• Stanbic PMI Report shows that purchasing efforts accelerated in October, leading to the greatest upturn in inventories since August 2023.
• PMI readings below 50 signals a decline in month-on-month private sector activity, while levels above point to growth.
• While tax payments and higher material prices drove expenses up at several firms, reduced fuel prices partly countered this.

Kenya’s private sector activity improved marginally in October, boosted by a rise in employment and growth in output, according to the Stanbic PMI Report. The Stanbic Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which measures the performance of key private sector indicators such as output, new orders, and employment, rose slightly to 50.4 in October from 50.0 in September.

PMI readings below 50 signal a decline in month-on-month private sector activity, while levels above point to growth. The index shows that activity in the review period expanded amid a broad stabilization of new work, …

• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has the world’s largest Coltan deposits of key minerals which Apple uses to make electronic devices.
• The government of the DRC is accusing Apple of using “illegally exploited” minerals extracted from its rich minerals controlled by rebels.

What if I told you that, your valued, expensive and widely cherished smartphone from Apple (iPhone) might cost more than its sold in child labour’s lives.

Coltan, key mineral in making mobile phones and laptops is largely found in DR Congo and tech giants – including Apple could be directly or indirectly involved in aiding child labour deep in Congo mines.

Media reports show that people across the developed world are boycotting the newly released iPhone 16. Protesters from London to Tokyo are demanding accountability over exploitation in mining that is used to extract the key element used in making the very phones sold across the globe.…

• Drought and bad weather in Russia have left the country staring at record-low production. This is bad news for key importers including countries in East Africa.
• Russian wheat crop is expected to fall to an 11-year low this season.
• Prices of wheat are expected to rise even higher globally.

The worsening numbers of Russia wheat production are hitting the headlines in East Africa as the region braces for higher consumer prices in 2025. A dip in Russia wheat output poses huge risk to East Africa, a market that heavily relies on imports to plug its own production gaps.

For farmers in Russia, bad weather, is projected to cut their output of the key ingredient that makes a variety of foods for millions in East Africa. As a result, economists project that prices for wheat in East Africa—a key importer of Russian wheat—will soar in the coming months.

In a report …

• Africa Trade Barometer has ranked Kenya sixth after South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
• Kenya’s macroeconomic environment has demonstrated a moderate contribution to the nation’s trade attractiveness.
• A total of 235 businesses were surveyed in Kenya, located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret.

Kenya has fallen one place in Africa’s trade index by Stanbic Bank, as the country navigated a challenging macroeconomic environment marked by high interest in the first half of the year.

Latest Stanbic Bank Africa Trade Barometer has placed Kenya sixth after South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Nigeria.

Kenya has nevertheless beaten Ghana, Zambia, Uganda and Angola in the index which surveys 10 key economies in Sub-Sahara Africa, looking into trade openness, access to finance, macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, foreign trade, governance and economy, and traders’ financial behaviour.

According to the report, the country recorded drops in macroeconomic stability, governance, quality of infrastructure and …

• PickAlbatros operates a portfolio of 4-star and 5-star hotels located in key tourist destinations in Egypt.
• Vantage Capital’s exit highlights the resilience and growth of Egypt’s hospitality sector amid challenging global conditions.
• Egypt’s hospitality sector is a key pillar of the country’s economy, attracting 15 million international tourists annually.

Vantage Capital, Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager, has announced the successful full exit of its investment in PickAlbatros Hotels, a leading hotel owner and operator based in Egypt.

PickAlbatros operates a portfolio of 4-star and 5-star hotels located in key tourist destinations along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, including Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, and Marsa Allam.

These resorts are popular for their luxurious beachfront access, fitness clubs, water parks, and swimming pools, making them major attractions for international tourists, particularly from Europe.

The investment exit marks a milestone for both Vantage Capital and the PickAlbatros group, highlighting the resilience and …

• Manufacturing is evolving: Industry 5.0 blends AI and robotics to create smarter, more sustainable factories.
• Smart Cities are rising: Tech-powered urban hubs are redefining how we live, work, and connect in greener, smarter spaces.
• The digital economy is thriving: Seamless digital integration is driving global growth, breaking boundaries, and creating new opportunities.

As the world pivots towards a new era defined by technological advancements, three key sectors are at the forefront of transforming global industries—global manufacturing, smart cities, and the digital economy. These fields are evolving rapidly, shaping the future of economies, urban landscapes, and societies.

The 14th Edition of the AIM Congress aims to delve deep into these innovations, exploring how these three interconnected areas are driving the future of investment, industry, and societal development globally.

Revolutionizing global manufacturing: From 4.0 to 5.0

Global manufacturing is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. Once driven by mass production and assembly lines, the …