Business News from Africa and Beyond

Africa's business scene is moving fast — from banks opening in Paris to billionaires swapping places. This page gathers clear, short reports on deals, market signals, policy shifts and leadership moves so you can spot opportunities and risks quickly.

Banks are expanding across borders. Zenith Bank opened a Paris branch to strengthen Africa‑Europe trade and serve francophone markets. Access Bank is buying Bidvest Bank in South Africa for R2.8 billion, a move that extends its foreign exchange and corporate banking capabilities. If you follow capital flows or trade corridors, these stories show where finance and services are concentrating.

Leadership changes shift strategy overnight. Standard Chartered named a local CEO in Vietnam, and similar hires or board reshuffles in African firms often signal new priorities or partnerships. Watch promotions and exits — they often forecast where firms will invest or cut back.

Market signals to watch

Short-term market moves matter for decisions today. Falling Brent crude pressured petrol and diesel prices, easing costs for transport and manufacturers. Stock futures and currency strength give a quick read on investor mood before markets open. If you run a business or manage a portfolio, track oil, exchange rates and futures to anticipate cash flow and pricing changes.

Policy debates with real impact

Policy headlines aren’t just noise. Debates about minimum wage show tradeoffs between improving incomes and keeping jobs affordable for small firms. Credit ratings and political outcomes — like Moody’s warnings after a hung parliament in France — can influence lending costs and investor appetite here. Focus on likely regulatory steps, not just the headlines.

We also cover big wealth moves and what they mean for markets. Johann Rupert overtaking Aliko Dangote as Africa’s richest person reflects shifting asset values and sector strengths. Such changes can influence investor sentiment and media attention, which in turn affects stock prices and brand value.

How to use this page: scan headlines for deals affecting your sector, open stories that mention your markets or competitors, and note repeated themes like consolidation, foreign expansion, or currency pressure. When you open a story, look for four quick facts: deal size, geography, regulatory hurdles, and leadership changes. Those details usually explain the wider impact.

We update the Business section often with concise reports and practical angles for investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Want faster updates? Subscribe to alerts or follow our daily briefs to get short, usable takes that cut through the noise.