
African markets are set for a week of developments spanning inflation, currencies, commodities, infrastructure financing and regional politics, while global investors continue to assess interest-rate expectations and geopolitical risks affecting oil prices.
RWANDA—INFLATION
Rwanda's statistics office is due to release consumer inflation data for July, providing fresh insight into price pressures in the East African economy.
GLOBAL MARKETS
Asian share markets tracked Wall Street higher on Monday after a softer U.S. jobs report reduced expectations of a near-term increase in borrowing costs.
However, uncertainty surrounding Gulf peace talks continued to support oil prices, adding another risk factor for global markets.
WORLD OIL PRICES
Oil prices rose on Monday amid uncertainty over when the Strait of Hormuz could reopen.
Iran said a deal with Oman defining new shipping lanes was in its final stages, but maintained that the United States must meet additional conditions.
Developments around the Strait remain closely watched because disruption to the key shipping route could have significant implications for global energy markets.
AFRICA STOCKS
Investors will monitor African equities for reactions to global risk sentiment, commodity prices, currency movements and domestic economic developments.
SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS
The South African rand has been supported by firm gold prices, while investors remain focused on U.S. economic data for clues about the Federal Reserve's future interest-rate path.
Gold remains an important support for South Africa's currency given the country's position as a major precious-metals producer.
WEST AFRICA OIL PRICES
West African crude differentials remained broadly stable in the spot market as traders continued to assess recent tender results.
Nigerian crude grades remain closely watched by international buyers as refiners balance supply, freight costs and global oil-market conditions.
GHANA—POLITICS & SECURITY
Ghana appointed a new defence minister on Friday, a year after a military helicopter crash killed his predecessor.
The appointment comes as the government continues to focus on national security and defence administration.
TANZANIA—FOREIGN EXCHANGE & INVESTMENT
Tanzania has relaxed its foreign-exchange rules to allow all overseas investors to purchase government-issued Treasury bills and bonds, according to the central bank.
The policy change could improve foreign investor access to Tanzania's domestic debt market and potentially support capital inflows.
AFRICA INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE
The African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) plans to double its capital to $2 billion over the next two years, its chief executive told Reuters.
The expansion comes as African governments seek new financing models to help fund the continent's infrastructure needs, which run into hundreds of billions of dollars.
A larger capital base could strengthen ATIDI's ability to provide guarantees and insurance that help attract private and institutional investment into African infrastructure projects.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO—EBOLA
Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have risen above 4, 000 for the first time in the current outbreak, according to government data.
The outbreak adds to health and economic pressures in the country, with disease-control measures potentially affecting communities, trade and economic activity.
MARKETS TO WATCH
Rwanda: July inflation data
South Africa: Rand, gold and global interest-rate expectations
West Africa: Crude differentials and refinery demand
Tanzania: Foreign investment and government debt markets
Africa: Infrastructure financing and ATIDI capital expansion
Global: Oil prices, Strait of Hormuz developments and U.S. monetary policy
Source: Reuters
