President Donald Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for an extended maritime blockade of Iran, opting to continue squeezing the nation’s economy and oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports. https://tradingroom.co.ke/oil-prices-surge-as-us-extends-port-blockade/
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Oil Prices Surge Amid US Extension of Iranian Port Blockade - The Trading Room
On Wednesday, oil prices surged following reports that the United States intends to prolong its blockade of Iranian ports,
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Airtel Africa Plc is planning to list its mobile money unit, Airtel Money, on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in the first half of 2026. The planned IPO is expected to raise between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, as the group looks to strengthen its position…
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Airtel Africa Targets $2 Billion IPO for Mobile Money Platform in London - The Trading Room
Airtel Africa Plc is planning to list its mobile money arm, Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), a move that underscores the growth in the mobile money platform.
Standard Chartered has successfully coordinated a syndicated financing package exceeding USD 2.33 billion to support the continued development of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. https://tradingroom.co.ke/standard-chartered-arrange-usd-2-33-b-for-tz-sgr/
The Trading Room
Standard Chartered Arranges Milestone USD 2.33 Billion Financing for Tanzania’s SGR Project
Standard Chartered has successfully coordinated a syndicated financing package exceeding USD 2.33 billion to support the continued development of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. This financial injection is designated for the construction…
Kenya’s GDP grew by 4.6% in 2025, slightly down from 4.7% in 2024.
According to KNBS, the growth was broad-based, with sectors such as agriculture, construction, and mining and quarrying driving the expansion in economic activity.
Agriculture grew by 2.8%, compared to 4.3% the previous year, while the manufacturing sector expanded by 2.1%, down from 3.2% in 2024.
The construction sector recorded a strong growth of 6.8%, rebounding from a 0.7% contraction in 2024.
According to KNBS, the growth was broad-based, with sectors such as agriculture, construction, and mining and quarrying driving the expansion in economic activity.
Agriculture grew by 2.8%, compared to 4.3% the previous year, while the manufacturing sector expanded by 2.1%, down from 3.2% in 2024.
The construction sector recorded a strong growth of 6.8%, rebounding from a 0.7% contraction in 2024.
The total value of Kenyan exports to the Middle East declined by 12.4%, falling to KES 144.2 billion in 2025 from KES 164.6 billion in 2024.
Exports to Iran were valued at KES 5.8 billion, accounting for 4.0% of Kenya’s total exports to the region.
The export value is expected to decline further in 2026 amid the ongoing conflict.
Exports to Iran were valued at KES 5.8 billion, accounting for 4.0% of Kenya’s total exports to the region.
The export value is expected to decline further in 2026 amid the ongoing conflict.
The total value of Kenyan exports to the U.S. reached KES 79.9 billion in 2025, down 10.3% from KES 88.9 billion in 2024.
The decline was mainly driven by reduced domestic exports of titanium ores and concentrates, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, as well as lower re-exports of kerosene-type jet fuel.
Imports from the U.S. also declined by 12.7%, falling to KES 135.9 billion from KES 156.6 billion in 2024.
The decline was mainly driven by reduced domestic exports of titanium ores and concentrates, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, as well as lower re-exports of kerosene-type jet fuel.
Imports from the U.S. also declined by 12.7%, falling to KES 135.9 billion from KES 156.6 billion in 2024.
Kenya exported apparel worth KES 58.1 billion to the U.S. under the AGOA pact in 2025, a 4.1% decline from KES 60.6 billion in 2024.
Despite the drop in export value, the volume of apparel shipped increased significantly to 148 million pieces, up from 116 million pieces.
Employment in the sector also rose, with the number of workers increasing to 82,026 from 66,804 in 2024.
Despite the drop in export value, the volume of apparel shipped increased significantly to 148 million pieces, up from 116 million pieces.
Employment in the sector also rose, with the number of workers increasing to 82,026 from 66,804 in 2024.
Sudan has introduced new import restrictions amid increasing pressure on its foreign exchange reserves, as authorities move to contain the impact of a weakening currency.
The measures are aimed at reducing demand for foreign currency and stabilizing the exchange rate, though they are expected to constrain import activity and pose near-term challenges for businesses that rely on external trade.
(Finance in Africa)
The measures are aimed at reducing demand for foreign currency and stabilizing the exchange rate, though they are expected to constrain import activity and pose near-term challenges for businesses that rely on external trade.
(Finance in Africa)
Stanbic Bank Kenya has launched an enhanced insurance solution in partnership with Heritage Insurance Kenya, targeting commercial vehicle owners and fleet operators across the SME segment.
The product combines asset financing with comprehensive insurance benefits, including goods-in-transit cover of up to KES 5 million, personal accident cover, regional East Africa coverage, and excess protection.
The product combines asset financing with comprehensive insurance benefits, including goods-in-transit cover of up to KES 5 million, personal accident cover, regional East Africa coverage, and excess protection.
I&M Bank Kenya has announced the launch of a Medium-Term Note (MTN) Programme of up to KES 20 billion, with the first tranche targeting up to KES 10 billion and a greenshoe option of KES 3 billion.
The fixed-rate notes carry a tenor of 5.5 years and an interest rate of 12.0% p.a., with proceeds earmarked for lending, long-term funding, and strengthening the bank’s capital base.
The notes will be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
The offer opened on April 30, 2026, and is set to close on May 15, 2026, with listing expected on May 21, 2026
The fixed-rate notes carry a tenor of 5.5 years and an interest rate of 12.0% p.a., with proceeds earmarked for lending, long-term funding, and strengthening the bank’s capital base.
The notes will be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
The offer opened on April 30, 2026, and is set to close on May 15, 2026, with listing expected on May 21, 2026
Equity Group Holdings (NSE: EQTY) is pursuing expansion through acquisitions in Zambia, Angola and Mozambique as it looks to tap into high-growth markets driven by infrastructure development and natural resources, particularly minerals.
The Group is prioritising mergers and acquisitions over greenfield entry, citing regulatory and operational barriers, while aligning its strategy with regional trade corridors and customer flows to strengthen its pan-African footprint.
[Reuters]
The Group is prioritising mergers and acquisitions over greenfield entry, citing regulatory and operational barriers, while aligning its strategy with regional trade corridors and customer flows to strengthen its pan-African footprint.
[Reuters]
SBM Bank Kenya has launched a KES 1 billion Green Finance Facility to accelerate the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles across Kenya.
The fund will provide accessible financing to consumers and businesses, supporting the transition to eco-friendly mobility.
The bank has also invested in its own EV fleet through a partnership with CFAO Mobility Kenya, signaling its commitment to driving sustainable transport and reducing carbon emissions.
The fund will provide accessible financing to consumers and businesses, supporting the transition to eco-friendly mobility.
The bank has also invested in its own EV fleet through a partnership with CFAO Mobility Kenya, signaling its commitment to driving sustainable transport and reducing carbon emissions.
Home Afrika (NSE: HAFR, +8.96% YTD) reported KES 508.7M in revenue in FY2025, down 34.9% YoY. Cost of sales declined 44% to KES 229M, bringing gross profit to KES 279M, down 25.2% YoY.
Administrative expenses declined 35% to KES 88.6M, selling expenses rose 21.4% to KES 13.8M, while other OPEX grew 2.9% to KES 34.1M.
Profitability declined as compared to FY2024, with net profit falling 12% to KES 118M.
Administrative expenses declined 35% to KES 88.6M, selling expenses rose 21.4% to KES 13.8M, while other OPEX grew 2.9% to KES 34.1M.
Profitability declined as compared to FY2024, with net profit falling 12% to KES 118M.
U.S. Central Command is preparing to present President Trump with plans for possible military measures targeting Iran https://tradingroom.co.ke/oil-prices-climb-to-four-year-high/
The Trading Room
Oil Prices Climb to Four-Year High as US Prepares Potential Military Action Against Iran - The Trading Room
On Thursday, oil prices surge following report that the U.S. military is scheduled to brief President Donald Trump on potential action against Iran.
The Trump administration has proposed replacing AGOA's unilateral duty-free market access with reciprocal trade agreements, requiring African countries to open their markets to U.S. goods.
For Kenya, this threatens approximately 68,000 direct jobs in textiles and agriculture, as exports would face duties of 15 to 42 percent.
While AGOA has been temporarily reinstated until December 2026, official U.S. documents, including a Federal Register notice and Senate Bill S.2958, confirm the long-term trajectory toward a reciprocal framework rather than continued preferential treatment. https://tradingroom.co.ke/trump-proposes-new-agoa-without-duty-free-access/
For Kenya, this threatens approximately 68,000 direct jobs in textiles and agriculture, as exports would face duties of 15 to 42 percent.
While AGOA has been temporarily reinstated until December 2026, official U.S. documents, including a Federal Register notice and Senate Bill S.2958, confirm the long-term trajectory toward a reciprocal framework rather than continued preferential treatment. https://tradingroom.co.ke/trump-proposes-new-agoa-without-duty-free-access/
The Trading Room
Trump Proposes New AGOA Without Duty Free Access for Africa - The Trading Room
The administration of President Donald Trump has proposed a fundamental restructuring of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),
Flame Tree Group Holdings Limited (NSE: FTGH, +35.2% YTD) has issued a profit warning, indicating it expects to report a loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, compared to a profit recorded in 2024.
The projected decline is largely attributed to the absence of a one-off insurance income booked in 2024, alongside sustained pressure from financing costs and a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Despite this, the Group noted continued operational resilience, supported by revenue growth, improved margins, and cost discipline.
The projected decline is largely attributed to the absence of a one-off insurance income booked in 2024, alongside sustained pressure from financing costs and a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Despite this, the Group noted continued operational resilience, supported by revenue growth, improved margins, and cost discipline.
In this week's Treasury Bills auction, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) received total bids of KES 18.48 billion against an offer of KES 24.00 billion, translating to a performance rate of 76.98%.
The 91-day paper recorded the strongest interest, posting a subscription rate of 200.6%, followed by the 364-day paper at 71.9%, while the 182-day paper lagged at 32.6%.
Out of the received bids, the CBK accepted KES 18.44 billion.
The 91-day paper recorded the strongest interest, posting a subscription rate of 200.6%, followed by the 364-day paper at 71.9%, while the 182-day paper lagged at 32.6%.
Out of the received bids, the CBK accepted KES 18.44 billion.