Economy
Kenya Retains Interest Rates At 10% To Boost Economy
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced that it is retaining its Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 10 percent.
This decision was reached after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on Monday, November 28, 2016, to review the outcome of its previous policy decisions and the recent economic developments.
Business Post gathered that the MPC meeting took place against the backdrop of increased uncertainties in the domestic and global economies.
It explained that it retained the rates due to the prevailing domestic and global economic uncertainties and the need for more conclusive information on these developments.
According to Chairman of the MPC, Dr Patrick Njoroge, it was noted that the country’s month-on-month overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 6.5 percent in October 2016 from 6.3 percent in September.
This, it was learnt, was caused largely due to changes in the prices of food items such as tomatoes and sugar.
However, the overall inflation remained within the government target range.
Also, the month-on-month non-food-non-fuel (NFNF) increased to 5.4 percent in October from 5.1 percent in September, reflecting increases in the prices of items in the clothing and footwear CPI category and the impact of the excise tax introduced in December 2015.
The 3 month annualized NFNF inflation rose slightly in October, an indication of mild demand pressures in the economy.
The MPC further observed that the foreign exchange market has been relatively stable despite the volatility in the global financial market following the US elections and the seasonal increase in demand for foreign exchange by corporate to finance dividend payments.
It said the foreign exchange market continues to be supported by the narrowing of the current account deficit mainly due to lower imported petroleum prices, lower imports of machinery and equipment, and resilient diaspora remittances. Tourism earnings and export receipts from tea and horticulture have stabilized.
The MPC said the CBK’s foreign exchange reserves which currently stand at $7,305 million (4.8 months of import cover) together with the Precautionary Arrangements with the international Monetary Fund (equivalent to $1.5 billion) have continued to provide adequate buffers against short-term shocks.
But the CBK said it was working closely with the National Treasury to ensure coordination of monetary and fiscal policies. Execution of the government’s domestic borrowing plan for FY2016/17 continues to support stability in the market.
It was disclosed that banking system liquidity and its distribution have stabilized. The average commercial banks’ liquidity ratio increased to 43.6 percent in October from 41.9 percent in August 2016 and the average capital adequacy ratio stood at 19.1 percent in October.
The CBK continues to closely monitor credit and liquidity risks in the sector. Continued interest of foreign banks to enter the local market indicates confidence in the banking sector.
Following the introduction of interest rate caps on back lending and deposits, the Committee noted that the available data were inadequate to facilitate a conclusive analysis of their impact on monetary policy and the overall economy. The CBK will continue to closely monitor developments in this respect.
The MPC also observed that private sector credit growth had stabilized at 4.6 percent in October. The slower growth witnessed over the last several months was found to be largely an outcome of structural factors in the banking sector rather than monetary policy.
However, there is no evidence that this is having a negative impact on economic growth.
The performance of the economy in the second quarter of 2016 was strong, growing by 6.2 percent compared to 5.9 percent in a similar period of 2015.
The MPC Market Perception Survey conducted in November 2016 showed mixed expectations. While the non-bank private sector remains optimistic for higher growth in 2016, banks were cautious as they continue to monitor the potential impact of the capping of interest rates.
Also, global growth prospects remain fragile on account of uncertainties in part due to the impact of Brexit and political developments in the U.S. Uncertainty relating to the tightening of US monetary policy and its implications for global capital flows remain a concern.
The Committee concluded that inflationary pressures were mild and inflation will remain within the Government target range in the short term.
As MSMEs across the South-East seek opportunities for growth, market expansion and cross-border trade, Stanbic IBTC, in partnership with the Anambra State Government, convened the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour in Onitsha to equip businesses with practical solutions for sustainable growth.
The summit, organised in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, brought together government officials, business leaders, trade associations, development partners and entrepreneurs to explore practical pathways for economic growth, business sustainability and increased participation in local and international trade.
Speaking at the event, which took place on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, Honourable Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Anambra State, highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships between government, financial institutions and the private sector in creating an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
“Sustainable economic development requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Financial institutions such as Stanbic IBTC have an important role to play by providing not only access to finance but also business advisory services, capacity building and the knowledge that enables businesses to grow sustainably,” he said.
Given Onitsha’s strategic position as a commercial hub, discussions centred on access to finance, enterprise development, business sustainability and opportunities for expansion into new markets. Stanbic IBTC’s Trade Team also provided practical insights into trade and export opportunities available to businesses operating within the South-East’s manufacturing and distribution value chains, highlighting strategies that can help enterprises improve competitiveness and unlock new growth opportunities.
Commenting on Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, said:
“We recognise the critical role businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Supporting their growth remains central to our purpose of driving Africa’s growth, and we will continue to provide the solutions, partnerships and platforms they need to thrive.”
Also commenting on Stanbic IBTC’s support for Nigerian businesses, Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said:
“Our commitment to supporting businesses is unrelenting. Through strategic partnerships and platforms such as the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour, we are connecting entrepreneurs to the knowledge, networks and financial solutions needed to scale their businesses and compete more effectively in today’s evolving marketplace.”
The summit also highlighted Stanbic IBTC’s focus on providing businesses with access to the capital, insights and connections needed to achieve sustainable growth. This commitment aligns with the strategic direction of the bank’s Enterprise Banking business, led by Olajumoke Bello, as Stanbic IBTC continues to deepen engagement with MSMEs and growth-focused businesses across Nigeria.
The Onitsha engagement builds on successful editions of the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour previously held in Katsina, Aba and Ibadan. Through the initiative, Stanbic IBTC continues to work with public and private sector stakeholders to equip entrepreneurs with practical insights, strategic partnerships and business solutions that support sustainable growth.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The board of Presco Plc has proposed the payment of an interim dividend of N10 per share to shareholders of the organisation for the first six months of this year.
This information was conveyed in the unaudited financial statements of the company released to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
In the results for the half-year ended June 30, 2026, the fully integrated agro-industrial firm said the cash reward reinforces its commitment to delivering consistent shareholder returns.
It further assured that looking ahead, it remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational efficiency and long-term value creation while navigating evolving market conditions.
A look at the key financial highlights of the results showed that revenue was relatively stable at about N199.0 billion in the first half of 2026 and the same period of 2025 amid a high-cost operating environment and softer crude palm oil prices.
However, the pre-tax profit rose by 9.3 per cent to N122.2 billion from N119.9 billion as result of a 31.9 per cent reduction in financing costs.
Further, the Edo State-based company posted an EBITDA of N123.1 billion, which yielded a margin of 61.9 per cent, as the organisation strengthened its balance sheet, reducing total liabilities by 42.5 per cent to N277.8 billion, while equity grew 13.8 per cent to N503.6 billion, with a current ratio of 345.6 per cent, which underscores robust liquidity.
“Our H1 2026 performance underscores the strength of our operational model in a challenging environment. The 9.3 per cent growth in profit before tax, driven largely by a 31.9 per cent reduction in financing costs, reflects our deliberate focus on cost optimisation and balance sheet discipline.
“With equity up 13.8 per cent and liabilities down by 42.5 per cent, we have further fortified our financial foundation.
“The proposed interim dividend of N10 per share signals our confidence in the business’s trajectory and our commitment to rewarding shareholders,” the chief executive of Presco, Mr Reji George, stated.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The ex-depot prices of the two major petroleum products in the country, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), have been slashed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The company, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that while petrol is now N1,165 per litre, diesel is now N1,570 per litre.
The energy firm said it slashed the prices to reaffirm its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market.
The latest cut in the price of PMS represents N50, as it was previously sold to marketers at N1,215 per litre, while diesel witnessed an N80 reduction, as it was formerly being sold at N1,650 per litre.
Dangote Refinery stated that the downward price review reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance energy affordability, improve access to refined petroleum products, and support economic activities across Nigeria, saying it remains committed to ensuring stable supply while leveraging operational efficiencies to deliver value to consumers, businesses, and stakeholders.
As Africa’s largest refinery, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting the nation’s economic development through the supply of world-class petroleum products.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy and passing on the benefits of improved operational efficiencies to consumers whenever market conditions permit.
