African equity markets posted a mixed performance this week, reflecting the diverse economic and investor dynamics across the continent. While some markets extended their upward momentum, others were hit by profit-taking and macro-driven volatility. This divergence continues to highlight the importance of selectivity and a localized approach to African investing.

    Malawi’s stock market led the continent once again, with the MSE All Share Index rising by +5.69%. This brings its year-to-date performance to an astonishing +78.47%, driven largely by strong investor interest in the banking sector. NBS Bank surged +32.21%, while Standard Bank Malawi gained +15.64%, reinforcing Malawi’s status as one of Africa’s standout equity stories in 2025.

    Nigeria’s NGX All Share Index gained +2.35%, fueled by solid performances from blue-chip financials and industrial stocks. Notable weekly gainers included Ellah Lakes (+23.09%), Beta Glass (+19.43%), GTCO (+18.81%), and Livingtrust Mortgage Bank (+18.88%). Heavyweights like MTN Nigeria and Seplat Energy also added nearly +10%, suggesting renewed investor confidence in the broader Nigerian market.

    In Francophone West Africa, the BRVM Composite Index climbed +2.24%, extending its year-to-date gains to +13.40%. The rally was supported by strong moves in Uniwax (+13.21%), Servair Abidjan (+12.77%), SOLIBRA (+12.73%), and SOGB (+10.39%), indicating growing interest in consumer-facing and agri-business names across Côte d’Ivoire and the region.

    On the flip side, Egypt’s EGX 30 plunged -6.96%, suffering from broad-based selling pressure. The worst performers of the week were dominated by Egyptian names, with EFG Hermes (-21.63%), Egyptian Iron & Steel (-20.38%), and Arab Engineering Industries (-19.21%) leading the declines. The correction comes amid concerns over macro stability and a weaker Egyptian pound, which continues to pressure investor sentiment.

    Morocco’s MASI index dropped -2.50%, partially reversing last week’s gains. Despite being up more than +21% YTD, the index appears to be facing short-term profit-taking, particularly in real estate and industrial names. Elsewhere, Zimbabwe lost -0.98%, with sharp declines in names like Zimbabwe Newspapers (-20.95%) and Hippo Valley Estates (-14.97%), as currency challenges and inflation concerns persist.

    Other regional performances were more muted. Ghana was up +0.59%, Tanzania rose +0.50%, and Uganda gained +1.24%. Meanwhile, South Africa’s JSE dipped -0.64%, tracking weakness in global equities and commodity prices.

    From a year-to-date perspective, Malawi (+78.47%), Zambia (+32.91%), and Ghana (+27.04%) continue to dominate African equity returns in local currency terms. Meanwhile, Mauritius (-5.06%), Namibia (-3.71%), and Zimbabwe (-11.27%) remain in negative territory, with structural headwinds still weighing on performance.

    Top 5 Weekly Gainers

    Company Market Perf
    Clydestone Ghana GSE +60.00%
    El Kahera El Watania Investment EGX +40.01%
    Involys BVC +37.84%
    NBS Bank MSE) +32.21%
    Express Kenya / IB Maroc NSE / BVC +30.18%

    Top 5 Weekly Losers

    Company Market Perf
    Africa Clean Energy SEM -34.62%
    EFG Hermes EGX -21.63%
    Zimbabwe Newspapers ZSE -20.95%
    Egyptian Iron & Steel EGX -20.38%
    Arab Engineering Industries EGX -19.21%

     

    african indices

    BRVM-CI318.99+0.13%28/08
    BSE DCI10,560.08-27/08
    DSE ASI2,582.05+0.04%28/08
    EGX 3035,727.19+0.14%28/08
    GSE-CI7,340.08+0.01%28/08
    JSE ASI102,723.50+0.96%22/08
    LuSE ASI24,055.07+1.80%28/08
    MASI20,138.22-0.47%28/08
    MSE ASI533,079.20+0.79%28/08
    NGX ASI140,557.24-0.49%28/08
    NSE ASI172.05+0.28%28/08
    NSX OI1,835.40+1.60%22/08
    RSE ASI178.88-28/08
    SEM ASI2,169.96-0.25%27/08
    TUNINDEX11,820.59+0.23%22/08
    USE ASI1,441.47-0.61%28/08
    ZSE ASI209.32+1.41%28/08