Absa, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Agency (AGDA), recently hosted an agricultural stakeholder roundtable dialogue aimed at exploring sustainable solutions for financial inclusion in the sector.

The event brought together key stakeholders and finance decision-makers. According to Leona Archary, CEO of AGDA, the goal is to move from diagnosing challenges to co-designing practical and scalable solutions. “While the sector has significant potential for growth, the financing landscape is often fragmented. Many programmes operate in silos, and there is limited coordination between policy objectives and commercial financing realities.

“We need to align with public and private funding streams, and develop mechanisms that make agricultural finance more inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the realities of farmers on the ground,” said Archary.

Absa’s commitment to agricultural growth
Sanah Gumede, Managing Executive for Strategy and Customer Value Management at Absa Business Banking, emphasised the bank’s strong commitment to the growth and success of South Africa’s agricultural sector.

“Agriculture remains a critical part of our economy, contributing to food security, job creation, and development,” she said.
Gumede further highlighted that while the sector is rich with initiatives and innovation, new agripreneurs often struggle to access growth finance when they are ready to scale. “This is not due to a lack of potential, but reflects the need for better alignment, financial readiness, and long-term support,” she explained.

She called for stronger collaboration across the agricultural value chain, noting that no single institution can address these challenges alone.
“The task demands cooperation between banks, development finance institutions, government, private sector, large agribusinesses, and smallholder farmers. Building trust between policymakers and practitioners is essential,” Gumede said.

Financing gaps in developing agriculture
Dr Langelihle Simela, Business Development Manager at Absa Business Banking, highlighted persistent gaps in financing South Africa’s developing agricultural sector, particularly around governance, financial readiness, and structured funding pathways for emerging farmers.

She explained that many farmers face challenges due to limited financial records and compliance issues, which make accessing credit difficult. “Without appropriate financial statements or a track record of their activities, it’s challenging to present a credible case for financing,” Simela noted, emphasising that governance challenges further compound the issue.

Simela further outlined the typical financing journey for new-entrant agri-entrepreneurs, noting that most start with self-funding before progressing to external support. Early-stage businesses often rely on personal savings, angel investors, or pension funds, with venture capital becoming relevant as they grow, and bank financing available once profitable.

She highlighted that many developing farmers struggle to achieve financial stability, with performance often fluctuating and comprehensive support required to reach their potential.
To address this, Simela called for a structured growth pathway in agricultural financing, beginning with grants to establish proper systems, progressing to development fund venture capital, and later commercial lending supported by guarantee funds. Formalising agri-businesses, she stressed, is key to accessing higher-level funding.
“A client is ready to scale up when their business is formalised and can sustain debt while meeting all bank requirements,” she said, adding that while commercial funders must adapt to serve the sector, true transformation begins with building credit-ready clients.

Meanwhile, Masiphula Mbongwa, Policy Advisor and former Director-General of Agriculture, highlighted the potential role of institutional investors as a new source of funding for agriculture. He emphasised the need for a structured deployment approach to support this framework, while continuing to leverage both public and private-sector funding

The need for a supportive ecosystem
Elder Mtshiza, Programme Manager at the Department of Agriculture, shared an in-depth reflection on the country’s blended finance model, acknowledging both challenges and progress. Mtshiza explained that while implementation has faced funding constraints, the model has nonetheless proven effective.

“Have we made progress? Yes, we have, though it has been limited by available funding. We’ve reached agreements with various banks but couldn’t finalise them due to insufficient funds, especially given the country’s current financial constraints. Still, everyone recognises that blended finance works.”

She emphasised the need for a supportive ecosystem to empower farmers beyond just financing. “Farmers often lack all the knowledge and expertise they need. Development partners are essential to provide education, mentorship, coaching, farm assessments, planning, execution, record-keeping, market intelligence, and support with negotiations,” she explained.

Althea Discala, CEO of Discala Holdings, echoed Mtshiza, highlighting that the lack of an enabling ecosystem, limited collaboration, and insufficient backing from banks for emerging agripreneurs as key barriers to growth. Discala noted that many new entrants face structural disadvantages that limit their access to credit.
“Greenfield farms or start-up operations have to wait years for profitability,” she said, adding that such enterprises “require working capital and support in these years in order to scale.”

Calling for a more inclusive approach to financing, she said, “There needs to be less stringent requirements from the banks. How do we collaborate? So, you need to have an ecosystem, and each part of the value chain needs to be funded separately.”

The dialogue concluded with four thematic breakaway sessions exploring key aspects of inclusive agricultural finance. From closing funding gaps and financing climate resilience to supporting enterprise growth and enabling policies. Each group developed practical recommendations to inform the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP) funding framework.

Absa’s latest Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) for the third quarter of 2025 shows that rising homeownership aspirations among single women continues spurring activity in the residential property market, with more women applying to purchase homes for the first time.

The Index, South Africa’s leading measure of consumer confidence in the property sector, found that female applicants account for more than half of all first-time homebuyer applications in 2025 to date.

“We’ve seen strong optimism in the property market hold steady over the past year, and what’s encouraging is that people are acting on it,” said Tshepo Mashashane, Head of Strategic Positioning and Partnerships at Absa Home Loans. “It’s especially positive to see more women stepping into homeownership for the first time. It shows that the market is not only recovering, but also diversifying in meaningful ways.”

Overall, homeowner sentiment declined marginally by one percentage point to 85% from the previous quarter but is still high by historical standards.

A combination of persistent economic headwinds, such as high unemployment and low GDP growth, and positive macroeconomic tailwinds, including easing inflation and steady to slightly declining interest rates, has contributed to the Index holding within a narrow band over the past 18 months.

Many South Africans still view property as a secure investment asset, which is a key driver of positive sentiment and is stimulated by rental demand. The investing sentiment in Q3 was unchanged from Q2 2025, at 84%, the survey showed.

“Consumers’ disposable income has shown a recovery in recent quarters, however, the outlook for their finances remains strained in the short term, with time needed for them to gradually recover financially,” said Kamini Ramsamy, Head of Enterprise Risk at Absa Personal and Private Banking. “Increased global uncertainties also continue to drive the cautious optimism among existing and aspiring homeowners.”

To view previous HSI reports visit Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index

Absa, in partnership with the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa), is proud to announce the Top 10 finalists of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025. Following two days of intensive judging on 28 and 29 October, these startups have earned their place among the continent’s most dynamic early-stage ventures.

Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for Technology at Absa Regional Operations (ARO), highlighted the strong alignment between the Challenge and Absa’s strategic vision: “Our ambition is to reimagine financial services through technology, and the innovations presented by these FinTechs showcase what’s possible. Many of the solutions are directly relevant to our business, with the potential to enhance customer experience, drive efficiency, and accelerate transformation. We’re excited about the opportunity to turn some of these ideas into meaningful partnerships that deliver value at scale.”

This year, the Challenge strengthened its presence across eight of Absa’s markets and sharpened its focus on FinTech and high-impact solutions designed to deepen financial inclusion and unlock customer-centric solutions and innovation.

Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MAC Lead at MEST Africa, reflected on this trajectory: “Each year, the Challenge grows not only in reach but in the depth of innovation it attracts. We’re seeing founders build financial systems that are inclusive, intelligent, and unmistakably African. The Top 10 exemplify the kind of purposeful innovation driving Africa’s next wave of growth.”

Congratulations to the Top 10 finalists – MEST Africa Challenge 2025

1. mystocks.africa (Botswana)
2. Credify Africa Inc (Uganda)
3. Logistify AI (Kenya)
4. Kutana Technologies Ltd (Ghana)
5. Investa Farm (Kenya)
6. Black Swan (Mauritius)
7. Mighty Finance Solution Inc (Zambia)
8. Devdraft AI (Zambia)
9. Kanzu Finance Ltd (Uganda)
10. Farmsky (Kenya)

“What stands out in the Top 10 is how digital innovation is being applied to real market challenges,” says Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital for Absa Regional Operations (ARO), Retail and Business Banking. “From AI-driven insights to seamless payments, these solutions demonstrate how technology can unlock access, efficiency, and financial inclusion. Digital solutions are no longer a luxury; they have become an imperative for the financial sector.”

The Top 10 finalists will advance to the grand finale on 26 November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, where one winning startup will receive a USD $50,000 seed equity investment to accelerate its growth and gain the opportunity to collaborate with Absa to drive innovation.

“At Absa, every story matters. Through this Challenge, we’re proud to witness the journeys of these founders and the impact they are creating. Each FinTech represents a unique vision for Africa’s future, and it is inspiring to celebrate their achievements and acknowledge the potential in every one of these stories,” concludes Chatikobo.

Absa Group has been honoured by Forbes Magazine as one of the World’s Best Employers for 2025, ranking 97th globally among 900 large multinational organisations. The bank is also proudly recognised as one of the World’s Top Companies for Women 2025, moving up from 323rd place in 2024 to an impressive 66th this year.

These dual recognitions highlight Absa’s commitment to building a diverse, inclusive, and winning organisation that continues to attract, nurture, and empower top talent across the continent.

The two Forbes awards recognise excellence across different dimensions of workplace experience. The World’s Best Employers are selected annually through independent global surveys completed by over 300,000 employees across 50 countries. Employees participate anonymously through secure online panels to ensure complete confidentiality. This process is conducted entirely independently of the companies themselves, giving respondents the freedom to provide open and honest feedback on their employers.

In contrast, the World’s Top Companies for Women ranking examines employer brand perception, public opinion on gender equality, and objective leadership metrics such as the presence of women in executive roles and on boards. Particular emphasis is placed on the visibility of women in leadership positions and the organisation’s demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity.

Jeanett Modise, Absa Group Chief Human Capital Officer says, “Our inclusion in both Forbes rankings is a testament to the strong culture we have built at Absa, one that values belonging, wellbeing, and excellence. We are intentional about creating an environment where every colleague can bring their best self to work and thrive in a space that celebrates diversity, equity, and growth.”

Modise adds, “We believe that advancing women in the workplace is not only a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. This recognition reaffirms our progress and motivates us to continue creating pathways for women to lead, grow, and inspire across all areas of the business.”

Absa’s inclusion among the world’s top employers reflects its ongoing investment in people and culture transformation. Through building leadership and organisational resilience, prioritising wellness programmes, and inclusive policies and practices, the organisation continues to strengthen its colleague experience and global employer brand.

Earlier this year, the bank also announced that, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been recognised as a Top Employer for 2025 by the prestigious Top Employer Institute (TEI) across six key African markets – South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, and, for the first time, Mauritius. The Top Employer Institute commended Absa for its outstanding progress across several people and culture metrics, including Leadership (+9.06%), Work Environment (+10.83%), Onboarding (+6.70%), Wellbeing (+7.68%), Employee Listening (+11.32%), and Offboarding (+7.77%)—areas in which the Group achieved the highest growth, placing it well above industry benchmarks. Absa’s strong focus on employee wellbeing and its high-performance culture has been central to this success, laying a solid foundation for another successful year.

“These milestones belong to every Absa colleague who contributes to our shared purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time,” concludes Modise.

Absa Bank Uganda, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Absa Group, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda’s Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) business portfolio.

The acquisition represents a strategic step in Absa’s journey as a pan-African, customer-centric financial institution. It enables Absa to continue to deepen its presence in key markets, broaden service offerings, and respond more effectively to the evolving needs of clients across the continent.

Under the agreement, all Standard Chartered WRB clients and staff will transfer to Absa. The two banks will work closely together in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition for all stakeholders.

Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director and CEO, Standard Chartered Kenya and Africa, said: “In November last year, we set out how the Bank is doubling down on our affluent and cross-border strategy. The sale of our Wealth and Retail banking business in Uganda to Absa marks an important milestone as we continue to accelerate income growth and returns . We look forward to working closely with Absa’s team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition while safeguarding the interests of our valued clients and prioritising our employees.”

Absa Group Executive for Africa Regions Charles Russon said: “This transaction supports Absa’s strategic Pan-African growth ambitions and further strengthens Absa’s position in Uganda’s financial services landscape. It will enable Absa Uganda to broaden its retail and wealth management offerings and deliver increased convenience and value to our customers.”

David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, said: “This acquisition is a significant milestone in our journey to become a market leader in providing innovative, customer-centric financial solutions. It represents an opportunity to welcome new customers and colleagues into the Absa family, while reaffirming our long-term commitment to Uganda’s economic development.”

Sanjay Rughani, Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, noted: “This agreement marks an important step in the execution of our global strategy to focus on the segments where we are most differentiated. We remain fully committed to Uganda, and our Corporate and Investment Banking clients will continue to receive the high-quality service they expect from Standard Chartered. We are confident that our WRB clients and colleagues will be in excellent hands with Absa.”

The transaction is subject to specific conditions being fulfilled, including regulatory approvals, as is customary for a transaction of this nature, and further updates will be provided once all relevant approvals have been secured.

Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director David Wandera and Standard Chartered Managing Director
Sanjay Rughani at the official signing ceremony marking Absa’s acquisition of Standard Chartered’s
Wealth and Retail business. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all South Africans and businesses that continue to stand firmly alongside us in defending media freedom. At a time when our democracy requires vigilance, we are deeply encouraged by the solidarity shown by organisations that have pledged their support for SANEF’s Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner. This prestigious event takes place on Friday, 17 October 2025, in Johannesburg.

All eyes will once again focus on this significant gathering, where prominent voices from journalism, business, government, and civil society unite around a common goal: to safeguard and enhance the free flow of truthful information in South Africa.

The 2025 keynote address will be delivered by Dr Patrice Motsepe, billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Re-elected unopposed for a second term in 2025, Dr Motsepe has brought financial discipline and growth to African football while continuing his long-term vision as founder of African Rainbow Minerals.

His address is expected to bring insights into principled leadership, sustainable growth, and the role of business in advancing democratic values. His presence reflects the deep ties between corporate leadership and the civic duty to defend press freedom.

Last year’s keynote address by Justice Mahube Betty Molemela, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, powerfully reminded us of the media’s constitutional mandate. With this year’s distinguished speaker, the 2025 event promises to be equally impactful and forward-looking.

SANEF Chairperson, Makhudu Sefara, says as we commemorate 31 years of democracy, this year’s event is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. Under the theme “Guardians of Democracy: Upholding Integrity in a Changing World,” the gala honours the critical role of the media in defending truth, promoting accountability, and safeguarding press freedom amidst rapidly shifting local and global challenges.

“The independence of the media is not a luxury. It is a necessity for any healthy democracy,” Sefara emphasised. “This event is our collective reminder that democracy survives only when citizens are informed, leaders are held accountable, and truth is never silenced.”

Sefara states that this year’s gala is once again made possible by the generous platinum sponsorship of Absa, alongside many other organisations that have supported SANEF through challenging times. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that a strong, independent media is the cornerstone of democracy and good governance.

Christine Wu, Interim Co Chief Executive: Personal and Private Banking, Absa says: “The health of any democracy depends on the strength of its media. At Absa, we value journalism because it gives voice to truth and ensures the stories shaping our nation are told with integrity. Supporting SANEF is one way we affirm our belief that a free and independent media is essential to South Africa’s future.”

SANEF calls on citizens to acknowledge and support these businesses, which have not only invested in their commercial futures but also in the civic and democratic health of our country. By sponsoring and buying tables at the gala, these companies affirm their belief in the vital role of journalism and their responsibility as corporate citizens.

The SANEF Fundraiser Gala Dinner is the flagship annual event, commemorating Black Wednesday, the day in 1977 when the apartheid government shut down newspapers and silenced journalists. It is both a solemn reminder of our past and a rallying point to ensure history is never repeated.

Funds raised at the gala are essential to sustaining SANEF’s advocacy and defence of journalism. They directly support:

• The Media Defence Fund offering legal support in critical cases that shape the future of press freedom, including being partners in the cases Riot Hlatshwayo v Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, and amaBhungane v The Moti Group.
• Policy and legal advocacy ensuring laws and regulations protect rather than stifle media independence.
• Training and research by fostering ethical journalism, media diversity, and professional excellence in a rapidly changing media environment.

SANEF believes that sponsoring or supporting the gala, businesses demonstrate more than generosity; they reaffirm their commitment to corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and democratic values. They share in the responsibility of protecting our democratic institutions.

SANEF’s work, sustained through the generosity of businesses and citizens, ensures that journalists can do their work without fear, favour, or interference. The media serves as the fourth estate, a watchdog ensuring that truth is never suppressed and power never goes unchecked.

We invite all South Africans to continue showing their unwavering support and to stand with SANEF in our commitment to uphold truth, integrity, and democracy. The 2025 Gala Dinner is not only an evening of recognition and solidarity, it is a beacon of hope for the future of media freedom in South Africa because together, we are guardians of democracy.