Banking
Banking is the financial services industry concerned with accepting deposits, lending money and providing related financial products to individuals, businesses and governments. The sector encompasses retail banking, commercial banking, corporate banking, investment banking and private banking. Banks act as financial intermediaries, channelling funds from savers to borrowers while managing risk and facilitating payments and transactions. In Africa, the banking industry plays a central role in economic development, trade finance and infrastructure funding. The sector is typically regulated by central banks and financial authorities to ensure stability, protect depositors and maintain confidence in the financial system. Major banking markets on the continent include South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt, with pan-African groups such as Standard Bank, Absa and Ecobank operating across multiple jurisdictions. The industry faces challenges including financial inclusion, regulatory compliance, digital transformation and managing exposure to commodity-dependent economies. Mobile banking and fintech innovation have expanded access to financial services across underbanked populations. Banking remains a key driver of cross-border investment, trade facilitation and capital formation throughout the continent.
Banking Updates
DG provides insights into SARB’s innovation approach, considerations
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 9th June 2026 A modern, efficient and well-functioning financial system is essential for growth in any modern economy, and as this is pursued, innovation that... →
GDP increased by 0.5% in the first quarter – Stats SA 
By: Creamer Media Reporter 9th June 2026 South Africa’s GDP increased by 0.5% in the first quarter, following an increase of 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, Statistics South Africa... →
South African rand steady as markets digest local data
By: Reuters 29th May 2026 The South African rand was steady on Friday as markets reviewed a range of domestic data for clues on the health of Africa's most industrialised... →
Statement on SARB repo rate hike: finance capital’s assault on the working class
29th May 2026 The South African Reserve Bank’s decision to hike the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7 per cent (pushing the prime lending rate to 10.5 per cent)... →
South African rand steady ahead of economic data
By: Reuters 29th May 2026 The South African rand was little changed in early trade on Friday as investors awaited monthly data releases from the central bank, the revenue... →
Bowmans bolsters pan-African finance capabilities with appointment of Olwethu Gusha as partner
27th May 2026 Pre-eminent African law firm Bowmans has announced the appointment of Olwethu Gusha as a partner in its Johannesburg General Finance Practice.... →
South African rand steady as traders eye Middle East tensions
By: Reuters 27th May 2026 The South African rand was steady in early trade on Wednesday as traders cautiously assessed geopolitical developments after Iran accused the... →
Minister Buti Manamela secures private sector commitment to advance South Africa’s skills revolution
25th May 2026 The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela has successfully secured strong commitments from leaders across the private sector... →
What the new COFI Bill means for pension funds
22nd May 2026 The COFI Bill proposes a single, comprehensive framework for regulating the market conduct of all financial institutions in South Africa, including... →
Critical skills visas remain low: Business must shape the next critical skills list to attract global talent
19th May 2026 Despite South Africa’s urgent need for investment, innovation and economic growth, applications for the very visa categories most closely linked to... →
