Introduction
East Africa continues to attract significant investment, thanks to its skilled workforce, abundant natural resources, and access to a vast consumer market. The 2025 East Africa Report offers the latest regulatory updates relevant to investors across the region.
It also features a special podcast episode hosted by ENS Executive in Ghana, David A. Asiedu, who engages in insightful conversations with our East African Office Heads, including Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Together, they unpack the key trends, strategic initiatives, and evolving business landscape shaping investment opportunities in East Africa. Click the 2024 button for last year’s update and do not forget to check back later for our 2025 Africa Regulatory Report.
- The Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, effective from 20 June 2025, amends various laws to strengthen Kenya’s legal and regulatory framework for anti-money laundering, combatting terrorism financing, and proliferation financing, including the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (Cap. 59A); the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Cap. 59B); the Retirement Benefits Act (Cap. 197); the Mining Act (Cap. 306); the Sacco Societies Act (Cap. 490B); the Accountants Act (Cap. 531); Estate Agents Act (Cap. 533); the Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Act (Cap. 534); and the Public Benefits Organizations Act, 2013. The amendments aim to clarify the roles and responsibilities of regulatory bodies and expand the scope of specified institutions and activities.
- The Energy (Energy Management) Regulations, 2025, dated 7 February 2025, aim to promote energy management in commercial, industrial and institutional facilities with the objective of reducing energy consumption per unit of production. The Regulations apply to owners of designated facilities, energy auditors, energy audit firms, energy managers, and energy service companies.
- The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, dated 1 October 2024, amend the Seventh Schedule to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012 to introduce a “Class N: Digital Nomad” permit. A Digital Nomad is a person who has been offered employment by a company based outside of Kenya but works remotely from the country, or a freelancer remotely working from Kenya for a company based outside the country. Such a person must possess a valid passport; provide proof of remote work; have an assured annual income of USD55 000 derived from sources outside Kenya; provide proof of accommodation arrangements in Kenya; present a clean criminal record from the country of habitual residence; and undertake not to accept paid or unpaid employment or engage in any income generating activities for an employer or company domiciled in Kenya. Such person’s presence in Kenya should be of benefit to the country.
- The Capital Market Guidelines No. 003/CMA_G/2024 of 09/12/2024 on Issuance of Green, Social, Sustainability and Other Labels (“GSS+”) Bonds, signed on and effective from 9 December 2024, aim to guide issuers on how to raise funds through the issuance of GSS+ bonds. The GSS+ Bond Guidelines and Regulation No. 15 for Issuance of Capital Market Debt Securities apply mutatis mutandis to the issuance of any GSS+ bond. The Guidelines provide for the disclosure and interim reporting obligations for issuers of GSS+ bonds, procedures for issuance of GSS+ bonds and obligations of the Capital Market Authority of Rwanda.
- The Draft Law Relating to Competition and Consumer Protection seeks to address anti-competitive conduct and unfair trading practices; and emerging market trends affecting consumer protection, such as e-commerce, pyramid schemes, and multi-level marketing. The Law will modernise and expand the country’s regulatory framework by replacing the 2012 law and introducing several significant updates to address evolving market realities and policy priorities. Key innovations include a broader definition of “consumer” to cover indirect users; a strengthened merger control regime with mandatory notifications and public interest tests; and the first statutory framework for e-commerce, setting clear obligations for online sellers and intermediaries. The Law will grant the Regulatory Authority enhanced investigative and enforcement powers, while also introducing leniency and settlement mechanisms to encourage voluntary compliance. New provisions will regulate multi-level marketing; require ex-ante review of state subsidies; mandate cooperation among regulators; and integrate sustainability and climate objectives, ensuring Rwanda’s regime aligns with regional and international best practice and supports innovation, digitalisation and consumer welfare.
- Regulation No. 84/2024 of 31/10/2024 on Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Internal Controls Requirements for Insurance Business, effective from 25 November 2024, repeals Regulation No. 11/2017 of 23/11/2017 on Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Internal Controls Requirements for Insurance Business and all prior provisions contrary to this Regulation. The Regulation applies to tier I insurers (insurers and reinsurers whose total assets amount to at least RWF20-billion); tier II insurers (insurers whose total assets amount to less than RWF20-billion); tier III insurers (special insurers); and public insurers classified as tier I, irrespective of the value of their total assets, where their governing regulations are silent on certain aspects. The Regulation establishes requirements for corporate governance, risk management and internal controls for insurance business.
- The Guidelines on Reporting of Sustainability Related Risks and Opportunities for Banks and Financial Institutions, 2025, apply to all banks and financial institutions and aim to guide the disclosure of information on sustainability-related risks and opportunities - that could reasonably affect a bank or financial institution’s cash flow, access to finance or cost of capital - to existing and potential investors, lenders, creditors and other stakeholders who rely on general-purpose financial reports when making decisions on providing or acquiring resources, policy making and other activities relating to a particular bank or financial institution.
- The Capital Markets and Securities (Corporate and Subnational Sustainability Bonds) Regulations, 2025, dated 23 May 2025, apply to all issuers of sustainability bonds in Tanzania and set out the terms and conditions for the issuance of sustainability bonds. The Regulations aim to widen the scope of financing projects that have environmental or socially positive impacts; set conditions for the management of bond proceeds and disclosures; and provide guidance for the issuance of corporate and subnational (municipal) sustainability bonds. The Regulations also promote financial inclusion by including segments of society previously excluded; support professional development in sustainable finance; and enhance diversity of capital market products and market liquidity.
- The Environmental Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, dated 14 March 2025, amends the Environmental Management Act (Cap. 191) to, among others, provide for the establishment of the National Carbon Monitoring Centre for the purpose of coordinating activities relating to the management of greenhouse gases and carbon trade, and set out its functions, governance and funding; clarify the functions of the Director of Environment for purposes of addressing climate change; designate the National Environmental Advisory Committee as the National Climate Change Steering Committee and set out its functions; and provide that a “Strategic Environmental Assessment” shall include a climate change impact and vulnerability assessment. The objective of a climate change impact and vulnerability assessment is to identify areas or regions that are mostly susceptible to the impact of climate change and design effective adaptation actions for decision-making; and require the National Carbon Monitoring Centre to establish and operate the Greenhouse Gas Inventory System, which shall serve as a comprehensive tool to measure, report and manage greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors.
With appreciation for the contributions of Kilindu Giattas & Partners to this publication.
- The Capital Markets Authority (Conduct of Business) Regulations, 2025 repeal the Capital Markets (Conduct of Business) Regulations, (S.I. 84-5) and the Capital Markets (Registers of Interests in Securities) Regulations, (S.I. 84-6). The Regulations prescribe the principles and standards governing the conduct of approved persons in capital markets, and establish comprehensive requirements for integrity, fair dealing, client protection, conflict management, record-keeping, compliance and risk management. They apply to all market participants, including brokers, fund managers and custodians, and impose strict obligations for transparency, disclosure and regulatory reporting to safeguard market integrity and strengthen investor confidence.
- The Capital Markets Authority (Corporate Governance) Regulations, 2025 apply, subject to section 14 and Table F of the Companies Act, (Cap. 106) to all public listed companies and licensed market intermediaries. The Regulations codify detailed governance requirements on board structure, nomination, remuneration, risk management, disclosure, and shareholder engagement and empower the Capital Markets Authority to investigate and sanction non-compliance. The Regulations are designed to foster transparency, accountability and long-term resilience in Uganda’s capital markets. Public listed companies and market intermediaries have a 12-month transition period to achieve full compliance with the Regulations.
- The Capital Markets Authority (Licensing and Approval) Regulations, 2025 repeal the Capital Markets Authority (Licensing) Regulations, (SI. 84-1), the Capital Markets Authority (Establishment of Stock Exchanges) Regulations, (SI. 84-3) and the Capital Markets Authority (Fund Managers) Regulations, 2004. The Regulations establish comprehensive procedures and requirements for licensing, approval and oversight of capital market participants in Uganda, including exchanges, brokers, fund managers and related entities. The Regulations emphasise market integrity, investor protection, fit and proper standards for key personnel, robust governance, transparency and operational resilience. They also set out disciplinary measures, application processes and ongoing compliance obligations to ensure orderly, fair and efficient functioning of Uganda’s capital markets, while aligning with international best practices and supporting market development.
- The Capital Markets Authority (Offer of Securities) Regulations, 2025 repeal the Capital Markets Authority (Prospectus Requirements) Regulations, (SI. 84-2) and the Capital Markets (Cross Border Introductions) Regulations, 2004. The Regulations establish comprehensive rules for the public and private offering of securities in Uganda. The Regulations emphasise transparency, investor protection, and market integrity by detailing requirements for prospectuses, disclosures, approvals and ongoing reporting. The Regulations set eligibility criteria for issuers; outline procedures for listing, and specify penalties for non-compliance. The Regulations aim to foster a fair, efficient and well-regulated capital market, ensuring that all market participants adhere to high standards of disclosure and accountability.
Click on a name below in order to download a PDF of our "doing business guide" for that country:
KENYA
Nigel Shaw
Head | Kenya
Nigel Shaw is the Managing Partner at ENS in Kenya. He specialises in Real Estate, Energy, Immigration & Private Client work.
RWANDA
Désiré Kamanzi
Head | Rwanda
Désiré Kamanzi is Head of ENS in Rwanda. He is an advocate in business law, with a focus on commercial, contract, banking and finance, energy and infrastructure, labour and employment, mining, telecommunications and alternative dispute resolution.
UGANDA
Rachel Musoke
Head | Uganda
Rachel Musoke is the Head of ENS in Uganda.
She specialises in banking and finance, real estate/property, project finance, and employment law.
Burundi
- Herbert Fyiroko | Brassieres et Limonderies du Burundi Brarudi
Ethiopia
- Ermias Abebe Addis | Ethiopian Airlines Group
- Getachew Mengeste | Safaricom Ethiopia
- Gizachew Shiferaw Ejjigu | Ethio Telecom
- Melkam Shewafera Teklearegay | Ethiopian Engineering Corporation - Construction
- Nega Mirete Yilma | BGI Ethiopia
- Tesfaye Mazengia | Inchcape
Kenya
- Angela Mukora | The Coca Cola Company (Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa)
- Annette Kahama | AGRA
- Austin Ouko | Kenya Electricity Generating Company
- Beatrice Njeru | Stanbic Bank Kenya
- Belinda Nganga | Kenya Airways
- Belinda Odera | Serengeti Energy
- Benedicta Kiara | OLA Energy
- Bob Maina | Ola Energy
- Bonnie Okumu | KCB Bank Kenya
- Brenda Aluoch | Standard Chartered Bank
- Cynthia Opakas | GreenMax Capital
- Dammary Etemesi Yvonne | Zamara Kenya
- Daniel Wandera | Ramco
- David M. Bamlango | Trade and Development Bank Group - TDB Group
- Dr. Davidson Mghanga Mwaisaka | Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
- Elisha Nyikuli | Access Bank
- Elizabeth Kimura | International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Elizabeth Njendu | PwC
- Emma Wachira | Sanlam Kenya
- Evelyn Gachanjah | Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
- Fred W. Waithaka | Safaricom
- Gail Akinyi Odongo | CIC Insurance Group
- Habil Anyanzwa Waswani | Kenya Airways
- Hilda Marigu Njeru | Britam Holdings and Group
- Ibrahim Kitoo | Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
- Iddah Asin | International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA)
- Isaac Kibere | M-PESA Africa
- Jacqueline Onsando | Africa Logistics Group
- Jesse Zigmund | M-KOPA Solar
- Jimmy K. Mnene | WPP Scangroup
- Joyce Njeri Munene | Bamburi Cement
- Judy Njeru | Liquid Intelligent Technologies
- Julie Ojwaya | M-Pesa Africa
- June Opiyo | Stanbic Bank Kenya
- Kennedy Abuga | CBK
- Kennedy Ngugi | Jumia Group
- Keziah Rutto | Interswitch East Africa
- Lillian Mugo | Airtel Networks Kenya
- Lorna Solopian | Pearl Dairy Farms
- Mark Lavi | American Tower
- Martin Kimani Gichia | Network International
- Meimuna Abdullahi | Premier Bank Kenya
- Mercy Mutindi | Wasoko
- Mercy Wairua | GuarantCo
- Mical Agina | Cold Solutions
- Nadida Rowlands | East African Breweries
- Nannette Mingi | Old Mutual
- Naomi Kiuna | Ecobank Group
- Nereah Aluoch Okanga | Absa bank Kenya
- Njeri Waitimu | DIB Bank Kenya
- Nyawira Kubi | MTC Trust & Corporate Services
- Patricia Nyokabi Mbugua | Standard Chartered Bank
- Paul Mutegi | Shop and Deliver
- Paul Ndungi | Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya)
- Pepe Carrillo | Sands Technologies
- Peris Wairimu | I&M Bank
- Regina Anyika | HF Group
- Rita Mwangi | Simba Corporation
- Ruth Mabele | Rubis Energy Kenya
- Ruth Muasya | Victoria Commercial Bank
- Samuel M. Kibugi | Co-operative Bank
- Sarah Cherop Teko | TPS Easter Africa (Serena Hotels)
- Sekou Owino | Nation Media Group
- Steve Atenya | NCBA Bank Kenya
- Waeni Ngea | British American Tobacco
- Wambui Kosgey | Prudential Africa
- Wangechi Gichuki | Safaricom
- Waweru Mathenge | Equity Bank Kenya
- Zipporah Msagha | Mondelez International
Kenya/Uganda
- Zainab Bachoo | Bulkstream
Rwanda
- Angela Padua Mutesi | Ecobank
- Brice Manzi | BPR Rwanda Bank
- David Karuhanga | Bralirwa, Part of the Heineken
- Doreen Gahongayire Karake | Ruzizi III Energy
- Esther Gathoni Kariuki | Africa for The Alliance of Biodiversity International and The International Center for Tropical Agriculture, (CIAT)
- Gloria Tengera | Development Bank of Rwanda
- Landry Subira | pawaPay
- Loyce Bamwine | Equity Bank Rwanda
- Octave Ngenzi | Energy Utility Corporation (EUCL)
- Pascaline Umutesi | EPC Africa Group
- Reine Kamagaju | Rwanda Energy Group
- Sharon Mazimhaka | MTN Rwanda
- Tristan Minyati | Trinity Metals Group
Tanzania
- Angela Caramaschi | Shell Exploration and Production Tanzania
- Desmond Alexander Malyi | Absa bank Tanzania
- Edward Mhande | GTBank
- Elizabeth Muro | Serengeti Breweries
- Frida Shirima | KCB Bank Tanzania
- Jacqueline Willbrod Kalaze | Vodacom Tanzania
- Juliana Robert Kombe | Stanbic Bank Tanzania
- Monica Joseph Mushi | Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company
- Niwaeli Mziray | NCBA Bank Tanzania
- Olaf Mumburi | Vodacom Tanzania
- Pascal Thomas Mihayo | CRDB Bank
- Victoria Lupembe | Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania
- Walarick Nittu | Standard Chartered Bank of Tanzania
Uganda
- Agnes Ssali | Uganda Breweries
- Alice Nalwoga | Stanbic Bank
- Allan Franklin Rwakakooko | Umeme
- Anne Abeja | Housing Finance Bank
- Brenda Magoba | The Centenary Group
- Candy Wekesa Okoboi | Stanbic Bank Uganda
- Diana Nyakoto | Hima Cement
- Edward Ocen | Absa Bank Kenya
- Elewa Apamaku | Uganda Development Bank
- Gloria Matovu Kawooya | Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank
- Innocent Kyakuha | Centenary Bank
- Jacinta Akino | Uganda Securities Exchange
- John W. Nambale | Exim Bank Uganda
- Mark Turyamureba | ATC Uganda
- Max Manzi | BRAC Uganda Bank
- Paul Ainembabazi Kashaija | Jubilee Allianz General Insurance Company
- Philo Nyadoi Elizabeth | UAP Old Mutual Insurance Uganda and Old Mutual Investment Group Uganda (OMIG)
- Rita Kabatunzi | Stanbic Bank
- Sarah Rubombora Kansiime | Eagle Air Uganda
- Shamim Nambuusi | United Bank for Africa
- Stella Keshubi | Standard Chartered Bank Uganda
- Susan Batuuka | Uganda Airlines
- The Bank of Ghana Climate-Related Financial Risk Directive, 2024, dated November 2024, applies to Regulated Financial Institutions (“RFIs”) in Ghana. This Directive aims to ensure that these RFIs properly identify and mitigate climate-related financial risks that could impact their business operations. They will be required to integrate climate risk considerations into their existing risk management frameworks and implement proactive measures to address these emerging threats. The effective implementation date of this Directive is 1 January 2026 in the case of banks, and 1 January 2027 in the case of Specialized Deposit-taking Institutions (“SDIs“”) and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (“NBFIs”). RFIs are required to align their governance arrangements, risk management frameworks and internal policies and processes with the requirements of this Directive by 31 December 2025 in the case of banks, and 31 December 2026 in the case of SDIs and NBFIs. The Directive must be read in conjunction with the Risk Management Directive dated 2021 and, where applicable, the Ghana Sustainable Banking Principles and Sector Guidance Notes, 2019. To facilitate the monitoring of implementation of this Directive by the Bank of Ghana, RFIs must provide quarterly updates on the initiatives being undertaken to ensure compliance with this Directive.
- The Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, 2024, assented to on 11 September 2024, aims to achieve gender equity in the political, social, economic, educational and cultural spheres of society. It provides that the implementation of this Act and the attainment of the targets will be progressive and subject to evaluation as outlined in the First Schedule, which sets out the process for measuring progressive compliance with the targets. The Act provides that the government will promote policies and programmes to redress the political, social, economic and educational gender imbalance in the public and private sectors. Private sector employers must submit gender policies and plans to the Gender Equity Committee for the progressive achievement of targets from 2024 to 2034 within 12 months of the Act coming into effect, with an evaluation every four years. The Minister responsible for Gender, Children and Social Protection may also require an institution or a body to provide gender disaggregated statistics.
- The Environmental Protection Act, 2025, assented to on 6 January 2025, inter alia repeals the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016 and sets out transitional arrangements. Despite the repeal of the enactments, any regulations, rules, by-laws, notices, orders, directions, appointments or any other act lawfully made under the repealed enactments which may come into force immediately before the coming into force of this Act will be considered to have been made under this Act and will continue to have effect until reviewed, cancelled or terminated. The Act aims to consolidate laws relating to environmental protection and establish the Environmental Protection Authority to regulate and protect the environment; provide for pesticide control and regulation; provide for the control, management and disposal of hazardous waste and electrical and electronic waste; and provide for the coordination of climate change response measures.
- The Investments and Securities Act, 2025, dated 2 May 2025, repeals the Investment and Securities Act, 2007. The Act establishes the Securities and Exchange Commission as the highest regulatory authority for the Nigerian capital market and regulates the market to ensure proper capital formation, the protection of investors, maintenance of fair, efficient and transparent markets; and a reduction of systemic risks.
- The Code of Corporate Governance for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, 2025, provides a comprehensive framework for the governance of licensees in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (“NESI”) and relevant principles and best practices to promote transparency, accountability and ethical conduct among operators in the NESI. The Code applies to all persons who are licensed to engage in the business of generation, distribution, transmission, system operations, supply or trading in electricity in the NESI. The Code aims to strengthen governance structures, enhance investor and public confidence, and ensure sustainable and efficient operations across the electricity sector.
- The Collective Management Regulations, 2025, dated 28 January 2025, provide a legal framework for the approval, membership, management and obligations of Collective Management Organizations (“CMOs”). CMOs are responsible for administering the rights of authors and copyright owners in accordance with the Copyright Act, 2022 and the provisions of these Regulations; monitoring the exploitation of the rights entrusted to them and the use of works associated with those rights; negotiating and granting copyright licences on behalf of copyright owners; collecting royalties which accrue from the use of copyright works; distributing collected royalties to copyright owners; assisting their members to enforce their rights under the Copyright Act, 2022; and providing social, cultural and educational services for the benefit of their members.
With appreciation for the contributions of ǼLEX to this publication.
- The Virtual Assets Act, 2025, effective from 24 January 2025 in terms of the Virtual Assets Act (Date of Commencement) Order, 2025, dated 24 January 2025, repeals the Virtual Assets Act, 2022 and regulates the sale and trade of virtual assets and the licensing of virtual asset service providers and issuers of initial token offerings.
- The Data Protection Act, 2024, effective from 14 January 2025 in terms of the Data Protection Act (Date of Commencement) Order, 2025, dated 13 January 2025, applies to automated processing of all or part of personal data by a data controller or data processor established in Botswana and non-automated processing, by a data controller or data processor established in Botswana, of personal data contained in a file or intended to form part of a filing system. The Act provides for the continuation of the Information and Data Protection Commission; regulates the protection of personal data; and aims to ensure that the privacy of individuals in relation to their personal data is maintained.
- The Mines and Minerals (Amendment) Act, 2024, dated 11 October 2024, shall come into operation on a date to be determined by the Minister by Order published in the gazette. The Act amends the Mines and Minerals Act (Cap. 66:01) to, among others, introduce stricter environmental and safety regulations; and local beneficiation requirements and citizen preference in procurement. The Act imposes tighter controls over the transfer of licences and the change in ownership of licences.
With appreciation for the contributions of Akheel Jinabhai & Associates (in association with Mckee Commercial Law) to this publication.
- The Insolvency Act (Commencement) Notice, 2025, dated 21 March 2025, provides that the Insolvency Act, 2022 is effective from 1 April 2025. However, PART 8 dealing with the Insolvency Regulator shall come into effect at a later date to be announced by the Minister by way of Notice published in the gazette. The Insolvency Act, 2022 simplifies and shortens the winding up process of body corporates, other institutions and individuals. It provides for the establishment of the Insolvency Regulator and its functions and powers, which include regulating insolvency practices in Lesotho.
- The Labour Act Wages (Minimum Wages) Notice, 2025, effective from 28 March 2025, being the date of its publication in the gazette, repeals the Labour Code (Minimum Wages) Notice, 2024. The Notice sets out the basic minimum wages for employees across various sectors and industries, and organises them into two categories – those who have been employed for more than 12 months and those who have been employed for less than 12 months of continuous service with the same employer.
- The Fuel and Services Control Regulations, 2025, dated 13 June 2025 and effective three months after its publication in the gazette, repeal the Fuel and Services Control (Importation of Petroleum Products) Regulations, 1999. The Regulations apply to any person who explores, extracts, refines, imports, exports, stores, transports, markets or retails petroleum products in Lesotho and apply to licences issued after the coming into effect of the Regulations and to the renewal of existing licences. The Regulations aim to establish clear criteria for reviewing licence applications to engage in businesses in the oil industry and outline the licensing process; establish a verification committee and enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance with the provisions of these Regulations; prescribe minimum capacity for a storage facility; and promote the active participation of citizens of Lesotho in the oil industry.
With appreciation for the contributions of Mayet & Associates to this publication.
- The Financial Crimes Commission (Amendment) Act, 2025, gazetted on 19 July 2025, amends the Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2023 to empower the Financial Crimes Commission (“FCC”) and the Police to conduct joint investigations into offences set out under the Act; and set out a framework for cooperation between the FCC and the Police, including procedures for initiating and conducting joint investigations, and the requirement for notification and coordination between the two bodies.
- The Disclosure and Reporting Guidelines for ESG Funds, issued by the Financial Services Commission on 10 March 2025 and effective from 24 March 2025, apply to authorised Collective Investment Schemes and Closed-end Funds which use or include environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors as their key investment focus and strategy (“ESG Schemes”). The Guidelines – which are published for investment businesses with embedded ESG strategies or objectives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or other widely accepted goals – aim to provide investment businesses with sufficient information on their ESG strategies and products for investors to make better-informed decisions. ESG Schemes must, on an annual basis, submit a sustainability report to the Financial Services Commission and its investors, disclosing the information specified in the Guidelines.
- The Private Recruitment Agencies Regulations, 2024, effective from 16 October 2024, repeal the Recruitment of Workers Regulations 1994. The Regulations set out the procedure and requirements for an application to operate a private recruitment agency for the recruitment of Mauritian citizens for employment in Mauritius, Mauritian citizens for employment abroad, or non-citizens for employment in Mauritius. The Regulations also provide for the application procedure for the renewal of a licence; the issuance of duplicate licences; the recruitment fees charged by a private recruitment agency; and the requirements for contracts of employment. Any person who contravenes these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding MUR100 000 and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
- The Directive on the Regularisation of Cross-Border Low-Value Electronic Funds Transfers (“EFT”) Within the Common Monetary Area (“CMA”), dated 31 March 2025, directs payment service providers processing cross-border low-value EFT transactions within the CMA to transition from the temporary settlement arrangement via the Southern African Development Community real-time gross settlement (SADC-RTGS) system and other inappropriate systems to the Transactions Cleared on an Immediate Basis (TCIB) payment scheme. The Directive aims to ensure that payment service providers facilitate the execution of low-value cross-border EFTs in a manner that promotes transparency, efficiency and cost-effectiveness for users and businesses.
- The Guidelines on Climate-Related Financial Risks and Disclosure Requirements (BIG-5/2025), effective from 1 July 2025, apply to Domestically Systematically Important Banks (“DSIBs”) on a comply-or-explain basis and provide essential principles for effective management and integration of climate-related financial risks in the operations of DSIBs. The Guidelines further provide disclosure requirements for DSIBs to ensure that customers and other key stakeholders are provided with meaningful information pertaining to their risk exposure and the management of climate-related financial risks. By adopting these Guidelines, banking institutions can enhance their resilience to climate-related financial risks and ensure transparency in terms of their exposure and management of climate-related financial risks.
- The Regulations for Decommissioning of Facilities: Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act, 2005, dated 20 March 2025, apply to various specified facilities and establish the safety requirements applicable to the decommissioning of facilities, including the planning, conduct and completion of decommissioning actions and the termination of the authorisation for these actions. The Regulations specify the minimum safety and protection requirements applicable to decommissioning and do not prevent a licensee or any other person from taking additional actions as may be appropriate and reasonably necessary to protect the environment, and the health and safety of people.
- The National Anti-Terrorism Centre Guidelines on the Implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions on Terrorism and Proliferation Financing, gazetted on 31 January 2025, are issued by the National Anti-Terrorism Centre (“NATC”) to assist reporting entities, supervisory authorities, state institutions, and other persons and entities to comply with laws and regulations relating to terrorism financing (“TF”) and proliferation financing (“PF”). The Guidelines provide practical guidance on implementing targeted financial sanctions to prevent and suppress TF and PF; enable the NACT and other competent authorities to monitor compliance with targeted financial sanctions measures; and raise awareness of TF and PF risks. The Guidelines also outline risk-based approaches for customer due diligence and transaction monitoring and highlight red flags such as unusual transaction patterns or links to sanctioned persons. The Guidelines stress prompt implementation of targeted financial sanctions and detail procedures for de-listing through the United Nations Focal Point or Ombudsperson. Aligned with international conventions, they aim to enhance compliance, monitoring, and awareness of TF and PF risks while supporting coordinated global action against terrorism and proliferation.
- The Public-Private Partnership (General) Regulations, 2024, dated 15 November 2024, are intended to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in the implementation of public private partnership (“PPP”) projects. The Regulations set out requirements and conditions regarding institutional frameworks and management of PPPs; the submission of solicited and unsolicited proposals to the PPP Office; the variation, amendment and termination of PPP agreements; and small and medium-scale PPPs.
- The Minerals Regulation Commission Act, 2024, effective from 13 June 2025 in terms of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act (Commencement) Order, 2025, repeals and replaces the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2015. The Act regulates and monitors the development and management of mineral resources in Zambia; establishes the Minerals Regulation Commission and provides for its functions; and establishes the Mining Appeals Tribunal.
With appreciation for the contributions of Mulenga Mundashi Legal Practitioners to this publication
Click on a name below in order to download a PDF of our "doing business guide" for that country:
MAURITIUS
Thierry Koenig
Head | Mauritius
Thierry Koenig is Head of ENS in Mauritius, the oldest and largest law firm in Mauritius which in 2020 celebrated its 200 years practice on the island.
NAMIBIA
Hartmut Ruppel
Head | Namibia
Hartmut Ruppel is the Executive Chairperson at ENS in Namibia.
Hartmut specialises in corporate commercial and public law.
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This document contains general information, and no information provided herein may in any way be construed as legal advice from ENS, any of its personnel and/or its correspondent firms. Professional advice must be sought from ENS before any action is taken based on the information provided herein.
Our annual Africa Regulatory Round-up, which provides further business-related regulatory developments, will be published in November 2025.
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