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issue 609 | 31 Aug 2025

Botswana / Qatar

Botswana’s President Duma Boko signs USD12-billion investment deal with Qatar

Botswana’s President Duma Boko recently announced an agreement with Qatar’s Al Mansour, aimed at addressing immediate national challenges, with the Gulf firm committing to USD12-billion in investments in various economic sectors. The deal signed in partnership with state-owned Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) will focus on key sectors including infrastructure, energy, mining, diamond refinement, agriculture, tourism, cybersecurity and defence, President Boko said in a post on Facebook. “This is just the beginning. I am proud to announce a landmark partnership between Al Mansour Holdings and the [BDC], with Al Mansour Holdings committing USD12-billion in investments to accelerate our national development goals,” President Boko said. Al Mansour is owned by Sheik Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani. Botswana has been one of Africa’s economic success stories. But that has been tested by a diamond market downturn, which caused GDP to contract 3% last year and could trigger another contraction this year. “This historic move will be enough to address immediate challenges facing the country,” said President Boko. The country has been working to diversify its diamond-dependent economy by attracting foreign investment and strengthening its position in global markets.

Source: Business Day

Kenya

Decoding sectional property, long-term lease, management company rights and sectional titles in Kenya

Kenya’s real estate sector has evolved rapidly, with apartments, gated communities, and mixed-use developments now common across the country. In tandem, legal structures have emerged to support clarity, sustainability, and order in property ownership and management. A key structure is the use of management companies, under which long-term leases are issued to serve as proof of ownership. This article launches our series Decoding sectional property, long-term lease, management company rights and sectional titles in Kenya, where we will explore the origins, role, and current legal framework governing management companies, the legal landscape of long-term leases and sectional titles in real estate developments. By breaking down the concepts into practical terms, we aim to demystify how these entities affect everyday homeowners and developers.

Source: ENS

Kenya

Kenya Airways wants to raise at least USD500-million to expand fleet

Kenya Airways aims to finalise plans to raise at least USD500-million in extra capital to expand and improve its fleet by the first quarter of next year, the airline said recently, after it reported a pretax loss in the first half. One of Africa's three biggest airlines, Kenya Airways posted a loss of KES12.17-billion (USD94.34-million) in the first half of this year, compared with a profit of KES634-million in the same period last year. The airline attributed the loss to a drop in revenue and passenger numbers caused by three of its planes - Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners - being out of commission for maintenance. CEO Allan Kilavuka told an investor briefing that one of the planes had resumed services in July, and said the airline was working to have a full fleet available by next year. He said the airline planned to identify the source of the additional capital and get shareholders' approval within the first three months of next year. "[We have] said the minimum that we are gunning for is about [USD500-million], which we believe (is) a minimum. That will address the fleet expansions that [we are] looking (for)," he said. The pretax profit that the airline posted in the first half of 2024 was the first it had made in over a decade.

Source: Reuters

Kenya / United States

Kenya, US agree to initiate plans on new trade deal as AGOA winds down in September

Kenya and the United States (US) have agreed to begin the process of negotiating a reciprocal trade deal as President Donald Trump’s administration doubles down on protectionism. The agreement sets stage for a new era of bilateral economic engagement as the current African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) deal nears its expiry in September. It follows the high-level meeting held in Washington, D.C. recently, where Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, led a delegation in discussions with the US Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The meeting builds on earlier talks held between the two states in March and May 2025. The talks, described by both sides as productive and forward-looking, underscored the urgency and mutual interest in establishing a structured and mutually beneficial trade framework. "Kenya is deeply interested in the commencement of formal negotiations with the US Government. A reciprocal trade agreement is crucial for securing long-term access to the US market for Kenyan products and will provide the stability needed to unlock new investments,” Kinyanjui said. 

Source: The Eastleigh Voice

Mauritania / Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, Mauritania form iron mining venture

Saudi Arabia and Mauritania are establishing a joint venture between Mauritania’s state-owned mining company Société Nationale Industrielle Minière and Saudi Arabia’s Hadeed to develop an iron ore mine in Mauritania with an annual output goal of 12 to 14 million tons. The two countries plan to enhance trade momentum by developing direct transport links to address logistical challenges posed by distance and the absence of a direct shipping route. Saudi investment in Mauritania has grown in recent years, especially in manufacturing and agriculture small and medium-sized enterprises. A joint business council has been formed to promote private-sector collaboration. Additionally, the Saudi Fund for Development currently provides USD340-million in active financing for Mauritanian projects, including the King Salman Hospital in Nouakchott and a water supply project for Kiffa. The Islamic Development Bank has allocated USD315-million for initiatives such as the Atar-Chinguetti Road and a specialised maternity and children’s hospital.

Source: Energy Capital & Power

Namibia

Homeowners now protected against home repossession

Namibians facing debt will now be better protected against losing their homes, after the Office of the Judiciary announced stricter rules for property sales in execution. The amendments were published in the Government Gazette on 22 August and took effect immediately. Judge President Petrus Damaseb said the amendments to the High Court rules are aimed at ensuring fairness in the way debts are recovered. The new rules mean that before a person’s primary home can be sold, judges are required to look at the debtor’s financial situation, payment history, and whether there are other ways to settle the debt. “The court must hold an inquiry to determine whether the sale of such immovable property is the most appropriate order to satisfy the judgement debt,” Damaseb said. He said only if the court is satisfied that selling the home is the last resort would the property be declared executable. The court also introduced more control over auctions to prevent ghost bidders who drive up prices but fail to pay, causing delays and losses. According to the amendments, deputy sheriffs are now allowed to demand deposits from bidders before auctions begin. “The deposit at a sale of movable property must not exceed NAD2 000, and the deposit at the sale of immovable property must not exceed NAD10 000,” Damaseb said. Additionally, remote or online bidding has been banned.

Source: The Namibian

Namibia

Mining sector sees notable improvement in global investment ranking

The Chamber of Mines of Namibia recently announced that the country has achieved a significant improvement in its mining investment attractiveness, according to the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2024. Namibia’s performance on the Investment Attractiveness Index rose by 10 points, from 56 in 2023 to 66 in 2024. This positive shift has elevated Namibia’s global ranking to 35th out of 82 jurisdictions, a notable jump from its 42nd position out of 86 surveyed jurisdictions in the previous year. In the African context, Namibia has maintained its strong standing, retaining its position as the fourth most attractive mining investment destination out of 20 jurisdictions surveyed. This consistent performance builds on a steady rise from its sixth place ranking in 2022. “As a mining industry, we are proud of Namibia’s improved ranking in the global investment landscape for mining, and increasing competitiveness among its African peers as a sought-after mining investment jurisdiction…” said George Botshiwe, President of the Chamber of Mines. 

Source: Namibia Economist

Namibia

Namibian entities partner on green industrial development

The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) – an initiative targeting the production of between 10 and 12 million tons of green hydrogen per year by 2050 – has signed an agreement with rare earth mining firm Broadmind Mining and green iron manufacturer Hylron to codevelop a green industrial value chain. The partnership aims to integrate mining, beneficiation and green steel production, advancing Namibia’s local mineral beneficiation strategy. Broadmind Mining will supply rare earths and iron ore, while Hylron will contribute green iron manufacturing technology. NGH2P will provide in-country support, including capital raising and stakeholder coordination, under the terms of the agreement. According to James Mnyupe, Head of NGH2P, the agreement showcases how multi-sector cooperation can accelerate Namibia’s agenda to “create local green jobs, boost economic diversification and enable the production of future-proof materials for the global clean energy transition.” The deal represents NGH2P’s first partnership under its Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan, through which the agency seeks to unlock USD250-million in climate finance.

Source: Energy Capital & Power

Namibia

Traders urged to harness intra-Africa trade

Deputy Prime Minister Natangwe Ithete has urged Namibian traders to use the 2025 Intra-Africa Trade Fair to expand into continental markets. He was speaking at the official opening of the 24th edition of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair recently. Highlighting the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to open borders and create large markets, Ithete urged Namibians to use the country’s position as a gateway to Africa to showcase their products. “Our leather shoes, beef and crafts can find buyers from across our borders. Let us continue to add value to our raw materials, use trade fairs to launch such products and seize the AfCFTA opportunity to expand exports and attract investment,” he said. Hosted under the theme Innovate, Connect, Prosper, the trade fair allows entrepreneurs to expose and promote products to a market of over one billion consumers. “There is power in marketing your products here at trade fairs, because it gives you access to a wide market, including over one billion consumers through the [AfCFTA],” he said. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a thriving local business environment to reduce unemployment and foster sustainable livelihoods.

Source: The Namibian

Nigeria

NACCIMA, Nigeria customs forge strategic partnership to boost trade facilitation

In a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s trade environment, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, cross-border commerce, and the ease of doing business in the country. The initiative was formalised during a courtesy and working visit by NACCIMA National President and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, Jani Ibrahim, to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. Discussions during the high-level meeting focused on deepening collaboration between the private sector and customs, with a particular emphasis on improving customs formalities, streamlining cross-border trade processes, and accelerating the automation of customs services to better serve Nigerian businesses. Both parties commended each other’s commitment to cooperation, describing the engagement as a pivotal step toward achieving a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly trade ecosystem in Nigeria. Speaking after the meeting, officials from both NACCIMA and the NCS expressed optimism that the partnership would usher in a new era of synergy between the public and private sectors in trade operations – aligning with Nigeria’s broader economic growth agenda.

Source: This Day

Nigeria

Nigeria launches solar energy plan, Petrobras to return

Nigeria has launched the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), a programme designed to expand solar energy infrastructure and boost economic development. The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, signed a memorandum of understanding recently with key agencies to kickstart the project. The ceremony at the Budget Office in Abuja marked a major step towards sustainable energy and innovative financing, the signatories said. Partners include the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria. The NPSSI aims to reach 75.5 million Nigerians through solar deployment while “stimulating local manufacturing, job creation, and skills development.” Yakubu described the initiative as a strategic effort to bridge the energy gap and drive growth, citing collaboration with REA and MOFI to unlock funding and strengthen domestic capacity. REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar Aliyu said the project was about more than power supply. “The NPSSI is not just about providing electricity, [it is] about energising education, empowering communities and creating a sustainable future,” he said.

Source: ESI Africa

Senegal

IMF staff concludes visit to Senegal

A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Mr Edward Gemayel, visited Senegal from 19-26 August 2025, to discuss corrective measures following the Court of Auditors' report published on 12 February 2025. The mission engaged with the authorities on actions needed to address the misreporting case before consideration by the IMF Executive Board, reviewed the current debt situation, and exchanged views on the contours of a potential new IMF-supported programme. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr Gemayel issued the following statement, in part: "The IMF staff team commended the Senegalese authorities on their commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability, following their disclosure of the large misreporting that occurred over the past few years. We have had productive discussions with the authorities on corrective measures aimed at strengthening transparency in public financial management, ensuring reliable budget execution reports, and preserving fiscal sustainability. These measures will help address the systemic issues identified in the Court of Auditors’ report, which confirmed significant data misreporting for the 2019-2023 period.”

Source: IMF

Tanzania

AfDB and Tanzania launch USD63.2-million TANIPAC initiative to combat aflatoxin contamination and boost agricultural trade

The African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Tanzania and the Global Agriculture Food Security Program (GAFSP) have officially launched the Tanzania Initiative for Preventing Aflatoxin Contamination (TANIPAC), marking a transformative step in the country's efforts to ensure food safety, protect public health, and strengthen agricultural exports. President Samia Suluhu Hassan presided over the launch ceremony in Dodoma, which brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners, farmer cooperatives, and international organisations. The event featured demonstrations of best practice in post-harvest handling and aflatoxin mitigation techniques. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by certain types of moulds that grow on crops like maize, groundnuts and rice. The initiative is funded through a collaborative partnership: the AfDB is contributing USD9.2-million, the GAFSP will provide USD20-million, and the Government of Tanzania has committed USD34-million.

Source: AfDB

Tanzania

Tanzania launches ‘Jahazi’ for sustainable marine growth

Tanzania’s marine conservation efforts have received a boost following the launch of a new initiative aimed at tackling illegal fishing and safeguarding marine resources along the East African coast. Led by continent-focused organisation Ascending Africa, The Jahazi Project seeks to revitalise East Africa’s blue economy while ensuring the sustainability of its marine resources. Unveiled in Dar es Salaam recently, the initiative replaces Ascending Africa’s earlier programme Kilindini and is designed to strengthen regional collaboration in protecting the blue economy, projected to reach USD405-billion by 2030. The project comes at a critical time as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF) continues to drain East Africa of an estimated USD415-million annually, threatening fish stocks that millions depend on for food security and livelihoods. “Jahazi,” a Kiswahili word for a traditional dhow, symbolises Tanzania’s and the region’s maritime heritage, while reflecting the project’s goal of steering coastal communities towards sustainable prosperity. “The blue economy holds enormous potential for East Africa, but this promise is at risk. IUUF and unsustainable practices threaten both our oceans and the livelihoods of millions,” said spokesperson for The Jahazi Project, Mr Michael Mallya.

Source: The Citizen

Tanzania

TRA: Tax evasion costs Tanzania 1.3% of GDP

Tax evasion in Tanzania accounts for 1.3% of the country’s GDP, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) revealed on Friday, 22 August 2025. The taxman warned that offenders will face legal consequences as the agency intensifies its crackdown by establishing special facilitation desks nationwide. TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda made the remarks during a high-level consultative meeting with private sector leaders in Dar es Salaam, where discussions focused on enhancing compliance and identifying sustainable measures to close revenue gaps. He said Tanzania’s tax-to-GDP ratio is 13.7%, below the sub-Saharan Africa average of 15%, indicating substantial revenue lost to tax evasion. “We discussed various ways in which we can support the growth of businesses. On the customer side, we will enhance systems to make it easier for businesses to operate profitably and pay the correct taxes. There will also be campaigns to raise awareness and encourage compliance,” he told journalists during a briefing. According to him, TRA’s strategy is to broaden the tax base by formalising informal businesses and introducing trade desks to guide operators. “This approach will reduce the overall tax burden, enabling a gradual decrease in rates,” Mr Mwenda added.

Source: The Citizen

Togo / Guinea-Bissau

Togo’s ZIH to acquire Petrogal Guinea-Bissau assets

Togolese energy company Zener International Holding (ZIH) will acquire the assets of Petrogal Guinea-Bissau, previously owned by Portugal’s Galp Energia. ZIH has raised F.CFA13.5-billion to expand operations in the country. The financing was structured by Ecobank through its subsidiary EDC Investment Corporation. The assets include petrol stations, strategic fuel and gas depots and aviation storage facilities across the country. Regional financial institutions, including the West African Development Bank contributed F.CFA5-billion in June 2025, supporting the pooled financing required for the acquisition. “Taking over Petrogal [Guinea-Bissau] means establishing a long-term foothold in a high-potential market and promoting a vision of locally invested, forward-looking energy,” said Jonas Aklesso Daou, President, ZIH. Zener secured EUR16.2-million from the International Finance Corporation in 2022, funding liquefied petroleum gas storage expansion, the establishment of five service stations with gas cylinder exchange modules and solar kits and other energy transition infrastructure improvements.

Source: Energy Capital & Power

Uganda

Can government sufficiently tax the mining sector?

With development assistance declining government is searching in all corners. Donor taps have been closing in key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. This has necessitated stringent measures under the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Strategy to rally resources. Thus, the dynamics at play make boosting domestic revenue essential. In 2019, government launched the Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to between 16% and 18% in five years, which, at under 14%, remains low, an indication that a significant part of the country’s economic activities are not taxed. Thus, as mitigation, a successor revenue mobilisation strategy was designed by the Ministry of Finance for the period between 2025 and 2029. The strategy focuses on raising revenue, attracting investment, and ensuring fairness in the tax system. The mining sector, particularly oil, gas, and minerals, is key to achieving this goal, with provisions under extractives revenue governance. However, early feedback shows limited stakeholder consultation, risking a strategy that may not fully optimise revenue potential. Experts and stakeholders are, therefore, urging government to take stock of past failures before setting new revenue ambitions.

Source: Monitor

Zambia

Putting a shine on Zambia’s copper sector

Zambia’s copper sector is showing strong signs of recovery, driven by government interventions and improved mine performance. According to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, total copper output rose 17.78% in the first five months of 2025 to 439 644t, up from 373 263.94t in the same period last year. Much of this expansion is linked to state-sponsored support for major operations. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) reported a 3.92% increase in production after recapitalisation, while Mopani Copper Mines recorded a 60.38% rise after management restructuring. Kansanshi output grew by 11.94%, and Chibuluma had a 43.47% increase as mining activity expanded. “Zambia’s copper recovery has been supported by improved compliance, stronger reporting from small-scale processors and enhanced large-scale mine performance,” says Permanent Secretary for Mines Hapenga Kabeta. He says output from small-scale processing facilities rose 50.06% because of better production tracking. “We expect copper output to continue to increase as KCM and Mopani approach full capacity. Stability and ensuring Zambia benefits from higher global commodity prices remain our priorities.” 

Source: Business Live

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe brings back maize import ban after bumper harvest

Zimbabwe has brought back a ban on maize imports to boost local farmers, and has grown enough of its own this year to supply its millers after a bumper harvest, a senior agriculture ministry official said recently. Improved rainfall boosted output and reversed a sharp decline last year when an El Niño-induced drought forced the country to rely on imports, including genetically modified maize. "We assess the situation every day. We must protect local purchases from our local farmers," Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, told Reuters. Zimbabwe, which consumes about 1.8 million metric tons of maize annually, saw production fall to around 800 000 metric tons in 2023/24 from 2.3 million metric tons two years earlier. That crisis prompted the southern African government to temporarily lift import restrictions to ease food shortages. Jiri said this year's recovery, combined with state support programmes such as the Pfumvudza smallholder scheme, has left the country with enough stocks. Independent analyst Paul Chidziva warned that Zimbabwe's agriculture sector - which employs around 70% of the population - remains vulnerable to droughts and other extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. The government is promoting drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum and millet.

Source: Reuters