Africa Economic & Policy Update
Welcome back to the Vault. Here’s our bulletin on recent policy developments.
ANGOLA
- Angola new Minimum Wage Implementation
ETHIOPIA
- Ethiopia Fertilizer Plant Deal
MALAWI
- Digitalizing Passports in Malawi
SOUTH AFRICA
- Petrol and Diesel Prices Set to Drop in South Africa
- Prosecution Launched for 2022 Jagersfontein Tailings Dam Collapse
GHANA
- Chief Justice Fired on Grounds of Misbehavior
- Ghana Moves to Strengthen GCB Bank as Strategic State-Owned Asset
- President Mahama Lifts Ban on Public Land Sales with New Transparency Measures
Nigeria
- UNICEF and Plateau State Government Launch Initiative to Combat Child Malnutrition
- Non-Oil Sector Drives Record N20.59 trillion Revenue in Eight Months
- UK’s BII Invests $7.5M in Babban Gona to Boost Food Security
KENYA
- Mukhisa Kituyi Appointed as United Opposition Spokesperson
- Boniface Mwangi Launches 2027 Presidential Bid
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ANGOLA
Angola new Minimum Wage Implementation
Angola has announced a new minimum wage policy that will officially come into effect in September 2025. This long-anticipated adjustment is aimed at improving the purchasing power of workers amid ongoing inflation and economic pressure. The new wage structure will vary by sector, with agriculture, transport, and general services each seeing increases. This change is part of a broader effort by the government to reduce poverty and stimulate domestic consumption. Employers across the country are expected to comply, with penalties for non-adherence. The move has been welcomed by labor unions but has also raised concerns among small business owners over cost implications. Overall, the wage revision marks a significant shift in Angola’s labor and economic policy landscape.
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia Fertilizer Plant Deal
Ethiopia and Nigeria’s Dangote Group on August 28, 2025, signed a landmark $2.5 billion agreement to build one of the world’s largest single-site urea fertilizer plants in Gode, southeastern Ethiopia. The plant, with a capacity of 3 million metric tons annually, aims to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported fertilizers while boosting local agricultural productivity. Owned 60% by Dangote and 40% by Ethiopian Investment Holdings, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen Ethiopia’s role as a regional fertilizer hub. It will include vital infrastructure like a natural gas pipeline from local reserves to power the facility. This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s vision for food security, industrialization, and agricultural modernization, promising significant economic benefits and enhanced farmer livelihoods in the region.
MALAWI
Digitalizing Passports in Malawi
Malawi officially moved its passport registration process fully online on September 2, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda. Starting next week, digital payment options will also be introduced, streamlining the entire application process. This initiative aims to reduce long queues, improve efficiency, and curb corruption linked to manual handling. The government sees this as a major step toward e-governance and better public service delivery. Citizens can now apply from anywhere with internet access, saving time and travel costs. The rollout is part of broader reforms to modernize civil services using technology. If successful, it could pave the way for more digital government services across Malawi.
SOUTH AFRICA
- Petrol and Diesel Prices Set to Drop in South Africa
Effective September 3, 2025, South Africa will see a decrease in fuel prices, with petrol (93 and 95 ULP) dropping by 4 cents per liter and diesel (0.05% and 0.005% sulfur) by 56–57 cents per liter, as announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. This adjustment, driven by a stronger rand at R17.65/$ and lower Brent Crude oil prices at $67.01 per barrel, provides relief after a volatile 2025 with fluctuating fuel costs. The diesel price cut is particularly significant for transport and agriculture, helping ease inflationary pressures on goods and services. Petrol 95 will cost R21.55/liter in Gauteng and R20.76/liter at the coast. Illuminating paraffin will also decrease by 37 cents per liter. This change supports households and businesses facing high living costs, though currency volatility could impact future adjustments.
2. Prosecution Launched for 2022 Jagersfontein Tailings Dam Collapse
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority on September 4, 2025, announced criminal proceedings against five individuals linked to the September 11, 2022, Jagersfontein tailings dam failure, with a court appearance scheduled for September 10, 2025, in the Jagersfontein Magistrate’s Court. The collapse, which killed two people, left one missing, and devastated homes and ecosystems, prompted investigations by the Departments of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). Charges include murder, malicious damage to property, and Health and Safety Act violations. This case addresses accountability for one of South Africa’s worst mining-related environmental disasters. It may set a precedent for stricter tailings, dam regulations, and corporate responsibility. Ongoing rehabilitation efforts, funded by Jagersfontein Developments, aim to restore affected areas.
GHANA
- Chief Justice Fired on Grounds of Misbehavior
President John Dramani Mahama on 2 September 2025, officially removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office with immediate effect, following a constitutional inquiry that concluded she had engaged in “stated misbehavior.” The decision stemmed from a five-member committee—formed under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which found sufficient grounds after reviewing extensive testimony and documentation in response to a petition by citizen Daniel Ofori. Torkornoo, who was suspended back in April 2025 pending investigation, has denied the allegations, calling the process politically motivated and flawed. Her dismissal marks a historic first in Ghana’s constitutional era—the removal of a sitting Chief Justice, raising serious concerns over judicial independence and the separation of powers.
2. Ghana Moves to Strengthen GCB Bank as Strategic State-Owned Asset
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko-Ampem, on 28 August 2025, announced a directive requiring state-owned enterprises to prioritize channeling business through GCB Bank, signaling a strategic shift to fortify Ghana’s indigenous financial institutions. This measure is aimed at reinforcing GCB Bank’s capacity to underwrite national development goals, especially in supporting small and medium enterprises that account for approximately 80% of employment and 60% of output. By diverting more public-sector banking flows into GCB, the government hopes to enhance the bank’s liquidity, deepen its reach, and enable more targeted lending to domestic businesses.
3. President Mahama Lifts Ban on Public Land Sales with New Transparency Measures
President John Dramani Mahama on September 3 lifted the temporary ban on state and public land transactions, initially imposed on January 10, 2025, to review Ghana’s land administration system, on September 2, 2025. The review exposed critical weaknesses, prompting a new framework emphasizing transparent, digitally verified processes to combat corruption and restore public trust. All future transactions will undergo strict oversight, with customary land transactions digitally registered and accessible. This reform is significant for addressing longstanding issues like disputed ownership and irregular allocations, impacting Ghana’s real estate and development sectors. The policy could enhance economic activity by unlocking stalled projects, but its success depends on effective implementation.
4. Ghana Finalizes First-Ever Blue Economy Strategy
Ghana held a three-day national consultation in Accra to finalize its first-ever Blue Economy Strategy on September 3, 2025, as announced by Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie. The strategy, developed by a 16-member expert committee, aims to sustainably manage Ghana’s marine and coastal resources, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals like SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Over 260 stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society participated to ensure inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. This initiative is critical for leveraging Ghana’s 550-km coastline for economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience. It addresses challenges like overfishing and pollution, vital for coastal communities’ livelihoods. The strategy’s success could position Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable ocean governance.
Nigeria
- UNICEF and Plateau State Government Launch Initiative to Combat Child Malnutrition
UNICEF partnered with the Plateau State Government to distribute 5,392 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) on September 2, 2025, to address child malnutrition, targeting 80,000 children aged 6-23 months across the state. The initiative, funded by a $400,000 joint investment ($200,000 each from the state and UNICEF through the Child Nutrition Fund), aims to prevent malnutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life. Announced at a ceremony in Jos, this effort underscores Nigeria’s high burden of child stunting and wasting. Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo emphasized its role in improving child health and development. This partnership may reduce child mortality and enhance long-term human capital, though it covers only 56% of the 141,519 eligible children in Plateau.
2) Non-Oil Sector Drives Record N20.59 trillion Revenue in Eight Months
Nigeria’s presidency announced a historic fiscal milestone on September 3, 2025, revealing total government revenue of N20.59 trillion collected between January and August, a 40.5% increase over the same period in 2024. Impressively, the non-oil sector accounted for 75% of this income, amounting to N15.69 trillion, signaling a decisive shift away from dependence on crude oil. President Bola Tinubu credited this achievement to bold economic reforms, digitization of tax administration, and enhanced compliance measures. Increased revenue has led to record disbursements exceeding N2 trillion monthly to states and local governments, supporting infrastructure and social services.
3) UK’s BII Invests $7.5M in Babban Gona to Boost Food Security
The United Kingdom’s British International Investment (BII) on September 4, 2025, committed a $7.5 million debt investment into Babban Gona, a leading Nigerian agricultural enterprise that empowers smallholder farmers. This funding aims to scale Babban Gona’s innovative franchise model that provides farmers with access to inputs, financing, training, and markets, significantly boosting crop yields and income. With this support, Babban Gona plans to extend its impact to approximately 140,000 farmers, enhancing food security and fostering climate resilience in Northern Nigeria. Babban Gona’s model has proven successful in making farming more profitable and attractive to youth and women, addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
KENYA
- Mukhisa Kituyi Appointed as United Opposition Spokesperson
The United Opposition in Kenya on September 4, 2025, appointed Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as its spokesperson and Head of Secretariat. Kituyi, former UNCTAD Secretary-General and Kenya’s Trade Minister, brings global experience to the coalition, which includes six parties aiming to challenge President William Ruto in 2027. The announcement followed a strategy meeting at Wiper’s headquarters, signaling efforts to unify ahead of the elections. Kituyi’s appointment enhances the opposition’s credibility and international stature. It could sharpen their narrative against the government, though the coalition’s fluid structure may hinder cohesion. Youth leader Ken Babu emphasized Kituyi’s role in engaging younger generations. This move may reshape Kenya’s political landscape, influencing voter perceptions and opposition strategy.
2. Boniface Mwangi Launches 2027 Presidential Bid
Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi on August 28, 2025, announced his candidacy for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, promoting a “kinder nation” under his Kenya Mpya movement. Known for anti-corruption protests and street murals, Mwangi aims to channel youth-led protest energy into electoral power, challenging Kenya’s wealthy political dynasties. His campaign, launched on Katiba Day, emphasizes justice, equity, and constitutional adherence. Supported by figures like retired Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, it resonates with Gen Z and millennials disillusioned with establishment politics. Mwangi’s candidacy may galvanize young voters, potentially shifting the political landscape.
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