AGP Executive Report
Last update: 4 hours agoBRICS & Payments: Iran’s central bank chief says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, with BRICS officials also discussing payment-system links and digital currencies to speed and cut cross-border transaction costs. South Africa Derivatives Reform: SA regulators plan mandatory central clearing for over-the-counter derivatives, starting with rand interest-rate swaps and forwards, with final rules targeted for 2028. Higher Education Funding: South Africa’s NSFAS faces an estimated R15bn shortfall as demand for free higher education outpaces government funding, threatening support for hundreds of thousands of students. Border Control Pressure: South Africa intercepted 4,229 undocumented foreign nationals at land and air entry points between April and July, while repatriations hit 89,936 by early August. Crypto Tax Risk (Nigeria): Nigeria’s new crypto tax rules (including a 1.5% stamp duty on virtual asset transfers) could push users to foreign unregulated platforms, industry groups warn. Emerging Markets Flows: Reuters reports investors are still pouring money into emerging-market debt as reforms, stronger reserves and diversification cushion shocks. Energy & Courts: South Africa’s top court permanently blocks Shell’s Wild Coast offshore exploration, dealing another blow to the project. Education & Infrastructure (Liberia): A call for urgent repairs at the University of Liberia highlights delays in releasing renovation funds and the need for routine maintenance.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.