel Africa’s economics Repote…

Kgodiso Development Fund open for funding black crop farmers and black SMEs in the food business

We end the show and the week by telling you about the Kgodiso Development Fund. It is a development fund that was established in 2021 after PepsiCo acquired Pioneer Foods and provides loan funding to black crop farmers and black SMEs in the food business. To tell us more about it and the work they'…