Business Africa

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 operating costs for small and medium-sized enterprises. They say the incoming political leadership must prioritise municipal accountability and infrastructure investment to create a more business-friendly environmen

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 opened at 7am and closed at 9pm, with no major incidents reported during the voting process. At the Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand, the nerve centre of the country's vote tallying process, Channel Africa reporter Micheal Mbewe spoke to a number of political representatives about their assessment of the elections and their expectations as the results continue to trickle in

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 perspective on sovereign creditworthiness, while addressing concerns about how global rating agencies assess the continent's economic risks and opportunities. To unpack what this could mean for investment, trade and Africa's financial standing globally, we are joined by Donald MacKay, Founder and CEO of XA Global Trade Advisors.

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 competitiveness, create jobs, and contribute towards economic growth. The financial institution is marking the fourth anniversary of the ESD Awards with the introduction of five new national award categories that expand participation beyond Standard Bank's existing ESD programmes. For more on this, we are now joined by Nokhanyo Ntshingila, Senior Manager for Enterprise & Supplier Development Programmes at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa..

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 continues to grapple with debt pressures, infrastructure gaps and rising development demands. To unpack the economic implications, the sustainability of Nigeria's borrowing strategy and what it means for ordinary Nigerians and the wider African economy, we spoke to Professor Wumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and Executive Director of the Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation in Abuja.

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 growth over the same period. In West Africa, a Russian state-owned company is set to develop a geological map and mining information system for Mali, raising questions about resource governance and foreign investment. To unpack what these developments mean for African economies, regional integration and the continent's global competitiveness, we spoke to Victor Kgomoeswana, Marketing and Communication executive director at the University of Limpopo and author of Africa Bounces Back.

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 of his journey..

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 announcement on Monday. Speaking after meeting National Economic Development and Labour Council stakeholders in Johannesburg, Tau reaffirmed support for South African exporters and businesses amid uncertainty over continued access to the programmem We spoke to Donald MacKay, Founder and CEO of XA Global Trade Advisors

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 Repoter Innocent Semosa is in China for the 10th China-Africa Youth Festival which  is currently underway in Beijing China ,The festival is a flagship event under the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.He brings us this report..

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've done so far, and also how their funding processes work, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Diale Tilo, Executive Director, at Kgodiso Development Fund.

Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive for Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance, has written an article stating that South Africa's automotive industry has undergone significant changes over the past five years. He highlights greater competition, evolving vehicle price dynamics, and the rise of new-energy vehicles as factors that have impacted both the economics of vehicle ownership and the market structure. He emphasizes that understanding these changes requires an integrated perspective of the capital, businesses, partners, and consumers within the automotive ecosystem. To further discuss this and the role of Absa, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Henry Botha, Head of Strategy and Business Analytics at Absa

October is marked as Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa with many institutions creating awareness around this issue. One of those is the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme, they are drawing attention to a severe yet frequently overlooked risk to higher education success: the intersection of rising financial stress, online gambling, and student mental health. Across South Africa's tertiary campuses, financial pressure leads some students, including those receiving bursary allowances, to seek supplementary income through online betting platforms, echoing the broader national trends highlighted by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation research. What often begins as a response to cost-of-living challenges or household financial demands can lead to heightened anxiety, debt, and academic strain. To talk to us more on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Sifanele Biyela, Corporate Partnerships and Operations Executive at Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme

For many young South Africans, the biggest financial barriers are not always a lack of money, but the beliefs, habits and emotions that shape their financial decisions. From social media pressure and instant gratification to financial anxiety and fear of failure, the psychology of money plays a significant role in determining financial outcomes. Drawing on insights from the 2025 NedFinHealth Monitor Report, which highlights the importance of behaviours such as spending, saving, borrowing and planning in achieving financial health, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Khayakazi Madlavu, an accredited facilitator at Nedbank

South African motorists are set to breathe a sigh of relief following major temporary reductions to fuel levies. The country's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana used his 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement to announce short-term cushion measures at the pumps. For a perspective on some of the outcomes of the Mid Term Budget Speech, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Ashley Benjamin, Deputy General Secretary of the Federation of Unions of South Africa and Dan Peter Al Naddaf, member of the steering committee of the Budget Justice Coalition.

Last week the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe granted Bard Santner Microfinance Bank a deposit-taking licence, paving the way for the Harare-based financial services group to establish a digital banking and investment platform targeting Zimbabweans and other Africans living abroad. Digital banking is growing fast with market players like GoTyme Bank, Bank Zero and Discovery Bank, having developed technology-led banking models around digital access in a space that is evolving fast. It is at the back of these developments that Bard Santner is seeking to establish a broader presence in diaspora banking and to tell us more, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Senziwani Sikhosana, Chief Executive Officer of Bard Santner Inc

The latest SME Confidence Index by Business Partners Limited has revealed that 70.4% of business owners surveyed have already decided which political party or candidate they intend to vote for. A further 17.6% remain undecided, while 6.6% said they do not intend to vote and 5.3% preferred not to answer. Municipal service delivery, good governance and the effective management of illegal immigration have emerged as leading concerns influencing how SME owners intend to vote in the upcoming local government elections. To find out the significance of this survey and why it was conducted, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Jeremy Lang, Managing Director at Business Partners Limited

Some of the commentary in the media is that South Africa's stronger tax collections could provide little lasting relief as the Middle East oil shock, weaker economic growth and rising spending pressures threaten to undermine the country's finances ahead of tomorrow's (Wednesday) mini-budget. The country's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is delivering the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement as higher international oil prices feed into transport, production and household costs, while tighter monetary policy adds to the pressure on an already struggling economy. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Sanisha Packirisamy - Group Economist at Momentum Group.

On our C-Suite feature, we get to know Musa Mngadi who boasts over 20 years of extensive experience across various sectors with in the African continent, with a strong focus on Gaming, Lotteries, and Technology. He has led many prominent companies which include First National Bank, Anglo American, Anglo Platinum, and Implats just to name a few. Experience like this does not come easy. Mr Mngadi, Chief Executive Officer of the African Lotteries & Gaming Association spoke to Thami Ngubeni to share some of the highlights of his journey…

Transnet Engineering and Wabtec in South Africa have signed a long-term Material and Technical Support Agreement to support Transnet’s Class 43D/44D locomotives. The deal is reported to be valued at approximately $400 million and will support improved material availability, maintenance execution and lifecycle management, contributing to greater fleet reliability and availability over time. To tell us more on this deal and the long-term economic benefits, Thami Ngubeni  spoke to Collet Yende, Chief Procurement Officer at Transnet Engineering…

Africa must move beyond carbon market potential towards delivery, building high-integrity, investable markets that attract long-term capital while protecting national climate priorities and ensuring greater value reaches the countries and communities. Representatives from 45 countries, including 21 African nations, are participating at the Carbon Markets Africa Summit -CMAS 2026, underway in Kigali, Rwanda. The discussions at the Summit have shifted decisively from market readiness to implementation, investment and transactions. For more on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Maxwell Gomera, United Nations Development Programme - UNDP's Resident Representative in South Africa and Director of the UUNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub joins us on the line...

We start the show with our weekly business round up, where we look at the top stories across the continent, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back".   Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo.

Kenya is hosting the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit 2026 in Nairobi from October 14 to 16. The event has brought together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa to enhance trade and investment. The summit will focus on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to establish a unified African market for goods and services and promote intra-African trade. Organizers anticipate the participation of over 5,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, in addition to over 350 exhibitors and numerous chamber representatives. The President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), Mtho Xulu, is attending the summit and spoke to Thami Ngubeni to talk about some of the objectives of the conference.

In today's market segment, we examine Africa's energy sector. With global initiatives such as the World Bank and African Development Bank's Mission 300 aiming to address Africa's electricity gap, decentralized energy is anticipated to play a significant role in improving access to power and fostering sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. We discuss Standard Bank's contribution to the decentralized energy ecosystem through innovative financing structures, risk-sharing partnerships, and local currency funding solutions. Additionally, we will explore how energy access is evolving beyond simple electrification to act as a catalyst for economic productivity, enabling farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturers, and communities to stimulate growth, create jobs, and enhance Africa's long-term development prospects. Joining us for this discussion, Thami Ngubeni spoke to  Brian Tahinduka, Executive Head of Energy, Infrastructure & Mining for Business & Commercial Banking (Africa Regions & Offshore), Standard Bank Group.

The Big 5 Construct Kenya is returning for the ninth edition to Sarit Expo Centre in the capital Nairobi. Those in the sector say that the country's construction sector continues to see activity across a substantial project pipeline, valued at $26 billion. The event which runs from the 21st – 23rd of October, brings together more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries. To talk about what to expect this time around, Thami Ngubeni spoke Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President of dmg events

Looks like the African continent is really embracing the Dangote Group's investment in a refinery. This time around Uganda's capital markets regulator gave approval for its local investors to participate in the planned initial public offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE. Economists say that this broadens access to what is expected to be Africa's largest public share sale. The move comes days after Kenya's capital markets regulator approved a short-form prospectus for a global depository receipt, paving the way for Kenyan investors to participate in the offering as the transaction gathers momentum across East Africa. For a perspective on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Kelvin Chisanga, economist based in Zambia

Africa's critical minerals play a crucial role in the global energy transition, yet concerns linger about whether the continent is sufficiently harnessing economic benefits from its abundant resources. At a summit on People-Centred Technologies (PCT) in Africa taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, experts are examining how better governance, transparency and local participation can ensure mineral wealth translates into jobs, investment and inclusive growth. Innocent Semosa reports.

The African Union is set to launch a new Africa-focused credit rating agency in Mauritius this week. The Africa Credit Rating Agency is expected to provide independent assessments of African governments, businesses and institutions, as the continent seeks to address concerns over the cost and availability of financing.  Our economics reporter Innocent Semosa reports.

The Windaba 2026 conference is currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa (SA), bringing together policymakers, academics, economists and energy industry experts to discuss the future of SA’s wind sector.  One of the key issues under discussion is how trade policy and import tariffs can be used to support local manufacturing, while ensuring that renewable energy projects remain financially viable and attractive to investors. Our economics reporter Innocent Semosa reports.

We end the show by talking about the Mintek SCi 2026, where emerging African scientists, researchers and industry leaders are exploring how science, technology and innovation can shape the future of South Africa's minerals sector. Held under the theme "The Next Frontier: Emerging Scientists Driving Change," Mintek SCi has evolved beyond a traditional scientific symposium into a platform that connects emerging talent with established researchers, industry and innovation institutions, creating opportunities to turn scientific ideas into practical solutions. To talk to us more on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Dr Ramogohlo Diale-Boshielo is the Chairperson of Mintek SCi 2026.

Richard Southey, Managing Executive: Payments as a Service, Absa CIB has co-authored an article where he says that Africa's relevance to the evolution of global finance is significant. The continent's experience, particularly in cross-border payments, provides a glimpse into what tomorrow's increasingly digital, data-driven global financial system could look like. He goes on to say that as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and real-time data reshape how businesses make decisions, manage supply chains and deploy capital, the infrastructure that moves money across borders must evolve too. Mr Southey spoke to Thami Ngubeni to share his thoughts.

Tshepo Kgadima is an Independent Energy Analyst and Economist in South Africa and he has written an article entitled: An instruction is not a statute: stop the transfer of Eskom's grid. He is reacting to Cabinet extending the chairmanship of Mteto Nyati. He is breaking down and reminding us of some of the things he wrote two years ago which he says have proven themselves. But the laws around governing Eskom are not clear. Kgadima spoke to Thami Ngubeni to explain what he is pointing out in his article.

South Africa is said to be stepping up efforts to manufacture medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients locally in a drive to reduce the country's dependence on imports and strengthen its ability to secure critical medical supplies during future health emergencies.  Earlier today, President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by the country's Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, toured the FuturePharma facility at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the capital Pretoria. To tell us more on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Dr Rachel Chikwamba, Group Executive: Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences Division at the CSIR.

The African Union has finally launched the continent's first credit-rating agency on aiming to provide an alternative to the "big three" global ratings agencies as debt burdens continue to grip African economies. It was launched at the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis which will be used as a base. It is almost a decade now since this project has been in the making, with African leaders endorsing its creation in 2018. To talk to us more on the significance of this agency for the continent, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Chifi Mhango, Chief Economist and Director of Economic Research & Strategy at Don Consultancy Group,

We end the show by talking about new research that reveals how top-performing firms structure their workforce to a shift which industry players say accounting professionals can't afford to ignore. They go on to say that accounting profession isn't becoming simpler as AI and flexible workforce models take hold. It's becoming layered, and the professionals who understand that shift early will have a real advantage over those who wait for it to become obvious. To break this down for us and talk about what it means, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Tanya Grota, Chief Financial and People Officer at Makosi

The sixth edition of Nedbank Private Wealth's Giving Report arrives at a pivotal moment for South African philanthropy, offering a unique 15-year perspective on how affluent donors are responding to growing social complexity, shifting attitudes towards impact, and rising expectations around transparency and accountability. While giving remains widespread, donors are becoming more discerning, seeking greater alignment between their personal values and the causes they support. To talk to us more on this,  Thami Ngubeni spoke to Tracy Muller, Head of Advice and Philanthropy at Nedbank Private Wealth

The European Union says that it has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat as well as some processed meat products from Namibia on Monday following an outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth livestock disease. In a statement issued in the capital Windhoek, EU ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said that the suspension also covered certain farmed and wild hoofed animals as well as products such as biltong and jerky. To talk about the impact this may have, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Thabile Nkunjana, Agricultural Economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, Pretoria

Last week Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences following the death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. The crash occurred on Wednesday, in the Marondera Rural area of Mashonaland East, east of Harare. President Ruto described Chivayo as his "dear friend" and said his death was a painful loss to the businessman's family, friends and those who knew him. Meanwhile, Kenya's former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made explosive allegations linking President William Ruto to late Zimbabwean businessman claiming they had business dealings. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Channel Africa's correspondent in Kenya Daniel Ominde who has been following the story…

This past weekend saw the fathering of the Multiply Sisterhood Network Empowerment Business Summit 2026. The people behind it describe it as a premier women-focused leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and wellness platform designed to inspire, equip, and connect women from diverse sectors, unlocking their full potential. To talk to us more on this and what the objectives of this summit were, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Joyce Ledwaba, founder and president of the I Multiply Sisterhood Network

South Africans are about to dig deeper into their pockets fuel prices are set to reach record highs. In our markets slot today, we look at the impact of this increase on consumers. The increase comes on the back of a recent hike of interest rates by the country's Reserve bank. We also look at the southern African nation's trade data and producer inflation. Siphamandla Mkhwanazi is senior economist at FNB and spoke to Thami Ngubeni to look at these increases

South Africa's coastal city of Cape Town is abuzz this week with creatives from the African continent and the Middle East for the Loeries Creative Week 2026. It is a six-day programme bringing together creative professionals, brands, agencies, marketers, media, educators and emerging talent from across the region. For the creatives it acts as a meeting point for the ideas, conversations and relationships that move the creative industry forward. To tell us more on this and what we can expect, Thami Ngubeni spoke to  Preetesh Sewraj, CEO of The Loeries.

We end off on a high note with this year's South African Builders & Construction Awards. The 19th Annual SABCA Gala Awards, which will take place on the 7th of November in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, will bring together more than 200 leading figures from South Africa's construction, property, engineering, architecture, infrastructure, finance and government sectors under the theme:"Building Legacies, Honouring Icons." To tell us more, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Lloyd Ngavu CEO the South African Construction Awards..

Data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa shows that September 2026 delivered the strongest monthly sales result the South African new-vehicle market has seen in years. With over 61,000 nits sold a 12.7% increase over last year—the industry has now notched up two full years of uninterrupted growth. The day has not only surpassed the previous 2026 peak set in March but also pushed the market past the 60,000-unit threshold for the first time in several years. Great news for the industry and for reaction from the industry players, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Alan Quinn, Chief Innovation and Product Officer at Cars.co.za,

On our C-Suite feature today we get to know Nkosenhle Hlophe, CEO of Kenako Marketing SA. He is described as a Corporate Communications Strategist and Former Bachelor of Science in Geological Science student at UKZN. He is better known popularly for his role in the corporate space with some commentators asking how he transitioned from geology to a corporate communications strategist? He spoke to Thami Ngubeni in studio to share his story.

Thami Ngubeni starts the show with our weekly business round up, where she looks at the top stories across the continent,  joined on the line by Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back".  Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

University leaders from around the world, policymakers and civic partners have gathered in Cape Town for the Times Higher Education, World Academic Summit 2026, which is co-hosted by the Universities of Bristol and University of Cape Town. They are discussing how universities can help shape more equitable, sustainable and prosperous futures. It is held under the theme 'Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence', to explore how institutions can harness human, artificial and collective intelligence to address major global challenges.  To talk to us more on this and what we as Africans should take out of it, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Mosebjadi Petje, Business Development Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Times Higher Education.

The African Energy Chamber has backed the planned 700,000 barrels-per-day Dangote refinery in Lamu, Kenya after a court order temporarily restricting activities on the land earmarked for the project. The order followed a petition by 133 residents of Chandavai in Lamu County, who claim that the land allocated for the refinery, identified as LR No. 13061, forms part of their ancestral heritage. The petitioners are seeking recognition of their claims and compensation. To tell us more on why they’ve decided to raise their voice and also what sort of outcome they are waiting for, Thami Ngubeni spoke to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.

The Pan-African fintech company, Mukuru which is trusted by more than 17 million customers, has today (Wednesday) launched the Mukuru Account & Card in South Africa. The product is offered in partnership with Bank Zero, the licensed sponsor bank, and is enabled by Paymentology and Mastercard. The new proposition builds on Mukuru's established remittance and card foundation, giving customers access to a broader range of everyday financial services through a single account, integrated with the rest of the Mukuru offering in South Africa. To tell us more on this and what new thing this is bringing, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Juan Seco, Mukuru's Chief Growth Officer.

The Q3 Absa Manufacturing Survey shows that business confidence in the manufacturing sector deteriorated by 4 index points from the previous quarter, declining to a score of 27. The sector remained under pressure during the third quarter of 2026, as weak domestic demand, deteriorating export activity and persistent economic uncertainty continued to weigh on business performance. It goes on to show that the Domestic sales remained muted for a third consecutive quarter, while export sales declined by a further 6 index points compared to the previous quarter. For a perspective on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Sachin Chanderdhev, Sector Specialist: Manufacturing at Absa Business Banking.

On our C-Suite feature today we get to know a little bit about Kelebogile Moloko, CEO of Prowess Investment Managers. She is a successful entrepreneur and business leader with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Kelebogile boasts an impressive journey of remarkable achievements and impactful leadership in the Financial Services sector. A trailblazer at heart, she founded Prowess Investment Managers 18 years ago, breaking barriers by pioneering a Black female-owned and managed investment firm in South Africa. She spoke to Thami Ngubeni about her journey in the industry...

As National Treasury is reviewing their fiscal policy aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, stakeholders from across South Africa will gather to discuss what needs to change and chart a more effective path forward. Hosted under the True Cost of Alcohol Campaign by the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance of South Africa and its coalition partners, the gathering will discuss what they call the real cost of alcohol on the health sector, road deaths, violence, injury, mental health challenges and underage drinking. To talk to us more on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Nomcebo Dlamini, campaign director at the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance of South Africa…