Central banks, commodity prices and trade policy dominated Friday’s news, with Botswana holding its policy rate steady, Kenya’s consumer prices hitting a 40‑month peak and the UK moving to raise taxes on flights to sub‑Saharan Africa.
Botswana
The Bank of Botswana kept its benchmark rate at 5.5% on 29 October, matching market expectations after a two‑point increase in April. Inflation remains at 7.8%, above the central bank’s target band.
The government is in talks with the African Development Bank for a loan to fund a national skills development and enterprise acceleration programme aimed at creating jobs in priority sectors.
At the Youth Budget Pitso in Selebi Phikwe, Permanent Secretary Gape Kaboyakgosi said the Ministry of Finance is reviewing under‑performing state‑owned enterprises, including the prospect of merging some of them.
Southern and East Africa
Kenya’s consumer price index rose to 7.3% in October, up from 6.8% the month before, marking a 40‑month high.
Absa Group opened an office in Dubai to link Gulf corporates and investors with African markets, extending its presence across the GCC.
The Mozambican government renewed Kenmare’s concession for the Moma titanium mine until 2044, agreeing to royalties of up to 5%.
Global business and trade
A guest column ahead of the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda warns that leaders will face rising trade tensions, geopolitical shocks and supply‑chain disruptions alongside chronic challenges such as debt and climate risk.
Business leaders in Mozambique called for the suspension of a decree that centralises rice and wheat imports under the Mozambique Grain Institute, arguing it hampers trade flexibility.
The UK announced a hike in Air Passenger Duty for flights to sub‑Saharan Africa, raising economy‑class charges to $151 and business‑class to about $361.
Artificial intelligence and technology
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana urged the creation of a digital platform to make official statistics more accessible, citing benefits for research, policy and investment.
Zambia partnered with Huawei to launch an AI training programme for government officials, aiming to boost public‑sector capacity for digital transformation.
Fintech firm Grey promoted its dollar‑free payment solution that allows African businesses to settle cross‑border invoices without converting funds into US dollars first.
What it means for communications teams
- Rate‑hold announcements in Botswana will generate commentary on inflation trends; prepare statements that acknowledge the central bank’s target gap.
- Kenya’s inflation surge is likely to dominate local media; position your brand as price‑sensitive or supportive of stabilisation measures.
- The UK’s APD increase creates a clear hook for travel‑related messaging; highlight any cost‑offsetting services or alternative routes.
- AI initiatives in Ghana and Zambia offer angles for tech‑focused outreach, especially around data transparency and capacity‑building.
Today and tomorrow
Sources
- Botswana Holds Its Interest Rate at 5.5% · riotimesonline.com
- Govt seeks AfDB loan to create jobs · businessweekly.co.bw
- Government considers review of underperforming SOEs · dailynews.gov.bw
- Fuel price hikes push Kenya’s inflation to 40-month high of 7.3pc · nation.africa
- Absa Group expands into Dubai to connect Gulf capital with Africa · zawya.com
- Mozambique renews Kenmare’s concession for one of world’s largest titanium mines until 2044 · clubofmozambique.com
- Africa: From Commonwealth Connections to Economic Opportunity - Expanding AfricaâCaribbean Trade Linkages · allafrica.com
- Mozambique: Businesspeople call for suspension of grain import centralisation · clubofmozambique.com
- UK raises tax on sub-Saharan Africa economy flights to $151 and business class to $361 · africa.businessinsider.com
- BoG turns to AI to strengthen financial-sector oversight · myjoyonline.com
- Zambia Partners With Huawei for AI Training Programme for Government Officials · techafricanews.com
- Grey targets dollar-free payments for African businesses · techcabal.com
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