Safaricom's Fuliza overdraft facility saw a significant surge in usage, with disbursements climbing 49 percent to Sh1.47 trillion in the financial year ending March 2026, indicating a growing reliance on mobile credit in Kenya.

• Sh1.47 trillion disbursed through Fuliza, a 49 percent increase.
• Safaricom reported a 46 percent revenue increase from Fuliza, reaching Sh6 billion.
• The average Fuliza loan size decreased, suggesting more frequent, smaller borrowing.

China's gold consumption increased by 4.41 percent in the first quarter of 2026, primarily fueled by a significant surge in demand for gold bars and coins.

• Total gold consumption reached 303.29 tonnes in Q1.
• The China Gold Association reported the data.
• Consumption of gold bars and coins soared by 46.4 percent, while gold jewelry demand dropped by 37.1 percent.

A proposed 25% excise duty on mobile phones in Kenya's Finance Bill, 2026 could make smartphones unaffordable for low-income households, potentially widening the digital divide.

• A Sh10,000 smartphone could increase to over Sh12,500.
• The Kenyan Treasury aims to raise an additional Sh120 billion in new tax measures.
• Critics argue this contradicts the government's digital transformation agenda and its support for the "hustler economy."