Kenyan startup Tappi has successfully secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding, led by notable investors Mercy Corps Ventures and Chui Ventures. This strategic investment positions Tappi to extend its reach to over 100 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, aiming to empower them in the rapidly evolving digital commerce arena. Tappi’s innovative platform […]

In a robust display of market demand, government-issued infrastructure bonds (IFBs) have been trading at a premium in the secondary market at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The surge in interest is primarily attributed to retail buyers seeking the allure of high, interest-free rates offered by these bonds. As of the latest trading session, only […]

Kenyan President William Ruto has revealed the nation’s contemplation of entering the green finance arena through the potential sale of sovereign green bonds and engaging in debt-for-nature swap agreements to fund critical climate projects. Speaking on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, President Ruto emphasized the significance of […]

In a bid to revitalize initial public offerings (IPOs) and break a seven-year drought on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), companies seeking listing are now only required to demonstrate profitability once in the last five years. The new regulations, published by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, mark a significant departure from the previous mandate, which […]

In a significant development for Kenya’s burgeoning online forex trading sector, the government has swiftly instituted a novel regulatory fee affecting all online forex brokers. This measure, effective immediately, is poised to bolster the revenue stream of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) while fortifying safeguards for currency traders. Under the new regulation, both dealing and […]

In another setback for Kenya’s financial markets, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has once again chosen to exclude Kenyan companies from its MSCI Equity Index for frontier markets. This development underscores the deteriorating investment climate in Kenya, marked by factors such as an unpredictable taxation regime, a dollar shortage, a weakening currency, and high fuel […]

AIB-AXYS AFRICA, a leading stock brokerage firm, has introduced an innovative virtual assistant named Wekeza (invest) to provide expert guidance to investors navigating the complexities of capital markets. This cutting-edge tool is poised to redefine conventional investment approaches, offering users a unique and comprehensive experience. Wekeza operates as a financial GPS, adeptly leading users through […]

In a groundbreaking move, the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA) has granted approval to First Future Holdings Ltd to initiate trials of a revolutionary technology that enables Kenyans to buy and sell shares listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) using SMS. This regulatory green light is poised to democratize stock market investing, fostering […]

In a recent development, Sterling Capital, headquartered in Nairobi, disclosed that Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd has made substantial adjustments to its investment portfolio, particularly reducing its exposure to Kenyan government bonds. This move comes in response to a directive from the bank’s parent company, aiming to mitigate sovereign risk exposure, a decision influenced by […]

In a recent development, Equity Group, a prominent banking institution, has disclosed its anticipation of completing the acquisition of Rwanda’s Compagnie Générale de Banque, widely known as Cogebank, by the end of November. The acquisition, initially announced in June, involves a cash consideration of $48.1 million for a 91.93% stake in Cogebank, with plans to […]