Africa enters the second half of 2026 with reform momentum beginning to translate into stronger market signals. Ethiopia is preparing its domestic banks for foreign competition, Ghana is accelerating its debt recovery, Nigeria is drawing fresh foreign investment and several currencies are outperforming despite a turbulent global backdrop.
Here are the stories shaping the week
One year after opening banking sector, Ethiopia boosts local banks before foreign entry
A year after opening its banking sector to foreign investors, Ethiopia is focusing first on strengthening domestic lenders, deepening capital markets and addressing structural weaknesses before international banks begin entering Africa’s second most populous market.
Why it matters: The approach could give Ethiopian banks more time to build capital, improve governance and prepare for competition from global lenders. It also shows that banking liberalisation is likely to be gradual, with the government prioritising financial-system stability over a rapid influx of foreign institutions.
