Axia’s markets battled currency headwinds during the period, with the Zambian Kwacha depreciating by 37% against the US$ between June 2023 and June 2024 whilst the Malawian Kwacha depreciated by 69% on the official market. In Zimbabwe, persistent foreign currency shortages and competition from informal markets impacted demand for FMCG products.
The operating environment remained complex during the review period, largely characterized by a fluid policy environment. Of note, substantial fiscal policy changes were instituted by the MoFED thereby changing the VAT status of most goods in the group’s portfolio.
The month of September marked a defined shift of monetary policy by key central banks into a rate cutting cycle. According to Reuters, five of the nine central banks overseeing the most heavily traded currencies that held meetings in September lowered benchmarks.
The period under review saw a fluid and challenging environment, with the final quarter of FY24 witnessing currency reforms in the form of the introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold currency. Price distortions persisted in the formal sector with less consumer activity recorded in that channel.
ZB Financial Holdings published its results for the half year ended 30 June. Initially, the period was marred with economic challenges including high inflation, weakening local currency, power shortages, and severe drought conditions.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation forecasts a slight increase in production volumes, with global cereal production expected to reach 2.85 billion metric tons, driven by favorable weather conditions in key producing regions and advancements in agricultural technology. However, risks remain due to potential extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and sudden policy changes.
