Major Developments Across Africa’s Economic and Political Landscape
Welcome back to The Vault! Here’s our bulletin on recent policy developments.
Ethiopia
- AfDB Grants $400,000 for Enhanced Transparency
- Ethiopian Airlines to Launch International Flights from Bishoftu Airport By 2030
Kenya
- UBA Commits $150m to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Program
Malawi
- Malawians Await Election Outcome After a Peaceful Vote
- Malawi Government, Partners Launch First-Ever National Children’s Alliance to Amplify, Consolidate Children’s Voices
Angola
- South Korea to Fund Upgrade of Angola’s Fishing Sector
- Nigeria and Angola Seal Deals on Illicit Drug Fight, Enhanced Cultural Exchange
South Africa
- Commuters Scramble As 30-Day Taxi Shutdown Begins
Nigeria
- Nigeria Unveils $3.1 Billion Agricultural Investment Portfolio to Boost Food Security
- Tinubu Lifts State of Emergency on Rivers, Restores Democratic Rule
- Federal Government Halts 4% FoB Customs Levy Over Trade Facilitation, Inflation Concerns
Other
- Ecowas Unveils Regional Social Protection Framework
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ETHIOPIA
AfDB Grants $400,000 for Enhanced Transparency
AfDB Grants $400,000 for Enhanced Transparency. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has granted $400,000 to Ethiopia’s Capital Market Authority (ECMA) to establish a public disclosure platform aimed at boosting the Ethiopian capital market. Signed on September 15, 2025, this grant supports the Ethiopia Capital Market Development Support Project and is part of AfDB’s broader efforts to enhance financial sector infrastructure, including the creation of Ethiopia’s capital market legal framework in 2021. The platform will improve transparency and ensure the timely dissemination of company information to investors, promoting fair price discovery and informed decision-making. Additionally, the grant facilitates the introduction of new financial products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), sukuks, and green bonds to diversify investment opportunities and attract both domestic and international investors. This initiative is expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s economic growth and expand access to long-term financing, positioning the country as a growing capital market hub in Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines to Launch International Flights from Bishoftu Airport By 2030
Ethiopian Airlines announced on September 11, 2025, that the new Bishoftu International Airport, located about 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa, is expected to be completed within five years, with plans to launch international flight operations by 2030. This state-of-the-art airport aims to relieve pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and enhance Ethiopia’s aviation capacity and connectivity. The project includes modern facilities with an annual capacity projected at 60 million passengers by 2040, positioning Ethiopia as a leading aviation hub in Africa. Preparations, including farmer relocations and new housing, are underway, with financing efforts ongoing. This development supports Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2040 strategy and complements ongoing airport modernization efforts, boosting the country’s economic growth, tourism, and global trade links. The Bishoftu airport project underscores Ethiopia’s ambition to expand its regional and international air transport influence.
KENYA
UBA Commits $150m to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Program
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has committed $150 million (KES 20.5 billion) to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Programme, announced on September 14, 2025, during UBA’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba’s visit to President William Ruto. This $1.35 billion initiative, led by the Kenya Roads Board, aims to modernize critical road infrastructure, accelerate contractor payments, and enhance national connectivity. UBA’s pledge underscores its confidence in Kenya’s economic future and its commitment to financing infrastructure and supporting SMEs. The program will improve cash flow for road projects, reduce budgetary pressure, and boost trade competitiveness across Kenya. Discussions during the visit also addressed strengthening Kenya’s financial sector resilience and promoting cross-border trade innovation. UBA’s involvement cements its role as a key partner in Kenya’s infrastructure development and inclusive growth agenda.
MALAWI
Malawians Await Election Outcome After a Peaceful Vote
Malawians peacefully voted on September 17, 2025, in a highly anticipated general election marked by economic challenges, including inflation, food shortages, and power outages. With 17 candidates in the race, the contest mainly centers on incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika, who have faced each other in prior elections. Early vote counts show a tight race, with Mutharika taking an initial lead, although the outcome remains uncertain. Voter turnout was about 51%, lower than the previous election, reflecting voter fatigue and socioeconomic strains. The Malawi Electoral Commission has until September 24 to announce presidential results, with parliamentary outcomes due by September 30.
Malawi Government, Partners Launch First-Ever National Children’s Alliance to Amplify, Consolidate Children’s Voices
The Malawi government, in partnership with key stakeholders, launched the country’s first-ever National Children’s Alliance (NCA) on September 14, 2025, in Dowa district. This groundbreaking child-led platform aims to amplify and consolidate children’s voices nationwide, enabling them to lead advocacy and influence policies that directly affect their welfare. The alliance shifts away from tokenism to genuine child participation, where children set the agenda and lead conversations on issues such as education, rights, and climate change. Coordinated by the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, and aligned with international conventions, the NCA ensures systematic child-led advocacy with equal representation from all regions of Malawi. Supported by government and civil society, it strengthens compliance with child rights laws and fosters inclusive decision-making.
ANGOLA
South Korea to Fund Upgrade of Angola’s Fishing Sector
South Korea’s EximBank has committed a $1 billion credit line to fund the modernization of Angola’s fishing sector, formalized on September 15, 2025, in Luanda through a financing agreement between both governments. The funds will focus initially on constructing fish processing and cold storage facilities, aiming to reduce waste and enhance the quality of fish products for domestic consumption and export. This partnership supports Angola’s strategic plan to boost food and nutritional security while diversifying its economy beyond oil. The fishing sector, vital for the livelihoods of over 100,000 artisanal fishermen, is expected to benefit from improved infrastructure, technical training, and better resource management. South Korea to Fund Upgrade of Angola’s Fishing Sector is an investment that also strengthens bilateral ties and promotes sustainable development aligned with Angola’s national goals and South Korea’s commitment to international cooperation.
Nigeria and Angola Seal Deals on Illicit Drug Fight, Enhanced Cultural Exchange
Nigeria and Angola on September 15, 2025, signed landmark agreements to strengthen cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking while also deepening cultural exchange between the two nations. The drug control pact focuses on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity building to address the growing threat of narcotics across Africa. At the same time, the cultural exchange initiative seeks to promote mutual understanding through arts, education, and heritage programs. These agreements are highly relevant as both countries face the dual challenge of security threats and the need to strengthen people-to-people ties. The collaboration is expected to enhance regional stability, reinforce social cohesion, and create new opportunities for cultural diplomacy. By combining security measures with soft power initiatives, the deals highlight a balanced approach to bilateral relations.
SOUTH AFRICA
Commuters Scramble As 30-Day Taxi Shutdown Begins
Starting September 17, 2025, a 30-day shutdown of key minibus taxi routes in Cape Town’s Western Cape province disrupted the daily commute for thousands of residents. The Western Cape Government invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act to suspend ten routes between Khayelitsha and Somerset West due to escalating violence between rival taxi associations CODETA and CATA, which has claimed eight lives recently. Taxi ranks and roads remain open, but commuters face overcrowded buses and longer train trips as alternatives. Police and law enforcement are enforcing the shutdown strictly, with fines and jail terms for violators.
NIGERIA
Nigeria Unveils $3.1 Billion Agricultural Investment Portfolio to Boost Food Security
Nigeria unveiled a $3.1 billion agricultural investment portfolio on September 16, 2025, targeting five key value chains: tomato, cassava, maize, dairy, and fisheries. The portfolio, combining $1.75 billion in public funding and $1.39 billion from private investors, aims to boost food security, create 21 million rural jobs, and reduce dependency on food imports. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2021–2025 and addresses rising food prices and inflation since the 2023 fuel subsidy removal. The program includes reforms to improve land registration, access to credit, and strategic irrigation projects, fostering sustainable agricultural growth.
Tinubu Lifts State of Emergency on Rivers, Restores Democratic Rule
On September 17, 2025, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu officially lifted the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, restoring full democratic governance with the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly. The emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, was necessitated by a constitutional crisis marked by a breakdown in governance and disputes between the governor and lawmakers, which left critical economic functions paralyzed and public order at risk. Tinubu acknowledged a renewed spirit of understanding among stakeholders in Rivers, declaring that the conditions for emergency rule no longer existed. The lifting underscores the importance of peace and stability as prerequisites for effective governance and democratic dividends. The move is welcomed as a vital step toward resolving the political impasse and ensuring the state’s socio-economic recovery.
Federal Government Halts 4% FoB Customs Levy Over Trade Facilitation, Inflation Concerns
Nigeria’s Federal Government suspended the controversial 4% Free on Board (FoB) customs levy on imported goods on September 16, 2025, following widespread opposition from manufacturers, importers, and trade stakeholders. The levy, reintroduced by Nigeria Customs Service in August 2025 after a brief initial suspension, was criticized for exacerbating inflation, raising import costs, and hindering trade facilitation. Finance Minister Wale Edun directed the suspension to allow further consultations and a comprehensive review of the levy’s economic impact and framework. The move aims to balance revenue generation for customs modernization with protecting Nigeria’s fragile business environment amid inflationary pressures. The government plans to revisit the funding mechanism to ensure sustainable customs operations without compromising competitiveness. This decision highlights ongoing efforts to foster a favorable investment climate while maintaining fiscal prudence.
OTHER
Ecowas Unveils Regional Social Protection Framework
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) unveiled its Regional Social Protection Framework on September 16, 2025. This framework is designed to guide member states in expanding and strengthening social protection systems, aiming to improve access to essential services and promote social inclusion across West Africa. With only 16% of the population currently covered by social protection benefits, the framework addresses critical gaps, including limited social insurance and inadequate resilience to climate shocks and humanitarian crises. The plan, supported by partners like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 to reduce poverty and foster economic stability. Countries like Nigeria and Senegal are already leading efforts with digitized cash transfers and expanded benefits. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward inclusive growth, ensuring vulnerable populations receive necessary social safety nets and enhancing regional cooperation on social policy until 2028.
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