By Ukumbi Afrika 
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
African markets are set for a closely watched session on Wednesday as investors weigh higher oil and gold prices, geopolitical tensions, U.S. inflation data and a series of major economic and policy developments across the continent.
Global Market
Oil and gold prices climbed while regional equities edged higher, with investors remaining cautious ahead of key U.S. inflation data. Geopolitical tensions are adding to market uncertainty and could influence emerging-market currencies and capital flows.
World Oil Prices
Oil prices rose in early trade as doubts over a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal and attacks on two ships renewed concerns about disruptions to Middle East supplies. The gains came despite industry data indicating an increase in U.S. crude inventories.
Africa Stocks
African equities remain sensitive to movements in global commodities, currencies and interest rates. Investors are also monitoring company announcements and economic indicators across major African markets.
South Africa Markets
The South African rand was steady as investors awaited labour-market data. Analysts expect unemployment to rise modestly, with higher fuel costs and increased economic uncertainty weighing on activity during the second quarter.
Kenya Electricity
Kenya's national power utility warned that the rapid expansion of variable renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, is affecting the stability and reliability of the country's electricity grid. The development highlights the growing challenge of integrating renewable generation into Africa's power systems.
Somalia Food Security
Funding to address acute malnutrition in parts of Somalia has fallen by more than 80% this year, according to Médecins Sans Frontières. The funding shortfall comes as severe malnutrition remains widespread, with one in four children screened in displacement camps in southwestern Somalia found to be severely malnourished.
Kenya Public Finance
Kenya's budget deficit is projected to narrow to 5.7% of GDP in 2027/28, from 6.2% in 2026/27, according to the finance ministry. The projected improvement comes as the government continues efforts to strengthen public finances.
Drc Mining
Copper markets were shaken after the Democratic Republic of Congo imposed an immediate ban on exports of copper and cobalt concentrates. The move has intensified concerns over global supply from one of the world's most important mining jurisdictions.
Guinea Imf
The International Monetary Fund reached a staff-level agreement with Guinea on a 41-month Extended Credit Facility worth SDR 310.59 million, about $439 million. The agreement is expected to support Guinea's economic and financial reform programme.
Nigeria Oil & Gas
President Bola Tinubu approved a new regulatory and fiscal framework for offshore oil and gas projects. The Nigerian government says the reforms could attract up to $50 billion in investment and help revive delayed developments in the country's offshore petroleum sector.
What African Investors Are Watching
Global oil and gold price movements
U.S. inflation data and its implications for interest rates
South African labour-market figures and the rand
Kenya's fiscal consolidation plans
DRC copper and cobalt export restrictions
Guinea's IMF programme
Nigeria's offshore oil and gas investment framework
Kenya's renewable-energy integration challenges
Somalia's worsening humanitarian funding gap
Source: Reuters