Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 08 October 2025

[Bulls n Bears]

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Major International Business Headlines Brief :::  08 October  2025 

 


                                                                                  

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

 


 

ü  Rwanda: End of Price Regulation Opens New Chapter for Rwandan Farmers

ü  Nigeria: INEC Chair, Yakubu Bows Out After 10 Years As Agbamuche-Mbu Steps in

ü  Nigeria: Tinubu Seeks NASS' Approval for $2.3bn External Borrowing, $500m Sovereign Sukuk

ü  Nigeria: 98% of Nigerians to Enjoy Crash in Tax Rate or Total Exemption in 2026 - Oyedele

ü  Nigeria: Eminent Nigerians - Workers' Right to Organise Not License to Strangulate Economy

ü  Kenya: Kisii County Cuts Taxes for Small Businesses, Hikes Billboard and Soapstone Fees in Finance Bill 2025

ü  Nigeria: Govt Moves to Refinance Costly Debt, Cut Debt Service Costs

ü  Nigeria: Super Agents Get N20m Fine for Ownership Changes Without Approval - Central Bank

ü  Rwanda: How Drones Could Transform Vaccine Delivery in Rwanda

ü  Bitcoin Adoption Rises Across Africa Amid Shifting Global Market Trends

ü  Rwanda Turns to Machine Learning and Satellites to Boost Precision Agriculture

ü  Nigerian Technologist Urges Stronger Alumni Networks to Boost Africans' Access to Global Opportunities

ü  Africa: The African Growth and Opportunity Act Is No More

ü  Kenya Set to Adopt First Crypto Law After Parliament Passes VASP Bill

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


Rwanda: End of Price Regulation Opens New Chapter for Rwandan Farmers

Since last year, the Government has stopped setting prices for agricultural produce -- a major policy shift that now leaves price negotiations entirely to farmers and buyers.

 

Officials say the move is part of broader efforts to liberalise agricultural markets, strengthen competitiveness, and empower farmers to make independent business decisions based on market demand.

 

ALSO READ: Govt raises maize prices to offset farmers' losses

 

Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi confirmed the development in an interview with The New Times on October 7.

 

"For now, farmers and buyers meet and negotiate the price they find fair," he said.

 

 

Previously, the government set minimum prices for staple crops such as maize, beans, and Irish potatoes to protect farmers from exploitation and ensure stable income.

 

Under the new approach, prices are determined by market forces meaning value depends on availability, demand, and quality rather than a fixed government rate.

 

Farmers' frustrations with fixed prices

 

The shift followed years of complaints from farmers who said the government-determined prices did not reflect the true value of their produce.

 

During a recent parliamentary session, MP Alice Muzana, Chairperson of the parliamentary committee on land, agriculture, livestock, and environment, acknowledged that the old system had created widespread dissatisfaction.

 

"When the government was fixing prices, many farmers felt the set rates did not match the real value of their produce," Muzana told the Chamber.

 

She said the liberalisation was not a sudden move but part of a gradual plan to make the agriculture sector more responsive to market realities. The government, she noted, is also exploring mechanisms to help farmers operate under the new model, including the use of the East Africa Exchange (EAX) and the establishment of more modern storage facilities.

 

"There is a plan to create storage hubs so that farmers with perishable produce can store it safely and sell when prices are favorable," Muzana said. "We also want to strengthen price information systems across districts so farmers can sell where the market is best."

 

 

Farmers welcome the change

 

For Jean Paul Munyakazi, Legal Representative of Imbaraga Farmers' Organisation which brings together more than 32,000 members, the liberalisation policy is a welcome step that has given farmers more control over their produce and income.

 

"This change has benefited farmers greatly because they now sell freely," he said.

 

He explained that while maize still has a baseline reference price, final rates are now set through negotiation between farmers and buyers. This flexibility, he added, has eliminated rigidities that previously discouraged production.

 

ALSO READ: Govt repeals coffee zoning policy

 

"One major improvement is that the zoning policy was removed. Farmers can now sell their produce anywhere they want. Before, you couldn't move produce from one province to another -- it was prohibited," Munyakazi said.

 

The removal of such restrictions has also opened Rwanda's markets to regional trade.

 

"Today, a buyer from Uganda can come to Rwanda to purchase maize or beans, or we can export directly. Farmers are free to sell to anyone," he said.

 

However, Munyakazi cautioned that access to finance remains a major bottleneck.

 

"When it is time to sell, many farmers have already run out of cash. This makes them desperate and vulnerable to middlemen who exploit them with low prices," he said. "If a credit guarantee fund existed, farmers could borrow money and wait to sell when market prices improve."

 

Coffee sector liberalisation

 

The new market approach is not limited to food crops. The coffee sector, one of Rwanda's top exports has also undergone similar reforms. According to Ernest Nshimiyimana, Managing Director of Dukundekawa Cooperative in Ruli, Gakenke District, liberalisation has improved competition and quality.

 

ALSO READ: Rising prices offer Rwanda's coffee sector a boost

 

"Previously, there was a zoning policy where each coffee washing station was assigned a specific area and only farmers from that zone could supply it," Nshimiyimana said.

 

"Now, with the introduction of farm-gate pricing and the removal of zoning, factories can buy coffee cherries from anywhere. This competition benefits both farmers and factories because it encourages better prices and quality coffee."

 

He added that the change has allowed cooperatives to source beans more efficiently, respond to market trends faster, and build stronger partnerships with international buyers.

 

Farmers' experiences on the ground

 

For Evariste Tugirinshuti, a beans and maize farmer from Kigarama Sector, Kirehe District, liberalization has brought both relief and responsibility.

 

"Before, farmers who were not part of cooperatives or who lacked contracts with EAX found it very hard to sell their produce. Some even resorted to smuggling," he said. "Now, negotiating directly with buyers gives us freedom and transparency."

 

He said prices have become more competitive. "Currently, a kilogram of maize sells between Rwf 400 and Rwf 500, while beans range between Rwf 800 and Rwf 1,000," he said.

 

Economists urge balance

 

Economist Richard Karasira, based in Bugesera District, said the government's withdrawal from price regulation has both benefits and risks.

 

"Government policies can affect commodity prices through production and distribution regulations. While necessary for safety and quality, such measures often raise production costs, which are passed on to consumers," he said.

 

Karasira explained that liberalisation tends to favor consumers through lower prices but can expose farmers to market volatility.

 

"When governments relax production measures or liberalise markets, prices may drop due to competition, which helps consumers but can hurt farmers if safeguards like credit access and storage are not in place," he said.

 

As Rwanda's agricultural sector adjusts to this new era of free pricing, experts say the next challenge is building systems that protect farmers from market shocks while sustaining competitiveness.

 

For now, farmers seem to welcome the flexibility but their long-term success will depend on how effectively they can organise, access finance, and respond to changing market signals.

 

Read the original article on New Times.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: INEC Chair, Yakubu Bows Out After 10 Years As Agbamuche-Mbu Steps in

Abuja — After a decade of steering Nigeria's elections through sweeping reforms and digital innovations, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday announced his resignation.

 

Yakubu, who has been at the helm since 2015, formally stepped down during the commission's quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, in Abuja, describing the session as his last as chairman.

 

Citing Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, Yakubu said the move would allow a smooth transition as INEC braces for a busy electoral calendar.

 

 

By consensus of the National Commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior commissioner, took over in acting capacity, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

 

In his farewell remarks, Yakubu reflected on his 10-year stewardship, pointing to INEC's digital transformation, from biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission to online nomination and monitoring systems. "Together, we built a foundation for credible elections in Africa's largest democracy," he declared.

 

He acknowledged support from political parties, the National Peace Committee, civil society, security agencies, the media, and especially corps members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, whom he described as "the most patriotic election officials."

 

Meanwhile, Bola Tinubu also yesterday bestowed on the outgoing chairman of the INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON. He also hailed Prof. Yakubu's departure as the INEC chairman, following the expiration of his second term in office.

 

 

Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years, after which it was renewed in 2020.

 

A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu "thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria's democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.

 

"In recognition of Yakubu's dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON."

 

According to the statement, President Tinubu also directed that Professor Yakubu hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.

 

In the letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.

 

Read the original article on Vanguard.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Tinubu Seeks NASS' Approval for $2.3bn External Borrowing, $500m Sovereign Sukuk

Abuja--President Bola Tinubu has requested the approval of the House of Representatives for new external borrowing and debt refinancing totalling $2.3 billion.

 

The request comes with another for the issuance of a $500 million debut sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market.

 

Contained in a letter read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the request seeks the National Assembly's resolution in line with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office, DMO, Establishment Act, 2003.

 

According to the president, the new borrowing is aimed at implementing provisions of the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinancing maturing Eurobonds and diversifying Nigeria's funding sources through Islamic finance instruments.

 

 

He explained that the 2025 budget provides for $9.27 billion in total new borrowings to finance the year's fiscal deficit, out of which $1.84 billion (N1.23 trillion at an exchange rate of N1,500/$) was earmarked for external loans.

 

Tinubu urged the lawmakers to authorise the Federal Government to source the funds through any of the following options: Issuance of Eurobonds, loan syndication, bridge financing from bookrunners or direct borrowing from international financial institutions.

 

The President also disclosed that Nigeria's $1.118 billion Eurobond, issued in 2018 at 7.625 per cent and maturing in November 2025, would be refinanced to avoid default.

 

"This is a standard practice in debt capital markets," the letter noted, adding that refinancing through Eurobonds or syndicated loans would ensure debt sustainability and investor confidence.

 

 

In a significant move to expand Nigeria's access to Islamic finance, President Tinubu also sought approval to issue a standalone sovereign Sukuk of up to $500 million in the international market, with or without a credit enhancement guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, ICIEC, a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

 

He explained that the decision was inspired by the government's "considerable success" in domestic Sukuk issuances, which have raised N1.39 trillion since 2017 for critical infrastructure, particularly road projects.

 

According to the President, the proposed international Sukuk will help bridge the country's infrastructure funding gap and deepen its investor base.

 

"If the ICIEC credit guarantee is utilised, 25 per cent of the proceeds will be used to repay relatively expensive debt obligations, while the balance will finance pre-identified infrastructure projects," the letter read further.

 

Tinubu assured the House that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the DMO would work closely with transaction advisers to secure the most favourable terms and pricing for all capital-raising efforts, subject to prevailing market conditions.

 

The President urged the House of to pass a resolution authorising the federal government to raise $2.347 billion through Eurobonds, syndicated loans, or bridge financing; refinance the maturing $1.118 billion Eurobond due November 2025; and issue a $500 million sovereign Sukuk with potential ICIEC credit enhancement.

 

"I look forward to the timely issuance of the House's resolution," the President stated, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to prudent fiscal management and sustainable debt practices.

 

Read the original article on Vanguard.

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: 98% of Nigerians to Enjoy Crash in Tax Rate or Total Exemption in 2026 - Oyedele

An estimated 98 per cent of Nigerians will either stop paying tax or have their tax rate under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) category crashed to its barest minimum when the new tax law goes into force in January 2026.

 

This formed part of the clarifications made by Dr. Taiwo Oladele, the Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, at the Nigerian Economic Summit discussion session yesterday in Abuja.

 

This declaration by Oyedele which drew wide applause from the audience, came at a backdrop of several apprehensive comments from the public over alleged increasing economic burdens on Nigerians under the present government.

 

 

This figure which, according to the tax boss, represents about 33% of workers in the public and private sector combined, will no longer pay PAYE because they'll be exempted, adding, "between that 33% to 98% will pay lower PAYE and the remaining two percent or two plus will pay more."

 

The remaining two to two and half percent, according to him, represents the high income earners.

 

"They are our rich people that we can find", he stated.

 

Explaining further, Oyedele stated: "We need the system to be progressing and I'll tell you more seriously, two major reasons why we're doing that. Number one is you can't be taxed in poverty and then magically become a wealthy country. It's a contradiction.

 

"So we've established a poverty line, middle class and the wealthy".

 

Though he didn't categorically give income amounts that would be enjoying zero to low income tax he was compelled by the audience to explain the poor class category and he said: "To know poverty level, you need to look at a household. You can't look at an individual. So if you look at the amount I earn alone, you don't know how many people depend on that amount. So we looked at the study that was done by the NBS (National Bureau of Statistics), and the average household size in Nigeria is put at five. "Based on the data on employment, gainfully employed people, you have a little over two out of the five that are employed.

 

 

"Since you can't have a fraction to an individual memberofthehousehold we adopted two out of five as employed. "So the question for us is how much must two people earn to cater for five people so they don't fall into poverty? "We decided not to use the United Nations or World Bank two point one five dollars because it's not applicable to us, honestly. People in the villages produce everything. They don't earn two dollars and fifteen cents a day, and they're fine. They don't pay rent. They don't buy food.

 

 

"Anyway, long and short of it all we came up with a conclusion of between a hundred and a hundred and twenty thousand Naira a month. It's two people and the household would then earn around N200,000 to cater for five people so they don't fall below the poverty line.

 

"People in this room will struggle to reconcile that because that's the money they spend in, one day. But when you see people that are really poor, this is a lot of money. So, now they shouldn't pay tax on that.

 

"Under the old laws, you earn thirty thousand naira a month, you're paying tax. So this is a significant improvement, a better deal for the poor.

 

"And then, by the way, if somebody earns a hundred thousand naira a month, they are better than thirty three percent of workers in Nigeria".

 

On the issue of the impact of the tax exemptions on revenue of the sub-nationals, Oyedele said, "These are not easy reforms because the states are there wondering about the impact on their finances. One state Governor said to us that you've exempted everybody that pays tax in my state. So you need to balance that".

 

Still on income categorization Oladele explained further, "Above that threshold to around N1.8 million a month is our middle class. So middle class, less. Low income, no tax. Upper income, a bit more".

 

Oyedele also gave insight into other areas of the impacts expected with the commencement of the new tax regime.

 

He explained: "In many countries around the world, what you'll find is that the top rates for personal income tax is usually higher than the rate for corporate tax so that you can incentivize formalization.

 

"I'm better off to operate as a company because I pay lower rates than as an informal person or an enterprise.

 

"But in Nigeria it is the direct opposite of that. When you operate in the informal sector, you want to pay your taxes, your maximum income tax doesn't even hit twenty percent. But with the same business when you formalize it, register as a company, your tax burden goes to over forty percent.

 

And then we lament that the informal sector is too big. We were creating it. We created a disincentive to formalization.

 

"We are now trying to reverse this under the new tax regime. It's the reason why we have to take the top rates for personal income tax to twenty-five per cent. But it is still lower than thirty five per cent in Ghana, thirty five percent in Kenya, forty five percent in South Africa.

 

"We are, however, reducing the corporate tax rate from 30% to 25%. At least let's try and equalise first so people no longer have a disincentive to formalization.

 

"The Corporate Affairs Commission, a few days ago, said they're opening free registration for two hundred and fifty thousand businesses. This should complement what we are doing to encourage formalization.

 

"Under the new law, if your annual turnover is N100 million or less as a company, your corporate tax rate is zero percent. Some people are not sure if to clap or not. They are bigmen. They don't run small businesses and therefore they are not covered by this exemption".

 

Giving further insight into the tax challenges and the reform process, Oladele said, "For us, when we are thinking about this reform, we thought that tax evasion is a major problem that we have to solve for two reasons, two important reasons.

 

"Number one, the task gap in Nigeria is wide. What is a task gap? The difference between how much we're collecting now and how much we could be collecting.

 

"That gap is made up of two major components. One is compliance, that is people who are just not paying, they are evading or under-declaring. And then there's a policy gap where we ourselves just waive taxes, grant waivers even when they're not really beneficial to the economy.

 

"But when it comes to tax evasion, not addressing it is incentivizing illegality and it hits back at us.

 

"So for more reasons than one, beyond generating revenue, we must fix that problem.

 

"So we are confident that this system will be a no respecter of anyone. If you earn the income you must pay a tax".

 

Read the original article on Vanguard.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Eminent Nigerians - Workers' Right to Organise Not License to Strangulate Economy

Concerned Nigerians have warned that workers' right to organise a protest cannot become a license to hold the nation's economy to ransom.

 

In a statement titled, 'Joint Statement on the Dangote Refinery Dispute,' signed by13 eminent Nigerians against the backdrop of the face off between Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery, they warned that productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded.

 

According to the statement, the recently embarked industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation.

 

 

They argued that Dangote Refinery is a national lifeline with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation.

 

They said, "We, the undersigned, note with concern the recent disputes and disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery. Although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria's economic future.

 

"For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports. These failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.

 

"However, the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals. Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation. A refinery of this scale is a national lifeline, with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation."

 

 

"We wish to underscore three principles which are that workers' rights must be respected as the Constitution guarantees the right to organise and to demand fair treatment. No enterprise can succeed without motivated, fairly treated workers.

 

"Markets and productivity must be protected because the right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage. Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded and social responsibility and accountability must remain central. Investors of this magnitude must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in the communities they serve," they stated.

 

They however, dismissed the allegation of monopoly against the refinery, saying other investors are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise.

 

They argued that the Dangote refinery represents an audacious step forward for Nigeria's economy and should not be undermined, but rather strengthened.

 

"We also note that concerns about monopoly or market dominance should not be settled by disruptive industrial action. Nigeria has institutions, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), that are mandated to assess such claims.

 

"Where there are legitimate issues of pricing or dominance, the proper channel is through these statutory bodies, not strikes that harm ordinary Nigerians. Moreover, as has been noted, there is no legal monopoly here; others are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise," they said.

 

Read the original article on This Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenya: Kisii County Cuts Taxes for Small Businesses, Hikes Billboard and Soapstone Fees in Finance Bill 2025

Kisii — The Kisii County Assembly has today passed the 2025 Finance Bill, aimed at streamlining county finances and improving transparency in the management of public resources.

 

Speaking at the County Assembly premises, Finance Committee Chairperson and Monyerero Ward MCA Peter Otachi said the new bill is designed to ease the tax burden on residents compared to the 2024 bill.

 

Otachi noted that the assembly had adopted differentiated but fair tax rates across sub-county, municipal, and county levels, taking into consideration the varying income levels generated by businesses in each area.

 

 

"We have eliminated taxes for street preachers, and small business owners holding a single business permit will now pay KSh 500, down from the previous KSh 1,500 to KSh 2,500," said Otachi.

 

For boda boda riders, the new rates are set at KSh 300 per month or KSh 2,000 annually. Meanwhile, construction permit fees have been reduced from KSh 10,000 to KSh 5,000.

 

Otachi urged residents to make all payments at sub-county offices to avoid falling victim to fraud.

 

"Please avoid scammers by paying only at designated sub-county offices," he advised.

 

The Bill proposes increments on Soapstone business which have been raised from KSh 20,000 to KSh 50,000, while billboard advertisement fees rose sharply from KSh 165,000 to KSh 500,000.

 

The Finance Bill is expected to be implemented in the upcoming financial year, subject to assent by Kisii Governor Simba Arati.

 

 

Read the original article on Capital FM.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Govt Moves to Refinance Costly Debt, Cut Debt Service Costs

The Federal Government has announced plans to strategically refinance the nation's expensive debt portfolio to reduce debt service costs and ease the burden of borrowing on the nation's finances.

 

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 55th Annual Accountants Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), held at the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

 

Edun said the refinancing initiative was part of the Tinubu administration's ongoing efforts to improve fiscal sustainability, enhance macroeconomic stability, and redirect resources toward productive investments.

 

 

"Efforts are underway to refinance expensive debt and thus reduce both the debt service cost and the cost of borrowing," the minister stated, noting that treasury bill rates had risen from eight per cent in 2023 to nearly 24 per cent, while external debt service obligations almost tripled from 2.7 trillion to 6.7 trillion in 2024.

 

 

He said the government's renewed fiscal strategy focuses on expanding revenue while ensuring greater efficiency in expenditure management. "We are improving public financial management by reducing leakages, cutting waste, and prioritising productive capital spending," Edun explained.

 

The finance minister highlighted that revenue collection had grown by over 70 per cent in nominal terms over the past two years, driven by foreign exchange market liberalisation, fuel subsidy reforms, and automation-led tax administration. However, he acknowledged that the government still faces rising development needs and fiscal pressures amid efforts to boost infrastructure and social investment.

 

 

To tackle these challenges, Edun outlined a series of ongoing reforms, including formalising Nigeria's large informal sector, expanding the tax base through the new Tax Reform Act, and implementing asset financialization to optimise the federal government's balance sheet.

 

He also noted that Nigeria's economy is recovering, citing key indicators such as improved GDP growth, moderating inflation, and a stronger external position. "Between April and June 2025, our economy grew by 4.23 per cent year-on-year, while inflation eased to 20.12 per cent in August. Our trade balance rose to ₦7.4 trillion in the second quarter, and reserves strengthened to $42 billion," he said.

 

The minister attributed these gains to the Tinubu administration's "bold and politically challenging reforms" under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has restored credibility to economic policy and attracted renewed investor confidence.

 

Edun reaffirmed the government's resolve to drive inclusive growth through investments in infrastructure, human capital, and digital transformation. He disclosed that initiatives such as the Mission 300 energy programme and Project Bridge for broadband expansion are being implemented to enhance competitiveness and productivity.

 

He commended ICAN for its consistent advocacy for transparency and professionalism, urging accountants to support government reforms by promoting public and private finance management accountability.

 

"The pathway is clear," Edun said. "We are translating macroeconomic stability into job-rich, inclusive growth. But we cannot do it alone. We need the private sector, the accounting profession, and every stakeholder to play their part."

 

With the refinancing initiative and fiscal reforms underway, the government hopes to lower the nation's debt burden, free up fiscal space for development spending, and strengthen Nigeria's resilience in global economic headwinds.

 

Read the original article on Leadership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Super Agents Get N20m Fine for Ownership Changes Without Approval - Central Bank

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a N20 million fine on any super agent, financial institution, or entity that alters its ownership structure without securing prior approval from the apex bank.

 

This sanction, contained in the Guidelines for the Operations of Agent Banking in Nigeria issued in October 2025, is part of measures put in place by the CBN's efforts to tighten regulatory compliance across the fast-growing agent banking ecosystem.

 

According to the document, any super agent or financial institution found guilty of changing ownership, undergoing an acquisition, or executing a merger without the CBN's authorisation will face "a fine of not less than N20,000,000 for the offence and N500,000 for each day that the default continues."

 

 

Under the new framework, the CBN will also impose additional fines for a range of infractions, including operating without a valid licence, engaging in non-permissible banking activities, late rendition of returns, and failure to obtain regulatory "No Objection" prior to key business changes.

 

The guidelines state that operating without a valid super agent licence attracts a minimum penalty of N10 million, while failure to obtain CBN approval for specified activities draws a fine of N2 million for both the financial institution and each of its responsible directors.

 

While the guidelines take immediate effect, certain provisions, particularly those concerning agent location and exclusivity, will be enforced from April 1, 2026. Also, agents engaged in non-permissible agent banking activities will face fines starting from N5 million, daily penalties of N100,000, and may be required to forfeit any estimated profits gained from such activities.

 

 

Branding and advertising practices that contravene the guidelines will attract fines of no less than N2 million and an extra N50,000 for each day the violation continues. Failing to obtain CBN approval or a No Objection Letter when required will result in a N2 million fine imposed on the financial institution, with the same amount levied on each responsible director or senior management staff member.

 

Institutions that delay the submission of required periodic returns will incur fines starting at N2 million, in addition to N250,000 for each day of delay. Providing false or inaccurate information to the CBN will attract a minimum fine of N5 million, alongside the potential suspension or removal of the involved directors by the CBN Governor.

 

Failure to maintain proper accounting records will incur a minimum fine of N5 million for the financial institution. Where the breach is deemed wilful, the responsible officer will face an additional fine of N2 million.

 

Not responding to non-statutory CBN information requests within the prescribed period and format could result in fines of up to N5 million and an additional N100,000 per day until compliance is achieved.

 

In addition to the headline offence, changing a business name, corporate brand identity, or logo without the CBN's approval or using names not previously approved will draw a fine of no less than N5 million, along with a mandatory reversion to the approved identity and a daily penalty of N100,000 for continued non-compliance.

 

Violations of anti-money laundering (AML), combating the financing of terrorism (CFT), and countering proliferation financing (CPF) laws will attract a N10 million fine from the financial institution and N2 million from each board member involved. Additional penalties may follow under the CBN's 2018 AML/CFT/CPF administrative sanctions regulations.

 

Where fraud or related offences occur, financial institutions are required to assist law enforcement agencies with investigations and prosecutions. If an agent is found to be involved, the principal institution must immediately suspend the agent pending the outcome of investigations and blacklist the agent if convicted.

 

Failure by principals or Super Agents to implement control measures such as geo-locking equipment used in agent banking will attract a minimum fine of N5 million, plus a daily penalty of N300,000 for the duration of non-compliance.

 

Read the original article on Leadership.

 

 

 

Rwanda: How Drones Could Transform Vaccine Delivery in Rwanda

Scientists in cooling systems have proposed the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), known as drones, in vaccine delivery as a way to support rural health centres that face unstable electricity supply and unreliable refrigeration equipment for vaccine storage.

 

ALSO READ: Rwanda's cooling centre mobilises $25m to improve vaccine supply

 

An estimated 25-50% of vaccines are compromised due to temperature deviations and incomplete vial usage in resource-limited settings.

 

Researchers say mRNA-based vaccines require reliable cold storage, which poses a particular challenge for lower-middle-income countries that lack functional cold-chain infrastructure.

 

 

A study on using drones for vaccine delivery to reduce such spoilage is being conducted in seven health centres across Rwanda namely Nyagasambu, Karenge, Munyaga, Muyumbu, Mwulire, Nyakariro and Murambi health centres.

 

The research aims to test whether using drones to deliver vaccines directly to health centres--rather than storing them in fridges for long periods--can make vaccination in rural Africa more reliable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

 

ALSO READ: Inaugural cooling festival to spotlight innovation in Kigali

 

The progress was unveiled during the cooling conference taking place in Kigali from October 7 to 10, dedicated to sustainable cooling and cold-chain innovation.

 

Researchers noted that cooling is often overlooked in climate discussions, yet it is critical to food security, vaccine delivery, and resilience in a warming world.

 

 

"The use of drones will ensure vaccines are transported directly from the national centre for vaccines to health centres for immediate vaccination," said Jean Pierre Musabyimana, Head of the One Health Department at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES).

 

'One Health' refers to an integrated approach that connects human health, animal health, and environmental health.

 

ALSO READ: How cooling could redefine Africa's food, health, economic future

 

At the cooling centre, the One Health approach is applied to cold-chain and cooling technologies.

 

This involves designing systems that safely store and transport vaccines, food, and medicines while maintaining the correct temperature, reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting both people and animals from diseases linked to poor cold storage or food contamination.

 

 

ALSO READ: Rwanda unveils BioNTech's first vaccine manufacturing plant in Africa

 

"Health systems depend on reliable cold chains to safeguard vaccines and medicines. In many rural African areas, the cold chain faces major challenges such as unreliable refrigeration equipment, shortage of trained technicians, and unstable electricity supply. These problems often lead to vaccine spoilage and waste," he noted.

 

The project, titled "Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Critical Vaccine Supply Chain Systems to Minimise Cold Storage Needs in Rural African Settings," is funded mainly by the JP Moulton Charitable Foundation, with additional support from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the University of Rwanda, the University of Birmingham, Zipline Rwanda, the Clean Cooling Network, and other partners.

 

Musabyimana said they are collaborating closely with Zipline Rwanda.

 

The approach helps keep vaccines at the correct temperature, known as maintaining the vaccine cold chain (VCC), which is crucial to ensure their effectiveness.

 

ALSO READ: Senegal President in Rwanda for BioNTech plant launch

 

This study explores how drones could transform vaccine delivery through a 'just-in-time' model, meaning vaccines arrive shortly before they are needed rather than being stored in large quantities in rural health centres.

 

This approach could reduce the need for costly cold storage and make it easier to deliver new vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, to remote communities.

 

The study compares drone-based vaccine delivery with traditional road transport, assessing energy use, environmental impacts, and cost-effectiveness, while also collecting feedback from healthcare professionals on the use of drones and digital tracking tools.

 

Health centres are divided into two groups: control sites, which continue using traditional road-based delivery, and active sites, which receive drone-based deliveries scheduled for vaccination days.

 

Albertine Uwajeneza, a flight and cold-chain technician at Zipline Rwanda, said the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain is training staff to prepare for drone-based vaccine delivery.

 

"The vaccines transported by drones are kept in a cold system so that they move from the national centre to health centres without spoilage. We use ice bags to maintain vaccine temperatures," she noted.

 

Toby Peters, Professor of Cold Economy at the University of Birmingham and Founding Director of ACES, explained that cooling and cold-chain systems are vital for keeping vaccines effective from the moment they are produced until they are administered.

 

To address the 25-50% of vaccines currently spoiled because of poor temperature control, he said the goal is to improve cold-chain systems so that vaccines remain at the correct temperature throughout transport and storage, and to use new technologies such as drones to deliver vaccines quickly and safely to remote areas.

 

He also stressed the importance of training refrigeration engineers to install and maintain these systems properly.

 

Read the original article on New Times.

 

 

 

 

 

Bitcoin Adoption Rises Across Africa Amid Shifting Global Market Trends

As the globe shifts, Africa has seen a marked increase in the adoption of Bitcoin. Increasing volumes of trade, investments from leading institutions, and new policies are changing the continent’s cryptocurrency environment.

 

As of August 2025, the total cryptocurrency market had a market capitalization dip of 1.7 per cent. This was due to the PPI coming in stronger than anticipated. According to Binance, Bitcoin dropped to a market share of 57.3 per cent while Ethereum’s jumped above 14.2 per cent. This was due to speculation on a rate cut alongside a shift into altcoins.

 

Corporate treasuries kept buying Ethereum, and now they hold about 4.44 million ETH or 3.67 percent of the total supply. Over the years, September has shown market weakness as the time when investors start taking profits over periodic cycles. This will likely impact the rest of the world’s trading, including Africa, which is still an active cryptocurrency user. This article aims to demonstrate how African markets respond to the prevailing global conditions, including live data on the  bitcoin price today , increases in trade volumes, investments from institutions, and the impacts of legal policies on market accessibility.

 

Growing Interest in Cryptocurrency Across African Markets

 

The rapid expansion in the adoption of Bitcoin across Africa south of the Sahara has stirred considerable discussion. The recent report by Binance Digital Assets claims that the increased use has little connection with U.S. monetary policies and claims that domestic factors like unstable local currencies, easier banking services, reduced barriers to electronic payments, and cheaper remittance services play a central role.

 

It goes on to claim that monotonically linking interest rate cuts to Bitcoin’s rate of growth is a faulty framework. Binance cites the recent dramatic expansion of user interest in Africa as evidence that the digitization trends Africa is pioneering in the multi-dimensional digital economy are changing the monetary and economic relations in ways that monetary regimes underestimate. The cited user interest did not exist in the past few years.

 

This means that, even though there are global trends, Africa uses cryptocurrency first and foremost for self-interest. The phenomenon of Bitcoin in the region illustrates the deepening ability of adoption, which, in turn, is conditioned more by local than global financial changes.

 

Bitcoin Trading Volumes See Notable Changes

 

Per Binance's records, by August 2025, Bitcoin's market cap dropped to about 57.3 percent while Ethereum's market cap increased to more than 14.2 percent. This underscored altcoin rotation, which was buoyed by market speculation about Fed easing. Simultaneously, Ethereum corporate treasuries globally continued to hoard, approaching 4.44 million ETH, representing 3.67 per cent of the total supply.

 

>From an African perspective, these developments are starting to influence local engagement. Traders and financial institutions in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and  South Africa  have begun to shift from merely holding Bitcoin and are showing more interest in Ethereum. The Ethereum accumulation by corporate treasuries, as noted by Binance, is a phenomenon which captures just the emerging pattern of African adoption: the shift from Bitcoin centricism to a more diverse portfolio of digital currencies.

 

According to historical records, September has typically recorded weakness, as profit realization has destroyed value, a trend that might also apply to African markets, particularly those with high retail participation. Although cycles in international markets steer the rest of the world, adoption in Africa is unique in its sensitivity to external and internal factors, which means the shift from Bitcoin to Ethereum is a multifaceted strategy that is probably already discernible in the region.

 

Institutional Investments Influence Local Adoption

 

As noted by Binance, historical data dating back to 1988 shows that when the  Federal Reserve  starts a policy cycle, the scale of its actions almost always exceeds what the bond market had predicted during the early years. The policy rate has moved farther than what was possible frequently, which created a great deal of uncertainty for global investors. For African institutions, the unpredictability related to the US monetary policy has increased the attractiveness of diversifying into alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies.

 

As David Princay, President of Binance France, explains: “If or when BTC prices plateau, Additional diversification into crypto assets by institutions and corporations will also be of interest. It will be fascinating to see how an altcoin season within a more mature and regulated crypto world will turn out.” This is especially useful for Africa which has seen a growing interest in Ethereum as well as other tokens. Institutional portfolios are now beginning to reflect not only Bitcoin reserves but also other digital assets, as a result of cycles in different countries, as well as domestic market inflows.

 

Amid these global policy changes and corporate strategies, it appears that Africa is now moving past the initial experimentation stage of adoption. As highlighted by Binance, these changes indicate that Africa is beginning to integrate more with international investment trends, all the while servicing unique regional financial needs.

 

Regulatory Developments Shape Market Participation

 

Africa’s cryptocurrency markets are subject to closer scrutiny. The Federal Reserve will hold a payments innovation conference on October 21 to discuss use cases of stablecoins, the convergence of payments using AI, and the tokenization of finance to inform future regulation frameworks. African regulators watch digital asset initiatives.

 

Digital assets frameworks being developed in countries such as Nigeria and South Africa seek to manage, foster, and balance innovation. The approval of Polymarket by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is an example that illustrates clarity in regulation for DeFi, and a guiding example for African regulators to promote digital finance ventures.

 

African countries are actively observing and studying international changes. Such actions are meant to control market activities, promote cryptocurrency use, and reduce risks of participation. Such actions are a testament to the growing propensity for African nations to engage in proactive and well-organized frameworks for cryptocurrency regulations.

 

 

 

 

Rwanda Turns to Machine Learning and Satellites to Boost Precision Agriculture

The government is embracing advanced technologies like machine learning and satellite imagery to transform the agriculture sector, with a strong focus on engaging youth and improving efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe.

 

Speaking on Tuesday, October 7, at a session titled Cultivating Change: Youth, Tech and the Future of Agriculture, during the 2025 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Annual Meeting in Kigali, Bagabe shared Rwanda's journey in adopting precision agriculture and empowering young people in agribusiness.

 

 

ALSO READ: TRL space systems builds satellite for agriculture, environment monitoring

 

>From manual fieldwork to satellite monitoring

 

Speaking to journalists after the session, Bagabe said that Rwanda is set to monitor farming by use of satellite imagery and machine learning.

 

Previously, Bagabe said, the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda relied on labour-intensive field sampling for agriculture data.

 

Now, with remote sensing, authorities can estimate crop areas, monitor growth conditions, and predict yields more accurately and efficiently.

 

"Today, we are moving forward using machine learning, using satellite imaging, where we are able to estimate the crop area and the crop growth condition, and therefore to be able to estimate the yield using technology,"Bagabe said.

 

 

"Starting with this season, we are going to start with maize, Irish potatoes, and rice."

 

He said that they still face challenges with some crops--like beans, which are often intercropped and harder to detect by satellites-- but indicated that, crops like cassava are next on the list.

 

The shift to high-tech, commercial agriculture

 

Speaking at the Tuesday session, Bagabe stated that agriculture is undergoing a major transformation--from smallholder subsistence farming to commercial, technology-driven systems, Bagabe said. Modern agriculture is smart, efficient, and appealing to young people precisely because of the integration of technology.

 

He highlighted Rwanda's strategy for the sector as climate-smart, agri-food-centric, and technology-driven, aiming to make farming not only productive but also profitable.

 

"You cannot create profit, you cannot make it a business, unless you standardise. That is why, for example, in irrigation, as a simple example, I can sit here and make sure that my system for irrigation is providing water as needed by the crops, whether it's in an open field or in a greenhouse. That's precision, that's standardisation," he said.

 

 

This, he indicated, is how standardisation is transforming agriculture--it relies on sensor-based systems that provide real-time data for precise decision-making.

 

Precision agriculture is a data-driven farm management approach that uses technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, satellite imagery, and machine learning to monitor and respond to variability in crops, animals, and the environment.

 

This helps farmers optimize input use--like water, fertilizers, and pesticides--while improving productivity, quality, sustainability, and profitability.

 

In Rwanda, such technologies are already in use - by some farmers.

 

Bagabe cited automated irrigation systems allowing machines to regulate water supply based on plant requirements.

 

Water is a finite resource, he said, pointing out that automation ensures efficiency by delivering only what the crop needs. This cuts labour costs and increases profitability.

 

Rwanda targets to increase irrigated land from more than 70,000 hectares currently to 130,000 hectares by 2029. The goal is to build resilient and sustainable agri-food systems across the nation, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

 

Greenhouses featuring controlled environments, where temperature, humidity, irrigation, and nutrient delivery are automated, are also part of precision agriculture.

 

Young people are increasingly adopting this model because it's scalable and data-driven, Bagabe observed.

 

ALSO READ: How Ruzibiza is dealing with the effects of climate change to boost productivity

 

Drones and sensor technologies are being used to monitor crop health and detect diseases. Some Rwandan youth-led agribusinesses are now exporting these drone-based services beyond Rwanda, the minister said.

 

Technology as the future of agriculture

 

Bagabe underscored that technology is not just an option but a necessity for the future of agriculture in Rwanda and globally.

 

"Technology has come to make agriculture much easier for us, and therefore we are not going to see ourselves going backward," he said.

 

ALSO READ: How local start-up is leveraging tech to transform organic waste into fertiliser

 

Speaking at the same session, Cynthia Umutoniwabo, CEO of Loopa, a local firm that transforms organic waste into fertiliser needed for farmers to improve yields, shared her experience as an agripreneur and advice to young people.

 

She told young people that they need to make sure the products or services they are coming up with are addressing real, existing challenges for them to matter in a viable manner.

 

"When you're building solutions, think of who you want to serve. Build solutions that are addressing real challenges, then it's not going to be a hustle in terms of your business model, since you have the right clients," she told young people, indicating that her company's business was meant to solve farmers' productivity challenges.

 

Read the original article on New Times.

 

 

 

 

Nigerian Technologist Urges Stronger Alumni Networks to Boost Africans' Access to Global Opportunities

Nigerian technologist and governance advocate, Chidozie Managwu, has described alumni networks and peer mentorship as the unseen infrastructure enabling African professionals to successfully navigate the United Kingdom's Global Talent Visa and other international opportunities.

 

Managwu, who is the founder of TalentHacked, explained that although the visa programme provides a flexible route for recognised leaders in technology, academia, and the arts to live and work in the UK, policy alone does not create access, people do.

 

Speaking at an African tech mobility forum held recently in Lagos, he explained that most successful applications begin long before the submission of official forms.

 

 

"It starts in WhatsApp groups that swap templates, in late-night calls where alumni explain evidence criteria, and in mentoring sessions where professionals review statements line by line," he noted. "Community is the real infrastructure of mobility. When one person shares their pathway, ten others suddenly see themselves succeeding."

 

According to official guidance on GOV.UK, the Global Talent Visa allows recognised or emerging leaders to live and work in the UK without employer sponsorship. However, Managwu observed that for many Nigerians, the challenge lies not in eligibility but in effectively documenting their achievements to meet assessment standards.

 

His platform, TalentHacked, was created to bridge this gap through tools such as evidence-mapping, statement-building templates, and alumni-led peer reviews. He stressed that the platform complements, rather than replaces, official guidance by helping applicants improve clarity and avoid common errors.

 

 

"This is about reducing blind spots, improving clarity, and giving applicants a structured pathway," he said.

 

Managwu also opposed the view that migration leads to a brain drain, describing it instead as a process of brain circulation, where Nigerians abroad invest in scholarships, mentorship, and ventures that benefit the home ecosystem.

 

"The task for us is to keep widening the bridge, more mentors, more accessible information, and more tools that turn ambition into clarity."

 

The growing network-driven model, the advocate noted, is strengthening Nigeria's global competitiveness by fostering remittances, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaborations that contribute to national development.

 

Read the original article on This Day.

 

 

 

 

Africa: The African Growth and Opportunity Act Is No More

In addition to a US Government shutdown at midnight on September 30, 2025, due to failure to pass a spending bill, an event largely ignored by America's mainstream media was the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA was established by US President Bill Clinton in 2000, and gave preferential access to US markets for over thirty African nations for the past twenty-five years. The act allowed eligible606 countries to export goods to the United States duty-free, and supported the growth of industries such as textiles, agriculture, and mining.

 

In the run-up to September 30, several African governments and American businesses lobbied Congress and the Trump administration for an extension of the act. The administration expressed support for a one-year extension to allow further review and restructuring of the agreement, and according to reports, there was bipartisan support in Congress. Despite this, no legislation has been enacted. Officials from South Africa and Lesotho indicate that discussions with the US government are ongoing but give no signs of possible outcomes.

 

 

The end of AGOA has caused immediate trade disruptions across Africa. Countries such as South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya, and Lesotho face higher US tariffs on key exports. Madagascar, for instance, faces rates as high as 47 percent on textile and vanilla exports.

 

A Bundle of Negatives . . .

 

According to researchers at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability, some African economies are likely to face "notable adverse effects." The macroeconomic effects are assumed to be limited, but probably understate the full impact of US tariffs and the indirect effects of things like reduced foreign investment, weakened supply chains, rising poverty, and loss of capacity building. In the AGOA-dependent industries, approximately 1.3 million jobs are at risk in countries where people have limited options in the event of sudden unemployment. In Kenya, for instance, over 66,000 people, many of them women, are employed in textile and apparel export to the American market. From garment factories and horticultural producers in Kenya to car factories in South Africa, 300,000 direct jobs and 1 million indirect jobs are in jeopardy with the end of AGOA. Protecting these jobs is not just an economic issue. They are critical to halt or limit the relocation of people into countries where migrants often face violent reactions to their presence.

 

 

. . . With a Glimmer of Hope

 

With the current political uncertainty in the United States, realistically, there is little hope of AGOA being on the US government's agenda in the short term. This, however, offers the opportunity for African countries to reassess their trade strategies. Some have already taken steps in that direction. Kenya, for instance, is in the process of negotiating a free trade agreement with the United States. South Africa is seeking exemptions and quotas to maintain access to the American market for its most vulnerable industries. Zimbabwe, which was not eligible for AGOA, is looking to liberalize its customs regime to expand regional trade.

 

Continent-wide, there is now increased attention being given to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which kicked off in 2021. With a market of 1.5 billion people, the AfCFTA offers a long-term means of building sustained, resilient intra-African trade, provided the fifty-four countries that are signatories to the pact take the necessary actions to enhance regional integration, improve infrastructure, and promote value-added production.

 

The Future of US-Africa Trade

 

Another response to the end of AGOA, which, unfortunately, does not benefit the United States, is the expansion of African trade ties with China, India, Turkey, and the European Union. China-Africa trade in 2024, which was $295 billion, already dwarfed the $8 billion AGOA-linked trade with the United States. In addition, China has eliminated tariffs on exports from thirty-three African countries, further cementing its role as a key trade partner.

 

As the African focus shifts from preferential access to long-term competitiveness, regional self-sufficiency, and diversified economic partnerships, Africa's place in and influence on the global trading system will change. If the United States does not develop a more partner-focused trade relationship with the fifty-four countries of what could become an influential member of that system, it could find itself "late to the table" and having to settle for leftovers.

 

Charles A. Ray, a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Africa Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, served as US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of Zimbabwe.

 

Read the original article on FPRI.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenya Set to Adopt First Crypto Law After Parliament Passes VASP Bill

Kenya is poised to adopt its first cryptocurrency law after Parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill

First tabled in 2024, the bill designates the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) as joint regulators of digital assets

The new framework will introduce clear licensing and solvency requirements for both local and foreign operators

Kenya is poised to adopt its first cryptocurrency law after Parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025, at its third reading, sending the legislation to President William Ruto for assent.

 

 

First tabled in 2024, the bill designates the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) as joint regulators of digital assets, giving the Treasury Cabinet Secretary authority to issue detailed rules on stablecoins, tokenisation, capital standards, and anti-money laundering compliance.

 

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

 

The new framework will introduce clear licensing and solvency requirements for both local and foreign operators, including Luno, Busha, KotaniPay, Fonbnk, Swypt, and Binance. It comes after months of public consultation and committee review.

 

"Kenya is one signature away from making regulatory history," said Chebet Kipingor of Busha Kenya, adding that the law signals a shift toward balancing innovation with consumer protection.

 

President Ruto is expected to receive the final bill within weeks.

 

Daba is Africa's leading investment platform for private and public markets. Download here

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

Kenya's VASP Bill could make it one of the first African nations with a comprehensive digital-asset regulatory framework--an important milestone for one of the continent's most active crypto markets. The law aims to provide certainty for investors and startups while tightening oversight to meet international anti-money laundering standards. Its timing is strategic: Kenya remains under scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and is under pressure to modernize its financial system following the cancellation of its IMF Extended Fund Facility. Yet, the details of the Treasury's sub-regulations--defining capital adequacy, custody rules, and disclosure--will determine whether Kenya becomes a competitive regional crypto hub or risks driving operators offshore. If implemented effectively, the VASP law could position Kenya alongside Nigeria and South Africa as a leader in regulated digital finance, setting a benchmark for East Africa's fintech and blockchain innovation landscape.

 

Read the original article on Daba Finance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 Invest Wisely!

Bulls n Bears 

 

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INVESTORS DIARY 2025

 


Company

Event

Venue

Date & Time

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


Companies under Cautionary

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


CBZH

GetBucks

EcoCash

 


Padenga

Econet

RTG

 


Fidelity

TSL

FMHL

 


 

 

 

 


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DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by Bulls ‘n Bears, a division of Faith Capital (Pvt) Ltd for general information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities. The information contained in this report has been compiled from s believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made or guarantee given as to its accuracy or completeness. All opinions expressed and recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Securities or financial instruments mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors. Securities of emerging and mid-size growth companies typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than the securities of more established companies. Neither Faith Capital nor any other member of Bulls ‘n Bears nor any other person, accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Recipients of this report shall be solely responsible for making their own independent investigation into the business, financial condition and future prospects of any companies referred to in this report. Other  Indices quoted herein are for guideline purposes only and d from third parties.

 


 

 


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