Insight type: Legal Alert

Rwanda recently introduced a new regulatory framework governing foreign currency transactions, reshaping how businesses and individuals may operate in this space.

On 17 September 2025, the Central Bank issued Directive No. 4230/2025-00042, reaffirming the Rwandan Franc (FRW) as the sole legal tender, while broadening the category of entities permitted to transact in foreign currency without prior authorisation—now referred to as “deemed authorised dealers.” These include, among others, real estate companies with RDB certificates, licensed tourism operators, KIFC entities, mining companies, aviation and logistics services, international schools, and service providers to diplomatic missions.

As of 19 December 2025, any person intending to undertake non-interest banking, such as Sharia-compliant banking, must be duly licensed by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and conventional banks and financial institutions wishing to operate non-interest banking windows must obtain BoT approval prior to commencing operations.

Matrimonial property disputes remain among the most contentious aspects of divorce proceedings. When determining what qualifies as matrimonial property and how it should be divided, courts assess principles such as contribution, intention, and the existence of prenuptial agreements. Even so, applying these principles on a case-by-case basis can expose family wealth accumulated over generations to significant risk.

On 21 July 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (“FCCPC”) issued the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (“DEON Regulations”) to establish a regulatory framework governing digital, electronic consumer lending services in Nigeria.

On 11 November 2025, the Senate completed the first reading of the Trademarks (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2025 (the Bill). Sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), the Bill represents the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s trademark regime since the 1965 Act (now Cap. T13 LFN 2004).

The Uganda Revenue Authority recently issued Public Notices and targeted email inquiries requiring tax-resident persons with offshore income and assets to report that income in Uganda and thereby regularise their tax compliance records. This reflects Uganda’s position as a member of the global forum on tax transparency, which promotes administrative cooperation through exchange of information initiatives for tax purposes and assistance in the recovery of taxes.

Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) recently announced the launch of a USD 100 million Nigerian Content Equity Fund (NCE Fund), an initiative poised to reshape local content funding. This signals a pivotal shift from traditional debt financing, creating new opportunities for investors and growth-focused Nigerian companies to partner with the NCDMB in high-impact sectors.

In a significant step towards modernising its energy sector, Nigeria has launched its first regulated gas trading and settlement platform. This initiative, anchored by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), operationalises sections 33, 126 and 159 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the NMDPRA’s Gas Trading and Settlement Regulations 2023 (the Regulations). The new framework aims to establish a transparent, competitive, and investment-ready market.

 

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ), First Instance Division, recently delivered a significant ruling, granting an interim injunction staying the implementation of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in July 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive Reference. As a result, any further steps toward implementation of the EPA will remain on hold until the EACJ delivers its final decision on the merits.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has launched the dedicated bid portal for registrations and submissions of bids in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (PIA) and the Petroleum Licensing Round Regulations, 2022. The NUPRC in the 2025 round seeks to grow reserves and production and deepen gas development with transparency and competitive bidding.