1. PSTNET

• One of the convenient instruments for shielding investment portfolios from market uncertainties is South African gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
• South African Gold ETFs represent a distinctive investment vehicle designed to provide investors with exposure to the gold market without the complexities of owning physical gold.
• These ETFs are created to mirror the movements in the price of gold, typically denominated in the South African rand.

Embarking on the realm of gold investment often stands as a pivotal shield for portfolios during periods of financial fluctuations and market uncertainties. One of the convenient instruments for such a purpose is South African gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

In this article, we delve into the prospects of investing in gold in South Africa, discussing potential benefits, risks, and the necessary steps to initiate engagement in this exciting market segment.

Understanding South African Gold ETFs

South African Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) represent a distinctive …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has committed an additional $938 million to Kenya as part of a strategy to stabilise the country’s economy.…

Competition in the remittance space has intensified with the entry of new players as the race for a share of the annual $95.6 billion in cross-border remittances flowing into Africa heats up. Airtel Africa has partnered with MasterCard to unveil a new service for cross-border remittances. Their deal will see customers in Kenya and 14 other African nations become the first beneficiaries of the service.

Airtel Africa and MasterCard will provide a seamless digital experience for consumers, connecting them with millions of peers worldwide. With a mushrooming diaspora community, remittances are now the largest source of forex in many African economies.…

• PROPARCO and the IFC, are scaling up of renewable energy production in both Kenya and DRC. 
• The two organisations will support Nuru, an early-stage company that provides decentralized and low-carbon power solutions in DRC. 
• PROPARCO will invest in the first close of E3 Low Carbon Economy Fund I (LCEF), which based in Kenya.

Two renewable energy investments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kenya will receive financial backing to enhance their low-carbon power solutions.

The move comes after PROPARCO and IFC announced plans to support scale up of renewable energy in the two countries. PROPARCO and IFC are members of the Alliance for Entrepreneurship in Africa.

The two organizations declared support for Nuru, an early-stage startup that offers decentralized and low-carbon electricity solutions in the DRC, during the Paris summit for a new global funding agreement.

“Our support for Nuru, delivered with partners through the Alliance for Entrepreneurship …

• Last year, about 90 percent of climate change-related disaster losses in Africa were not insured.
• Global insurance broker Gallagher Re says affordability of premiums, quality of data, and technical capacity is hindering insurance uptake.
• DRC has appointed Gallagher Re to find ways to enhance the country’s  insurance penetration rate in mining industry.

Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, and floods in many parts of Africa. These extreme weather events are resulting in significant damage to property, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Flooding induced by climate change

Last year, for instance, at least 2,000 people died in Africa as a result of unprecedented flooding, which was partly induced by climate change. South Africa (Durban) and Nigeria were particularly hit hard following above-average rains in the year under focus.

Storm Issa, which is now regarded as one of the greatest storms …

• Angola has become Africa Trade Insurance Agency’s (ATI) 21^st member state by paying $25 million in capital subscription fees. 
• ATI’s gross exposure in Angola currently stands at $467 million.
• The membership was funded the Angolan National Treasury and proceeds from the landmark BITA water project. 

Oil-rich Angola has become the 21st African member state joining pan-African insurer, Africa Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) after paying $25 million in subscription fees. The deal will also see Angola become first Lusophone member country in the underwriter.

ATI was established in 2001 by seven Comesa countries and with technical and financial backing of the World Bank. The agency’s core mandate is to provide insurance against political and commercial risks. This is considered necessary in order to attract foreign direct investments across member states. 

Luanda’s membership was funded by the Angolan National Treasury resources and proceeds from the landmark BITA water project. BITA …