Africa
Africa takes Control of Its Wealth, Unlocking Close to USD 1 Trillion in Assets Locally Managed
Africa’s autonomy over its own assets has seen significant growth in terms of financial valuation, as the continent pivots from aid-dependent economies.
The shifting global financial landscape is underscoring a new era of economic autonomy for African nations, as per a new report from GlobalSWF.
Increasingly, the continent is asserting greater direct control over its substantial financial assets, which are managed by key public institutions, including state-run public pension funds, national central banks, and sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).
This new shift has resulted in the continent managing close to a record USD 1 trillion in assets, as reported by Reuters.
Financial aid cuts are the primary reason for this trend, as Africa has been compelled to seek domestic solutions to its internal problems. “African (institutions) are at an all-time high, with circa USD 1 trillion in AuM,” the GlobalSWF report reads in part. “Most are designed to catalyse FDI into Africa,” it adds.
Much of the money is handled by pension funds and central banks, but the continent is also experiencing a tremendous rise in the total amount of sovereign wealth funds investing in state assets.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Africa
African Development Bank Secures USD 11 Billion in Historic Fund
The African Development Bank’s concessional financing arm mobilised a record USD 11 billion from 43 Partners in its 17th (ADF-17), an amount the multilateral lender said signals confidence in the continent’s development prospects.
The African Development Bank’s concessional financing arm mobilised a record USD 11 billion from 43 Partners in its 17th (ADF-17), an amount the multilateral lender said signals confidence in the continent’s development prospects.
“This is not just a replenishment,” said Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group. “It is a turning point. In one of the most difficult global environments for development finance, our partners chose ambition over retrenchment, and investment over inertia.”
For the first time in the Fund’s history, 23 African countries have made unprecedented contributions to their own concessional financing window.
A total of USD 182.7 million was pledged by African countries, with 19 countries contributing for the first time, alongside long-standing regional contributors. This represents a fivefold increase compared to the previous replenishment.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Ghana
Ghana Joins Africa’s Nuclear Race, Set to Begin Construction of First Nuclear Plant
Ghana is preparing to make its first foray into nuclear energy, targeting 2027 to begin construction of its first nuclear plant on a dual-site designed to diversify the country’s power mix.
Ghana is positioning itself to join Africa’s growing nuclear club, with plans to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant by 2027.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Dr Robert Sogbadji, has already identified two sites – one in the Western Region and another in the Central Region, for a large and a smaller industrial facility, respectively, as part of efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, Dr Robert Sogbadji confirmed that preparatory work is underway, including steps to acquire land and pursue a power purchase agreement.
“Steps are ongoing to ensure that we acquire that land, and by 2027, we should be able to cut sod for construction,” he said.
Dr Sogbadji added that the ministry is working within a six-month timeline to expand electricity access, targeting 90% nationwide coverage.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Morocco
Morocco’s Tourism Revenue in 2025 Already Exceeds that of the Whole of 2024
Morocco’s tourism revenue reached MAD 113 billion (approx. USD 12.23 billion) at the end of October 2025, exceeding the total figure for the whole of 2024, according to data provided by the North African country’s Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy.
In the same period, from January to October, there has been a significant increase compared to 2024, with an additional MAD 16 billion (approx. USD 1.73 billion) this year, representing a 17% growth compared to the figures at the end of October 2024, as highlighted by the Ministry of Tourism.
Tourism is of great importance to the Moroccan economy, representing a significant portion of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. The tourism sector currently accounts for 7.3% of the national GDP, with exponential growth in recent years; for example, in 2019 it accounted for 6.8% of the national wealth.
The positive increase in Moroccan tourism figures is linked to a significant rise in the number of tourist visits in 2025, with growth of 14% compared to last year, considering the period between January and October. This increase in visits is linked to the Moroccan State’s strong commitment to tourism, with incentives and tourism promotion programmes.
Source: Atalayar
Nigeria
Nigeria Opens 50 Oil Blocks, Targets USD 10 Billion in New Energy Investments
Nigeria recently launched a new bid round for 50 oil and gas blocks, a move the government hopes will unlock up to 2 billion barrels of new reserves and attract about USD 10 billion in new investment.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission announced the 2025 Petroleum Licensing Round in Abuja, describing it as a critical step in reviving an industry that has suffered years of declining exploration and capital flight.
Unveiling the round, the Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said the exercise spans onshore, shallow-water, frontier, and deepwater terrains, adding that the initiative is designed to expand reserves, increase national production, and restore global confidence.
He noted that the bid process has been fully aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act, which prescribes a transparent and competitive framework.
Looking ahead, he said the Commission will embark on global roadshows, including in Beijing, to court investors with the capital and technical depth Nigeria requires.
He argued that the global energy transition should push hydrocarbon-rich nations to compete more aggressively for investment or risk being left behind.
The government hopes the 2025 Licensing Round will strengthen investor confidence, deepen indigenous participation, and reposition Nigeria as a competitive player in the global energy landscape.
Source: Business Insider Africa
South Africa
South Africa could Unlock USD 293 Billion for Infrastructure with Financial System Overhaul
South Africa could unlock as much as ZAR 5 trillion (approx. USD 293 billion) in infrastructure and clean-energy investment if it undertakes a major overhaul of its financial system, according to a new study prepared for the National Planning Commission.
The findings show how structural reforms to the country’s monetary and financial framework could open the door to large-scale capital flows urgently needed to revive economic growth.
The report contends that South Africa’s existing financial architecture is not adequately designed to channel investment into priority areas, such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, and strategic sectors identified in the National Development Plan (NDP), as reported by Business Day.
More than a decade after the NDP was adopted, South Africa is grappling with some of the world’s highest unemployment levels, persistent inequality, and an economy that has expanded by less than 1% per year over the past decade.
To meet the NDP’s 2030 targets, the country needs an estimated ZAR 1.6 trillion in public-sector infrastructure investment and an additional ZAR 3.2 trillion from private-sector partners.
Reforms, the study notes, would help unlock infrastructure funding pipelines and accelerate South Africa’s shift toward renewable power, grid expansion, and sustainable economic growth.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Tanzania
Tanzania to Kick Off USD 10 Billion Port Project
Tanzania is set to begin construction of a new port in the country’s east this December, ending a decade of delays caused by government objections to the initial contract terms with foreign developers.
Tanzania is set to begin construction of a new port in the country’s east this December, ending a decade of delays caused by government objections to the initial contract terms with foreign developers.
The Bagamoyo port, part of a broader special economic zone initiative that includes industrial parks and rail and road links, is located about 75 km north of Dar es Salaam, the nation’s commercial capital.
The port is expected to reach a depth of 20 meters, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels than any other port in East Africa.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Uganda
Uganda Becomes Africa’s Latest Energy Hub with Discovery of Fresh Oil Resources
Uganda has raised its recoverable oil reserves to 1.65 billion barrels, up from 1.4 billion, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) recently announced, signalling a major boost for Africa’s latest energy frontier.
The announcement comes as the country moves toward commercial production, expected by July 2026.
Ernest Rubondo, PAU’s executive director, said the increase stems from improved data collection and updated evaluations of existing discoveries in the Albertine graben. “The new resources strengthen Uganda’s position in the global energy market and reassure stakeholders about the viability of our projects,” Rubondo noted.
PAU announced the discovery during its 10th anniversary, highlighting Uganda’s growing role in regional energy development. The country is constructing a 1,443-kilometre heated crude oil export pipeline to Tanzania’s port of Tanga.
The refinery has priority for domestic resources, ensuring local value before exports. Rubondo confirmed that design finalisation, pre-commissioning studies, financing, and the establishment of the refinery company are complete, paving the way for full operations.
With reserves climbing and infrastructure projects advancing, Uganda is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape, attracting both international investment and domestic economic growth.
Source: Business Insider Africa
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Reports
Trade and Development Report 2025 | UNCTAD
Over 90 percent of world trade depends on trade finance and cross-border banking infrastructure. While one system, the network of suppliers, has become increasingly decentralised and diversified, the other – the financial infrastructure enabling trade – remains remarkably concentrated. This asymmetry matters. The linkages to finance carry their own dynamics: how credit flows and at what price, which countries can access it, and which cannot, and how risks are propagated through the system when shocks hit.
This year’s Trade and Development Report places these financial dynamics centre stage, understanding that the intersection between trade and finance has never been more critical. The global economy is showing an uneasy resilience in the face of significant headwinds. Despite the sharpest tariff increases in decades and mounting geopolitical tensions, world trade grew approximately 4 per cent in real terms during the first half of 2025. Netting out frontloading and investments related to artificial intelligence, we calculated the underlying trade growth at about 2.5–3.0 percent. As in recent years, services and South–South trade are outperforming global averages.
The report maps out the terrain where trade meets finance, identifies mechanisms through which financial conditions shape trade outcomes, and proposes concrete measures to build resilience while preserving openness. It puts a spotlight on that hidden architecture, and charts pathways to strengthen it for shared prosperity.
Seizing Opportunity in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape | BCG
The world is entering a new era of global trade, with the Global South rising as a major engine of growth. South–South trade is projected to grow by 3.8% annually, and regional GDP is set to outpace advanced economies, expanding at 4.2% per year to 2029. Asia, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East are redrawing trade and investment maps.
Africa sits at the centre of this transformation, but risks being left behind. Today, the continent accounts for only ~3% of global trade and 4% of global FDI. Its largest trade corridor with China is growing fast but remains heavily tilted toward importing manufactured goods and exporting unprocessed commodities. Africa must act now to shift from trade participant to trade shaper.
To understand how business leaders view this moment, BCG surveyed over 350 senior African executives in partnership with the Africa CEO Forum. Their message is clear: volatility is rising, but so is readiness to respond.
This report explores how Africa can navigate disruption, unlock competitiveness and lead in the next era of global trade.
Africa’s AI Productivity Gain – Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation | African Development Bank
Artificial intelligence has the potential to deliver transformational gains for Africa’s
economies. If developed and deployed inclusively, AI could generate up to USD 1 trillion in
additional GDP by 2035, representing close to one-third of the continent’s current output.
This is a realistic opportunity grounded in Africa’s demographic advantage, growing digital
capacity, and sectoral reform.
The AI dividend is not given, but it is attainable with concerted effort and coordination. If
realised, this dividend could translate into.
This report presents a pathway to delivering this dividend. It outlines the enablers, the
sectors where impact is and the sequencing required to move from potential to
delivery.
State of Climate Blended Finance 2025 | Convergence Blending Global Finance
The climate blended finance landscape is changing. Longstanding providers of vital catalytic and concessional capital are retreating and while the current report saw the market holding steady, we’re starting to see the stirrings of a new reality. Capital commitments from institutional investors remained steady at USD 1.6 billion in 2024, consistent with 2023. This represents a sharp increase from USD 2 million in 2022 and is significantly higher than the annual average of USD 146 million recorded between 2019 and 2021. While climate blended finance activity in least developed countries fell from 23% in 2023 to 5% in 2024, deals in lower-middle-income countries rose to 73% in 2024, from 62% in 2023. Different contexts require different solutions. Rather than trying to induce massive investment into LDCs on commercial terms, pure aid should remain concentrated in those countries, while blended finance bolsters the economies of lower-middle income countries.
This report captures some of the groundwork being laid for the next decade of blended finance. Whether the changes ahead produce more urgency around scale and speed-to-market or whether the field weakens under strain will be up to how well we apply those lessons. It investigates climate blended finance trends across the overall market in 2024, including deal flow, investor activity, and regional dynamics.
