Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

Global financial technology leader Revolut has officially submitted its Section 12 application to the Prudential Authority of the South African Reserve Bank, marking the first formal step toward establishing a fully licensed bank in South Africa under the Banks Act. This milestone represents Revolut’s strategic entry into Africa and its…

Swedish automaker Volvo Cars, owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely, is set to expand its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio in South Africa with the launch of two new models—the ES90 and EX60—in 2026. This move underscores Volvo’s commitment to electrification and its strategy to make premium EVs more accessible in…

Discovery Bank has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Luno, making it the first banking platform in Africa to offer integrated cryptocurrency trading directly within its banking app. This innovation was revealed during the bank’s annual product update, alongside a suite of new features designed to enhance customer experience and expand…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a proposed loan of up to $15 million equivalent in Nigerian naira to Justrite, one of Nigeria’s leading supermarket chains. This financing aims to accelerate Justrite’s ambitious expansion program, which includes the opening of 25 new stores across the country. Founded in 2000…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced plans for an equity investment of up to $15 million in the Catalyst MENA Climate Fund II, a new climate-focused investment vehicle launched by Catalyst Investment Management. Catalyst Investment Management specializes exclusively in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy and water technology investments…

Proparco, the French development finance institution, has acquired an equity stake in Meridiam’s 100MW Kipeto Wind Farm, strengthening its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure in Africa. The investment is a co-participation alongside the Meridiam Infrastructure Africa Fund II, in which Proparco is already an investor. Located approximately 70…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has formally approved a $100 million loan to the Emerging Africa and Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), a key investment vehicle strategically managed by the global investment firm Ninety One. This significant financial injection is designed to accelerate critical infrastructure development across emerging markets. This latest…

Genesis BBQ Chicken, one of South Korea’s largest and most recognized fried chicken brands, has officially signed an agreement to open its first restaurant in South Africa, marking the beginning of its ambitious expansion across the African continent. Master Franchise Agreement with Good Tree South Africa The company confirmed that…

South African digital banking leader TymeBank, backed by billionaire Patrice Motsepe, is entering a bold new chapter—transitioning from a local financial disruptor into a global banking institution. This evolution is being spearheaded by its founders and early leadership team as the group expands its footprint across multiple international markets. TymeBank,…

Norfund, the Norwegian development finance institution, has invested $75 million (approximately R1.3 billion) in Mulilo Energy Holdings, a leading South African renewable energy developer chaired by Jan Oberholzer, former Chief Operating Officer of Eskom. Founded in 1997, Norfund is wholly owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The institution…

South African mobile operator Cell C, in partnership with The Prepaid Company (TPC), is seeking to raise up to R6.5 billion through a share offering ahead of its planned listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). According to Cell C’s abridged pre-listing statement released on Thursday, the offering will consist…

Impact investor All On has announced a $250,000 follow-on investment in ICE Solar, a leading provider of energy-as-a-service solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. This additional funding underscores All On’s commitment to advancing affordable and sustainable energy access for businesses that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.…

The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development equity impact investment arm of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced a $300 million strategic investment in the Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform (A2MP). This landmark investment underscores FEDA’s commitment to accelerating industrialization and value addition within Africa’s…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced plans for a substantial investment in the Actis Energy 6 Fund, signaling its commitment to advancing sustainable energy infrastructure in emerging markets. IFC’s proposal includes up to $100 million in equity investment, complemented by an additional $100 million co-investment envelope, bringing the potential…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a significant investment in South African fintech company Lula, aimed at boosting access to finance for small businesses. IFC will provide Lula with a local currency loan of 170 million South African rand (approximately $10 million). This funding is designed to unlock working…

South African renewable energy company SolarSaver has raised US$60 million to accelerate the deployment of affordable and reliable solar power solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Southern Africa. SolarSaver develops, owns, and operates small-scale solar and battery systems that deliver clean energy directly to businesses. Its model allows…

TLG Capital has finalized a $10 million private credit facility to support an African-founded investment holding company in acquiring a leading insurance platform in Ghana. This strategic move underscores TLG Capital’s commitment to backing Africa-rooted entrepreneurs and fostering regional consolidation in the financial services sector. Zain Latif, Principal at TLG…

Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets, has partnered with a newly formed consortium, NewCo, to enable the acquisition of industrial powerhouse Barloworld in a landmark transaction valued at approximately R23 billion (US$1.3 billion). In this transformative deal, Standard Bank assumed multiple critical roles, serving as joint financial advisor, sole…

British International Investment (BII) and BlueOrchard Finance have announced a strategic partnership to launch an innovative fund designed to mobilize insurance capital for addressing climate challenges in emerging markets. The initiative builds on BII’s mobilization programme introduced earlier this year, which invited private investors to create solutions that accelerate climate…

Breni, a fast-rising Nigerian edtech startup recently launched, is actively seeking investor commitments for its pre-seed funding round as it pursues an ambitious vision: to become the “Duolingo for everything.” In just three months, the company claims to have achieved rapid global traction—without spending a single dollar on marketing. Founded…