M-PESA Ethiopia Raises Alarm Over Access Block on Ethio Telecom Network
M-PESA Ethiopia reported that its new telco-agnostic Lehulm app became inaccessible on smartphones using Ethio Telecom mobile data days after launch. The company says customers cannot log in or complete transactions and is engaging regulators to restore access. The issue mirrors World Bank findings that Ethiopia’s telecom market still contains structural imbalances that favour the state-owned operator.
Africa’s Demand for Refined Fuel to Surge into 2050
Africa's oil demand will continue growing to 2050 and beyond, fueled by population growth, industrialization, and urbanization.
Uchumi Extends 19-Day Surge, EA Portland Retreat Hits NSE Friday Session
Uchumi jumped 9.59% to extend a 19-session rally, taking YTD gains to 841%. Portland fell 9.86% for a second day. Turnover hit KSh 753M, led by Kenya Power, Safaricom and Equity. Foreign buys were KSh 142M against KSh 79M in sells.
Is Crypto Uniquely Positioned as an Alternative Investment?
Crypto offers accessibility and liquidity rarely seen in traditional alternatives. Investors can buy, sell, and hold crypto assets with minimal friction, often around the clock. Writes Apollo Sande, Country Manager for Luno Kenya
Regulator Clears HF Group’s 94.27 Million-Share ESOP, Replacing 2008 Staff Scheme
HF Group received approval from the Capital Markets Authority to issue and list 94.27 million new shares for its employee ownership plan, completing a process endorsed by shareholders at the May 2025 AGM. The approval activates a new ESOP framework that replaces the 2008 scheme and expands the company’s capital base through a KSh 5-per-share issuance. The structure caps ESOP holdings at 5 percent, allows allotment over five years and grants employees pari passu rights with existing shareholders.
Kenya, US Sign US$2.5bn Health Deal
Kenya's Outdated Telco Rules Favor Giant Firms- World Bank
Sustainable Aviation Fuels Could be Africa's Next Industrial Frontier
Domestic Sustainable aviation fuel production could help address structural cost disadvantages facing African airlines — higher jet fuel prices, weak supplier competition, low procurement volumes, and higher taxes
Trump’s 50-Year Mortgage Idea, A Kenyan Analyst Weighs In
Trump’s 50-year mortgage idea is bold, perhaps even revolutionary. However, sometimes stretching a dream too far makes it fragile.
Central Bank Raises KSh 47.11 Billion in December Bond Sale
Kenya raised KSh 47.11Bn in the December reopening of the 30-year SDB and 25-year FXD after receiving KSh 53.13Bn in bids. The FXD dominated demand, securing KSh 43.21Bn, while the SDB drew limited interest for the second month. Net funding reached KSh 21.91Bn, extending a front-loaded borrowing cycle that has pushed accepted bids past KSh 585Bn in FY25/26.
CMA Exempts Bamburi Cement Owner from Mandatory Takeover of East African Portland Cement
CMA has approved Kalahari Cement’s exemption from making a mandatory takeover offer in its KES 1.6B plan to buy NSSF’s 27 percent stake in East African Portland Cement. The regulator classifies the deal as a strategic investment. The approval is subject to CAK and Mining Ministry clearance. Kalahari says it will not delist EAPC and will support its operational turnaround.
Private Millers Take Over Troubled Sugar Factories
Private operators taking over the four State-owned sugar mills will pay annual rent of up to KSh 45,000 per hectare and concession fees tied to sugar and molasses production
