By Ukumbi Afrika Nairobi–Investors across Africa will be monitoring inflation data, commodity prices, corporate earnings, monetary policy developments, and trade initiatives on Friday, with global attention also focused on the highly anticipated U.S. non-farm payrolls report.
Here are the key developments expected to shape African financial markets:
For earlier context, see our African markets briefing for August 3, 2026.
Economic Events
Mauritius and Seychelles are scheduled to publish July consumer inflation data, offering fresh insight into inflation trends in the Indian Ocean economies.
Global Markets
Global equity markets weakened on Thursday as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the U.S. employment report, a key indicator that could influence the Federal Reserve's next interest-rate decision. Meanwhile, oil prices climbed amid renewed geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
World Oil Prices
Crude oil extended gains on Friday after Iran, working alongside Oman, proposed restrictions on vessels considered hostile in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies.
South Africa Markets
The South African rand traded largely unchanged in early Thursday trading, supported by a softer U.S. dollar despite continued uncertainty over Middle East developments and global oil markets.
African Currencies
Currency traders expect a mixed outlook across the continent next week:
Kenyan shilling – Stable
Nigerian naira – Stable
Ghanaian cedi – Stable
Zambian kwacha – Expected to weaken
Ugandan shilling – Expected to strengthen
Nigeria's Oil Industry
Nigeria's upstream petroleum regulator expects at least 22 offshore oil and gas projects to commence production by 2030, potentially attracting investments of up to $50 billion as the country accelerates efforts to increase hydrocarbon output.
African Trade
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has signed a 20-year, $3.1 billion concession agreement with Nigeria's Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Ltd to implement a continent-wide customs management system across 50 member states, aimed at strengthening intra-African trade and reducing revenue leakages.
Kenya Banking
Stanbic Holdings Kenya expects stronger earnings growth during the second half of 2026, with management citing increased loan demand supported by the Central Bank of Kenya's interest-rate cuts.
Ghana Inflation
Ghana's annual consumer inflation slowed to 4.6% in July, down from 5.3% in June, marking the first decline since March and providing additional room for monetary policy support.
Cameroon Cocoa
Cameroon's cocoa regulator reported that marketed cocoa production fell 20% during the 2025/26 season, reflecting weaker export volumes and reduced supplies for domestic processors.
DR Congo Mining
The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned exports of copper concentrate and cobalt concentrate, intensifying efforts to encourage local mineral processing and retain more value within the country.
Malawi Monetary Policy
Malawi's central bank maintained its benchmark policy rate at 24%, stating that current monetary conditions remain appropriate to steer inflation lower, although price pressures remain well above target.
Market Focus Today
Investors will closely monitor:
July inflation data from Mauritius and Seychelles.
U.S. non-farm payrolls report and its implications for global interest rates.
Developments in the Strait of Hormuz and their impact on oil prices.
African currency movements and commodity markets.
Mining, banking, energy, and trade developments across the continent.
Source: Reuters