Equity

Cameroon
French Development Agency loan to Sodecoton paused

The AFD is considering cancelling the €30m loan, which has not been paid out, that it granted to the national cotton producer in 2023. Originally delayed by disputes between shareholders, the issue is now being undermined by several government operations, which are causing concern in Paris.

Kenya
Sidian Bank capitalises on closeness to Ruto to extend regional influence

Boosted by an increase in public orders in Nairobi, the bank is planning to open branches in East Africa in an expansion that the Kenyan president is following very closely.

Egypt, Sudan
Businessman Mohamed El Garhy fronts Egypt's bid for Sudanese gold

Backed by the General Intelligence Service, the El Garhy Steel Group owner has teamed up with Sudanese partners to invest in gold and iron mines, as Cairo moves to bolster central bank reserves.

Morocco
New business council with UK reels in prominent stakeholders

Moroccan and British entrepreneurs are facilitating trade thanks to the creation of a council that already includes several leading business figures from both countries.

Algeria
Cevital-owned appliances giant Brandt struggles to get restarted

The historic household appliances group, controlled by the Algerian giant since 2014, is struggling to return to profit, despite a recent, and modest, improvement.

Rwanda
Backed by Kigali, Rwandan diaspora engagement in US takes shape

The United States Rwandan Community Abroad is taking action to bring together Rwandan expats in the US.

Kenya
Ruto keen to keep Telkom Kenya albatross aloft

In the midst of a subscriber haemorrhage and laden with debt, the former state-owned operator is on its last legs, despite the arrival of a new shareholder two years ago. Yet letting it fail outright would be politically costly and potentially damaging to national infrastructure interests.

The New Guard
Senegal, Kenya, Congo

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

SenegalSouleymane Gassama, aka Elgas, a multi-talented writer and researcher

KenyaCheptum Toroitich, lawyer pushing for greater democracy

CongoLouis-Raymond Gomes, modernising and diversifying the business scene

Tunisia
Tunisair's recovery plan yet to take shape

In dire straits for years, the national airline is waiting for a rescue plan that has been slow to materialise. Previous plans have followed a similar trajectory.

Kenya
The Treasury's wavering position upsets Kenya Airways restructuring plans

The Kenyan airline, still largely under public ownership, is still looking for potential buyers. However, the government's shifting strategy casts doubt on its future shareholder structure.

Togo
Court of Arbitration orders Togo bank to pay €3m

The state-owned Union Togolaise de Banque has just been told to pay a large sum to an import-export company. This decision could well set a precedent in West Africa.

Botswana
Businessman Bame Pule seeks government's good graces with local investments

Under the scrutiny of the new authorities for his role in the mining negotiations with HB Antwerp and De Beers, the advisor of former president Masisi has taken a majority stake in a leading hospital.