Rising food prices coupled with higher personal income taxes are likely to dampen consumer spending with a moderation in spending expected in 2026 in South Africa. That's according to the latest FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index which showed consumers were less pessimistic about future prospects. Much of this positivity hinges on the direction of the global economy. Dimakatso Leshoro filed this report.

Rising food prices coupled with higher personal income taxes are likely to dampen consumer spending with a moderation in spending expected in 2026 in South Africa. That's according to the latest FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index which showed consumers were less pessimistic about future prospects. Much of this positivity hinges on the direction of the global economy. Dimakatso Leshoro filed this report.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks &amp; market updates.

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Africa in Business

Rising Food Prices and Income Taxes Set to Curb Consumer Spending in 2026

E‑hailing drivers represented by the Amalgamated Union of App‑Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), working on platforms such as Uber, Bolt and inDrive, have intensified their protests as their three‑day strike enters its final stage, with little to no response from the companies. The drivers say they are now preparing to escalate their action by picketing company offices if their demands are not addressed.


At the centre of the dispute is a call for a fare review that better reflects Nigeria’s current economic realities, including rising fuel costs, inflation and platform commission structures that drivers argue leave them unable to earn a sustainable income.


Thami Ngubeni spoke to Ayoade Ibrahim, President of the Africa Platform Workers Representatives (APWR) and Co‑founder of the Amalgamated Union of App‑Based Transporters of Nigeria.

E‑hailing drivers represented by the Amalgamated Union of App‑Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), working on platforms such as Uber, Bolt and inDrive, have intensified their protests as their three‑day strike enters its final stage, with little to no response from the companies. The drivers say they are now preparing to escalate their action by picketing company offices if their demands are not addressed.
 At the centre of the dispute is a call for a fare review that better reflects Nigeria&rsquo;s current economic realities, including rising fuel costs, inflation and platform commission structures that drivers argue leave them unable to earn a sustainable income.
 Thami Ngubeni spoke to Ayoade Ibrahim, President of the Africa Platform Workers Representatives (APWR) and Co‑founder of the Amalgamated Union of App‑Based Transporters of Nigeria.

E‑hailing drivers in Nigeria intensify protests as three‑day strike enters its final stage

Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled a $50‑million expansion of its domestic terminal in Addis Ababa, more than doubling its capacity to accommodate rising passenger numbers amid a tourism boom and more than 200 daily domestic flights.


The expansion forms part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to position itself as Africa’s aviation hub, supported by significant investments in airport infrastructure and fleet modernisation.


Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government is in discussions with the Export–Import Bank of China to secure funding for the proposed Bishoftu International Airport. The new airport is expected to ease congestion at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and further expand the nation’s aviation capacity as passenger and cargo volumes continue to rise.


Thami Ngubeni spoke to Mered Fikireyohannes, CEO of Pragma Investment Advisory.

Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled a $50‑million expansion of its domestic terminal in Addis Ababa, more than doubling its capacity to accommodate rising passenger numbers amid a tourism boom and more than 200 daily domestic flights.
 The expansion forms part of Ethiopia&rsquo;s broader strategy to position itself as Africa&rsquo;s aviation hub, supported by significant investments in airport infrastructure and fleet modernisation.
 Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government is in discussions with the Export&ndash;Import Bank of China to secure funding for the proposed Bishoftu International Airport. The new airport is expected to ease congestion at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and further expand the nation&rsquo;s aviation capacity as passenger and cargo volumes continue to rise.
 Thami Ngubeni spoke to Mered Fikireyohannes, CEO of Pragma Investment Advisory.

Ethiopian Airlines unveils $50 million domestic terminal as Ethiopia positions itself as Africa’s aviation hub

South Africa Innovation Week 2026 is currently underway in Johannesburg, bringing together more than 150 innovators and key partners to showcase the country’s growing technological capabilities.

With participation from organisations such as Enterprise Ireland, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the event aims to drive collaboration, spark dialogue and strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem through nationwide activations.

The week‑long programme highlights emerging technologies, investment opportunities and innovation‑driven solutions that can support economic transformation and job creation across the country.


Channel Africa’s Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.

South Africa Innovation Week 2026 is currently underway in Johannesburg, bringing together more than 150 innovators and key partners to showcase the country&rsquo;s growing technological capabilities.
With participation from organisations such as Enterprise Ireland, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the event aims to drive collaboration, spark dialogue and strengthen South Africa&rsquo;s innovation ecosystem through nationwide activations.
The week‑long programme highlights emerging technologies, investment opportunities and innovation‑driven solutions that can support economic transformation and job creation across the country.
 Channel Africa&rsquo;s Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.

Rising Food Prices and Income Taxes Set to Curb Consumer Spending in 2026

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