South African households are coming under renewed financial pressure after the country's central bank raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 7.25 percent.The move follows a rise in annual consumer inflation to 4.4 percent in August, with the South African Reserve Bank warning that higher fuel prices could add to inflationary pressures. The increase takes the prime lending rate to 10.75 percent, making borrowing more expensive for households and businesses.Our economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, looks at what's behind the decision and what it means for consumers and the wider economy.

South African households are coming under renewed financial pressure after the country's central bank raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 7.25 percent.The move follows a rise in annual consumer inflation to 4.4 percent in August, with the South African Reserve Bank warning that higher fuel prices could add to inflationary pressures. The increase takes the prime lending rate to 10.75 percent, making borrowing more expensive for households and businesses.Our economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, looks at what's behind the decision and what it means for consumers and the wider economy.

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

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South Africans continue to feel financial pressure

Zimbabwe is looking to turn growing demand for blueberries in China into a new source of agricultural export earnings. The country shipped its first blueberries to China in July, following a phytosanitary agreement and China’s removal of tariffs on imports from 53 African countries.

However, farmers say access to affordable, long-term finance remains a major obstacle to expanding production.

Our Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, looks at whether Zimbabwe can turn this new market opportunity into broader agricultural growth.

Zimbabwe is looking to turn growing demand for blueberries in China into a new source of agricultural export earnings. The country shipped its first blueberries to China in July, following a phytosanitary agreement and China&rsquo;s removal of tariffs on imports from 53 African countries.
However, farmers say access to affordable, long-term finance remains a major obstacle to expanding production.
Our Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, looks at whether Zimbabwe can turn this new market opportunity into broader agricultural growth.

Zimbabwe eyes China blueberry market to boost exports despite financing challenges for farmers

Economists in Zambia have reacted positively at news that JPMorgan is set to launch its long-awaited "frontier" market local-currency government ​bond index by the end of September which will give investors a new benchmark for nearly $330 billion of debt across some of the ‌world's fastest-growing economies.

 Africa is said will receive almost 45% of the benchmark's total weighting. Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria are expected to be among the countries with the largest allocations while Angola and Zambia have also qualified, while other African participants are expected to include Kenya and Namibia.

For a perspective on this, Thambi Ngubeni spoke to Kelvin Chisanga, an economist based in Zambia.

Economists in Zambia have reacted positively at news that JPMorgan is set to launch its long-awaited "frontier" market local-currency government ​bond index by the end of September which will give investors a new benchmark for nearly $330 billion of debt across some of the &zwnj;world's fastest-growing economies.
&nbsp;Africa is said will receive almost 45% of the benchmark's total weighting. Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria are expected to be among the countries with the largest allocations while Angola and Zambia have also qualified, while other African participants are expected to include Kenya and Namibia.
For a perspective on this, Thambi Ngubeni spoke to Kelvin Chisanga, an economist based in Zambia.

Zambian economists hail inclusion in JPMorgan frontier bond index

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has decided to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points to7.25 % meaning the prime lending rate will increase to 10.75%.

This follows a meeting of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee. Increasing oil prices are the main driver behind the increasing inflation rate amid continued hostilities in the Middle East and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

The inflation rate is expected to increase to above 5% later this year or early next year. For a perspective on what this could mean for consumers who already stretched to the limit, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Harry Scherzer - CEO at Future Forex.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has decided to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points to7.25 % meaning the prime lending rate will increase to 10.75%.
This follows a meeting of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee. Increasing oil prices are the main driver behind the increasing inflation rate amid continued hostilities in the Middle East and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;
The inflation rate is expected to increase to above 5% later this year or early next year. For a perspective on what this could mean for consumers who already stretched to the limit, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Harry Scherzer - CEO at Future Forex.

South Africans continue to feel financial pressure

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