Kenya Gold Reserves and Why Global Geopolitical Volatility Makes Them Critical
Kenya’s gold reserves are gaining renewed attention as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) shifts from a conservative, dollar-heavy reserve strategy to actively building its holdings in gold. The move comes amid heightened global economic volatility, surging inflation, growing concern over the stability of the Kenyan Shilling, and recently the escalating Iran-Israel/USA conflict. Historically, Kenya’s […]
Five Ways Excess Bank Reserves Are Put to Work
Banks hold reserves primarily to meet withdrawal demands and regulatory requirements, but funds held above those thresholds, known as excess reserves, can also be deployed in ways that generate income or support liquidity management. In Kenya, commercial banks are required by the Central Bank of Kenya to maintain a Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of 3.25% […]
Kenyan Banks Reopen Branch Expansion as Lenders Pursue ‘Phygital’ Strategy
Commercial banks in Kenya are increasing their physical branch networks after years of consolidation, as lenders combine digital banking with targeted in-person services to reach new customers in suburban and rural areas. The expansion comes despite the dominance of digital channels, where more than 90% of transactions are completed through mobile and internet platforms. Banks […]
Can African Banks Compete With Fintech Infrastructure Players in Cross-Border Payments?
African banks are narrowing the gap with fintech infrastructure providers in cross-border payments, as new continental settlement rails and pricing reforms begin to chip away at long-standing cost disadvantages. For years, technology-led firms built their edge on speed, transparency and lean foreign-exchange pricing, while banks relied on correspondent networks that routed African payments through hubs […]
How African Banks Are Responding to the Rise of Embedded Finance in 2026
African banks are recasting their role in the financial system as embedded finance moves from a fintech experiment to a mainstream distribution model in 2026. After years of framing digital challengers as competitors, lenders are now positioning themselves as infrastructure providers, embedding payments, credit and insurance directly into e-commerce, mobility and enterprise software platforms. This […]
Top Funds African Banking Startups Can Apply For In 2026
African banking and fintech startups have access to a wide range of funding opportunities in 2026, spanning venture capital, non-dilutive grants, and accelerator programs. Investors and development partners are increasingly focusing on startups that use technology to expand financial inclusion, streamline payments, and deliver innovative banking solutions across the continent. Top Venture Capital Funds Launch […]
Rwanda Advances e-FRW Digital Currency Into Pilot Phase After Proof-of-Concept
The National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) is preparing to move its retail central bank digital currency (CBDC), e-FRW, into a pilot phase following a proof-of-concept (PoC) that demonstrated the currency’s potential to strengthen financial-system resilience, expand access, and support innovation. The PoC tested multiple payment modes across varying levels of infrastructure and connectivity, positioning the […]
Can You Look Better Than AI? Yes, But Not by Competing on Content
AI has multiplied content at a speed the world has never seen. The upside is obvious: anyone can write faster, design faster, brainstorm faster, and package ideas faster. The downside is quieter but more dangerous: when everyone can produce at the same pace, a lot of people start to sound the same. The internet begins […]
Liberty Life Kenya and Heritage Insurance Kenya Attained AA+ Credit Ratings from Global Credit Rating, Affirming Strong Financial Stability
Liberty Life Kenya and Heritage Insurance Kenya, both subsidiaries of Liberty Kenya Holdings, have attained an AA+(KE) financial strength rating with a Stable Outlook by GCR, an affiliate of Moodys global rating agency, reaffirming their position among Kenya’s strongest and most financially resilient insurers. The rating reflects the strong financial profile, anchored by robust capitalisation […]
Somalia Expands Banking Sector, Licenses 15 Commercial Banks to Strengthen Oversight
The Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) has formally licensed 15 commercial banks, a step aimed at standardizing supervision and building a more credible financial system. The approvals cover 14 domestic banks and one international lender, following the completion of the regulator’s licensing and evaluation process. The expansion brings a larger, regulated base of institutions under […]