According to Business Times, the aggregate value of private equity (PE) reached $154.6 billion in Q1 2026, marking a 12.6% increase, driven by AI equity rounds from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. However, the total number of global transactions decreased by 22%, resulting in 614 deals during the same period.

According to Business Times, AI equity rounds, particularly involving companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, contributed to a 12.6% increase in private equity aggregate value, reaching $154.6 billion in Q1 2026. However, the overall number of global transactions decreased by 22%, totaling 614 deals during the same period.

Catalyst Fund has raised $30 million for its investment strategy focused on climate resilience in Africa, with new investors including the International Finance Corporation, Shell Foundation, and Trafigura Foundation. The fund aims to support early-stage startups that are developing solutions to climate-related challenges across the continent, reflecting a growing interest in adaptation technologies.

European HR technology firm Factorial has secured $150 million in a Series D funding round led by General Catalyst, bringing the company's valuation to $2.5 billion. Existing investors Atomico and Four Rivers also participated in this funding round. Additionally, General Catalyst plans to invest $540 million in non-dilutive capital through its Customer program.

Google has announced that its Johannesburg Cloud Region is expected to contribute $90.6 billion to South Africa's economy by 2030, as part of its expansion in cloud and artificial intelligence services on the continent. This projection was revealed during Google Cloud's first Africa Cloud Summit in Johannesburg, where it was also noted that approximately 314,900 jobs would be supported by this initiative.

Africa's banking sector is approaching the latter half of 2026 with a cautiously optimistic outlook, as it faces macroeconomic pressures such as persistent inflation, high interest rates, and currency volatility. Industry analysts note that while the sector appears resilient, these challenges complicate financial planning for banks across the continent. In response, many banks are increasingly focusing on digital transformation to adapt to the changing economic landscape.