Kenya
NSE Lists Kenya’s First Infrastructure Fund as Country Seeks Cheaper Project Financing
The Nairobi Securities Exchange has listed Kenya’s first infrastructure fund, the Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund (SAIF), launched by Spearhead Africa Asset Management to provide a new mechanism for financing infrastructure through tradable securities. The fund raised KSh3.4 billion in its initial offering, backed by local and international investors. It will invest in infrastructure debt across East Africa, including renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and transport projects. The listing is seen as a major step toward deepening Kenya’s capital markets and reducing reliance on expensive external borrowing by enabling local-currency-based infrastructure financing that is accessible, regulated, and more liquid for investors.
(Source: The Star)
Tanzania
CMSA Urges Compliance as iTrust Launches TZS15 Billion Bond
The Capital Markets and Securities Authority has urged financial institutions in Tanzania offering bond investment services to comply with regulations issued by the authority and the Bank of Tanzania to ensure transparency and investor protection. The statement was made during the launch of a TZS15 billion bond by iTrust Finance, which offers a 13% return over four years. Stakeholders noted that while bonds are generally considered safer investments, strict compliance with financial laws remains essential. The bond is also expected to support the growth of Tanzania’s capital markets. It has been structured to attract both individual and institutional investors through a relatively low minimum investment threshold.
(Source: Daily News)
Uganda
Pride Bank Launches GROW Loan in Soroti to Deepen Financial Inclusion
Pride Bank has launched a new GROW Loan product in Soroti to improve access to affordable financing for small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led enterprises. The bank said the initiative seeks to address challenges such as high collateral requirements and limited access to flexible credit, particularly in underserved regions outside Kampala. Officials added that the loan product forms part of broader efforts to promote financial inclusion, support SME growth, strengthen entrepreneurship in the Teso sub-region, and enhance financial literacy and sustainable business development.
(Source: The Independent)
Rwanda
Central Bank Raises Policy Rate to Contain Inflation
The National Bank of Rwanda has raised its benchmark interest rate from 7.25% to 8.25% to curb rising inflation, which reached 13% in April 2026, exceeding the bank’s target range of 2–8%. Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said the move is intended to stabilise prices and protect purchasing power by making borrowing more expensive and reducing excessive spending in the economy. The central bank expects the tighter monetary policy to slow demand, encourage more cautious lending and borrowing, and help bring inflation back under control over the medium term.
(Source: The New Times)
Ethiopia
Building a Food-Self-Sufficient Generation Key to Realising National Dignity and Sovereignty, Minister Says
Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing dependence on foreign aid and achieving food self-sufficiency by increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening national food sovereignty. Speaking at a panel discussion in Dire Dawa, government officials emphasised the need to leverage the country’s natural resources, fertile land, and youth workforce to strengthen household food security and promote self-reliance. The initiative aims to encourage sustainable agricultural development, improve productivity, and reduce long-term dependence on external aid.
(Source: ENA)
Sudan
Sudan Bus Fares Rise by 30% for Eid al-Adha Travel Season
Transport authorities in Sudan have announced a temporary 30% increase in inter-state bus fares ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday to cover higher operational costs, including empty return trips. The surcharge, which will remain in effect for approximately ten days, applies to multiple routes, including those to and from Port Sudan, with officials urging transport operators not to impose additional charges beyond the approved increase. The decision comes amid rising fuel and spare parts costs and ongoing economic pressures linked to the country’s conflict.
(Source: Sudan Tribune)
Somalia
Somalia and Türkiye Establish Joint Technical Committee to Modernise Infrastructure Through PPP and Housing Models
Somalia and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen cooperation on infrastructure development following a bilateral meeting in Ankara between the Somali Ministry of Public Works and the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The discussions focused on accelerating Somalia’s reconstruction by improving roads, housing development, urban planning, and construction quality systems, with Türkiye offering technical expertise and training support to Somali engineers and public works officials. The Somali delegation also reviewed Türkiye’s highway management systems, including public–private partnership models and toll road infrastructure. The two sides concluded by establishing a joint technical committee to coordinate knowledge transfer and fast-track infrastructure and housing projects in Somalia.
(Source: SONNA)
