South African banker Mary Vilakazi-led FirstRand secures $310 million AfDB funding
FirstRand gains $310 million from AfDB to expand credit access for MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and farmers in South Africa.
Southern Africa
South African tycoon Barry Swartzberg’s Discovery stake rises by $18.5 million
Barry Swartzberg’s stake in Discovery Limited rises by $18.5 million as shares gain 5.57% on the JSE, signaling renewed investor confidence in 2025.
Vodacom, led by Shameel Joosub, partners with Starlink to expand Africa internet
Skims, co-founded by Emma Grede, hit a $5-billion valuation after raising $225 million to boost global expansion and new stores.
Patrice Motsepe eyes Assmang millions as ARM haggles over dividend
African Rainbow Minerals is still negotiating how much cash it can unlock from Assmang, its manganese and iron-ore JV, after profits slumped.
Malawian billionaire Hitesh Anadkat’s FMB stake tops $2 billion
Hitesh Anadkat’s stake in FMB Capital tops $2 billion, driven by soaring shares and the bank’s growth across Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe’s Strive Masiyiwa launches Africa’s first multi-model AI platform
Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava Technologies unveils Africa’s first multi-model AI platform, expanding access to advanced AI tools.
Barloworld, led by Dominic Sewela clears last hurdle in $1.3 billion buyout
Barloworld, led by Dominic Sewela, secures final approval for Newco’s $1.3 billion buyout, paving the way for JSE delisting.
Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta commits $1.5 billion to Zambian mine
Vedanta, led by billionaire Anil Agarwal, plans $1.5B investment to boost Konkola copper mine output in Zambia by 2031.
South African mining tycoon Neal Froneman gains $6 million from Sibanye stake
Neal Froneman gains $6 million from his stake in Sibanye-Stillwater as the company's shares surge 221 percent in 2025.
Johann Rupert, South Africa’s richest man, loses nearly $1 billion in two weeks
Johann Rupert’s net worth falls nearly $1 billion as Richemont shares drop after EU fines on Chloé and other luxury brands.
Mary Vilakazi-led FirstRand flags extra UK provision risk
FirstRand warns of a possible extra UK provision as tensions rise with the Financial Conduct Authority.
South African investors Kumalo, Oved eye new AI deals after Optasia win
LLH Capital trims its holding in Optasia’s R6.5bn IPO and lines up a fresh push into AI and fintech across Africa.
Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh sees $710 million drop in wealth
Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh’s fortune has fallen by $710 million to $9.69 billion as weaker asset valuations hit his global retail and real estate holdings.
Jonathan Oppenheimer calls for urgent red tape cuts in South Africa
Jonathan Oppenheimer urges South Africa to cut red tape and empower small businesses to drive growth.
South African tycoon Niall Lynch gains $10 million from Motus
South African tycoon Niall Lynch’s Motus stake rises above $31 million as shares climb 50% on renewed investor confidence and global expansion.
Patrice Motsepe’s ARM shuts Beeshoek mine, 622 workers to lose jobs
South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s ARM shuts Beeshoek mine after ArcelorMittal ends iron ore purchases.