Rwanda's Bank of Kigali Launches BK Open API for Rivals
Bank of Kigali, Rwanda's biggest lender, unveiled its BK Open API on April 2, enabling fintechs and rival banks to integrate seamlessly with its services for instant payments and payroll. The move cements BK's lead in open banking amid robust 2025 growth.
Angola's BAI Embraces Finastra Core Platform for Digital Transformation
Banco Angolano de Investimentos selects Finastra's cloud-native Essence platform to modernize legacy systems and compete in Africa's rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
RMB Unveils Africa’s First Nature-Linked Bond in South Africa
Rand Merchant Bank has structured Africa’s pioneering nature-linked outcomes-based bond, tying investor returns to verified ecological restoration in Cape water catchments. The R2.5 billion initiative sets a scalable template for financing South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas.
South Africa's FirstRand Names Lytania Johnson FNB CEO Amid Restructuring
FirstRand has unveiled a major leadership shake-up, with Lytania Johnson succeeding Harry Kellan as FNB CEO at year-end 2026, while creating new banking segments and appointing a group COO and CRO. The moves aim to boost agility and customer focus in a high-performing franchise.
East Africa's 4G Capital Raises $2M to Boost MSE Lending
Kenyan fintech 4G Capital has secured $2 million from GIF Growth to scale its touch-tech lending model in Kenya and Uganda, targeting women and youth entrepreneurs as it nears $1 billion in cumulative loans.
Ghana's Rural Banks Complete Community Bank Shift Today
All of Ghana's rural banks have transitioned to community banks effective March 31, 2026, marking a pivotal regulatory overhaul by the Bank of Ghana to strengthen the microfinance sector. This shift aims to enhance operational resilience amid evolving financial demands.
Nigeria's Unity Bank Merger Bolsters Banking Recapitalisation Drive
Nigeria's Unity Bank merger with Providus Bank advances amid CBN's aggressive recapitalisation push, as African banks post stellar 17% ROE in 2025, far outpacing global peers. The deal underscores continent-wide consolidation to build resilience against economic headwinds.
South Africa's IFISA Launches to Boost Infrastructure Funding
South Africa's new Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency (IFISA) begins operations on April 1, 2026, at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, aiming to streamline project preparation and mobilize financing for a R1.1 trillion public infrastructure push.
Egyptian Hamilton Labs Gets AXIAN Funding for Africa Stablecoin Push
Egyptian fintech Hamilton Labs has secured undisclosed funding from AXIAN Investment to expand its USDh digital dollar stablecoin across Africa, targeting underbanked markets with yield-bearing savings tools. The deal underscores growing interest in blockchain-based financial infrastructure on th...
Standard Bank Handles R164-Trillion Payments in 2025
Africa's largest lender by assets processed R164-trillion in payments last year, marking a 9% rise from 2024 amid blockchain innovations and a pioneering China link. The milestone underscores the bank's dominance in continental financial flows.
Ethiopia Names Standard Bank First Foreign Entrant in Reforms
Ethiopia's National Bank has re-licensed Standard Bank as the pioneering foreign institution under landmark banking reforms, allowing liaison and research ahead of full operations. This cautious entry signals broader market opening after decades of restrictions.
Namibia's DBN Launches N$400M Women Financing Drive
The Development Bank of Namibia has partnered with the African Development Bank to launch 'DBN For Her,' a N$400 million facility offering loans up to N$10 million for women-owned businesses, featuring prime rates, a 12-month interest-free grace period, and flexible collateral to boost financial ...