On August 5, 2025, global markets rose for a second consecutive day following weaker-than-expected U.S. non-farm payroll data. The data strengthened expectations of an imminent interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Stocks

• STOXX 600 (Europe): Up 0.4%, boosted by strong earnings from Diageo and DHL.

• MSCI Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan): Gained 0.7%.

• Nikkei (Japan): Rose 0.5%.

• U.S. markets: Continued upward on rate cut expectations.

Labor and Policy

• U.S. payroll numbers came in below forecasts and were revised downward for May and June.

• President Trump dismissed the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler resigned.

• San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly indicated support for rate cuts, citing labor market weakness and easing inflation.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. Dollar Index dropped to 98.7.

• Gold held near one-week highs.

• Oil prices edged lower following increased output from OPEC+.

Corporate Developments

• Palantir shares surged 6% after strong AI-driven forecasts and news of a potential $10 billion U.S. Army contract. The company’s market cap surpassed $360 billion.

• Diageo and DHL posted better-than-expected earnings.

• Investors are now awaiting results from Disney, McDonald’s, Pfizer, AMD, and Caterpillar.

Tesla’s board has granted CEO Elon Musk 96 million new shares, valued at around US $29 billion, in an "interim award" designed to retain him amid Plaintiff litigation over a previous compensation plan.
The award will vest over two years, contingent on Musk remaining in a key executive role—such as CEO or executive chair—through to August 2027.
Shares must be held for five years (until August 2027 or later) and will be forfeited or offset if the 2018 pay package, previously voided by a Delaware court, is reinstated on appeal.
Musk currently holds roughly a 13 % stake in Tesla. The new award is expected to increase his ownership to approximately 15–16 %, enhancing his voting power within the company.
A Delaware court voided Musk’s original 2018 compensation plan, valued at over $50–56 billion, citing flawed approval procedures and conflicts of interest among board members. Tesla and Musk are currently appealing the decision in the Delaware Supreme Court.
Tesla’s board explained that the interim award was a good faith measure to retain Musk during a strategic shift toward artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous technologies, beyond its traditional automotive business.
Tesla stock rose by around 2–3 % immediately following the announcement, reflecting investor response to reduced executive uncertainty

As COVID-19 vaccine sales continue to decline, Moderna and BioNTech—two of the leading mRNA vaccine makers—are charting different futures for their businesses.

Moderna: Leaner Strategy, Delayed Break-Even

Moderna is doubling down on mRNA as its core focus. However, the company is facing financial pressures and has adjusted its outlook:

• Operating break-even delayed to 2028, two years later than previously projected.

• R&D budget reduced by $4 billion, down to $16 billion through 2028.

• Moderna aims to streamline its operations and maintain discipline, according to CEO Stéphane Bancel.

Despite these cuts, the company is moving forward with several mRNA-based programs, including combination vaccines and personalized cancer therapies.

BioNTech: Expanding Beyond mRNA

BioNTech, based in Germany, is taking a broader approach. The company sees mRNA as just one tool among many in its immunotherapy pipeline.

• It is diversifying its research across cancer treatments, including cell and antibody therapies, small molecules, and next-generation immunomodulators.

• BioNTech plans to invest in biopharma acquisitions and has over 30 oncology trials underway.

CEO Uğur Şahin says the company’s focus is on long-term innovation beyond infectious diseases.

Vaccine Sales and Market Shifts

• Both Moderna and BioNTech saw massive revenue during the pandemic, but sales have plummeted.

• Moderna expects $4 billion in COVID vaccine sales in 2024, a sharp decline from its peak of $18.4 billion in 2022.

• BioNTech has not given specific 2024 projections but also anticipates a drop.

Investors are watching closely as both companies transition from pandemic-era highs to post-COVID realities.

The U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports and sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes amid growing tensions between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday linking the tariffs and sanctions to Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Sanctions on Judge Alexandre de Moraes

Judge de Moraes, who is leading the investigation into Bolsonaro's alleged coup attempt after losing the 2022 presidential election, is accused by U.S. officials of authorizing arbitrary detentions and suppressing freedom of expression.

• U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Moraes had led an "unlawful witch hunt" against both U.S. and Brazilian individuals and companies.

• The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes under U.S. jurisdiction.

• The BBC has reached out to Moraes for comment.

Brazil's Response

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the sanctions as an "unacceptable" interference in Brazil’s justice system.

• Lula emphasized Brazil’s trade deficit with the U.S. and called the actions a threat to national sovereignty.

• Brazil hinted at retaliatory tariffs.

Tariff Details

• New tariffs apply to Brazilian imports at 50% but exclude key exports such as orange juice, certain aircraft parts, and energy products.

• The executive order explicitly links the tariffs to Brazil's treatment of Bolsonaro and perceived censorship.

Trade and Diplomatic Impact

• The U.S. is Brazil’s second-largest trading partner, after China.

• Brazil is the 15th largest trading partner of the U.S.

Background on Bolsonaro Investigation

• Bolsonaro is under investigation for allegedly plotting a coup in January 2023 following Lula’s election win.

• Judge Moraes has imposed strict pre-trial restrictions, including curfews, an ankle monitor, and a ban on foreign contact.

Broader Context

• Trump’s media company, Truth Social, and other U.S. tech firms are involved in legal battles with Brazilian courts over social media content restrictions.

• The diplomatic strain marks a reversal from the cordial relationship Trump and Bolsonaro had during their presidencies.

This escalation represents a new chapter in U.S.-Brazil relations and intensifies scrutiny over the legal and political handling of Bolsonaro’s post-election actions.

Kenya Airways has officially launched direct, overnight flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to London Gatwick, starting July 2, 2025. This new service adds three flights per week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—bringing Kenya Airways’ total London frequency to ten affordable and convenient weekly connections.

The inaugural flight, carrying 171 passengers, departed Nairobi late at night and landed in Gatwick early the next morning after an eight-and-a-half-hour journey covering over 6,000 km. Travelers can now enjoy the luxury of "dinner in Nairobi and breakfast in London."

This expanded service not only offers greater convenience for passengers but is also projected to break even within a year. Kenya Airways emphasized Gatwick’s strategic role in boosting trade, tourism, education, and cargo capacity—by an estimated 40% increase in belly cargo space.

The new route complements the existing Heathrow connection and strengthens the airline’s position in the UK market, providing enhanced options for Kenya’s diaspora and travelers. Plans are already underway to explore further UK routes and even daily services.

Microsoft has announced its latest round of job cuts, setting the stage for a major transformation in its workforce. The tech giant will lay off up to 9,000 employees—around 4% of its global staff—as it repositions its business to focus heavily on artificial intelligence.

Why Now?

According to a company spokesperson, this move is part of a broader plan to adapt to a rapidly evolving market and align resources with emerging priorities. Microsoft has already earmarked $80 billion to build massive data centers dedicated to AI model training. In that light, pruning roles in legacy operations, including areas like Xbox, appears to be a strategic shift rather than short-term cost-cutting.

What’s Affected

Exact details on which divisions will see the largest reductions remain unclear, though reports suggest the Xbox gaming unit may be impacted. This follows earlier cuts in 2025, bringing the total number of layoffs this year to around 15,000 employees.

Broader Implications

• Business model shift
  By reshaping its workforce, Microsoft is signaling a pivot from traditional software and services toward cutting-edge AI technologies and cloud infrastructure.

• Impact on employees
  While the transition may spark resentment among affected staff, it also indicates growing demand for AI-driven roles and cloud expertise.

• Industry trend
  Microsoft’s move mirrors a larger trend among tech giants—rebalancing staff as investments in AI and automation take precedence.

Final Thoughts

This decision reveals how AI is no longer an experimental phase, but central to Microsoft’s future. While the layoffs may cause disruption, the company believes in positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation.

Safaricom PLC has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first publicly listed company in Eastern Africa to surpass KSh 300 billion in annual revenue. For the financial year ending March 31, 2025, the telecommunications giant reported a total revenue of KSh 388.7 billion, marking an 11.2% increase from the previous year. This achievement underscores Safaricom's dominant position in the region's telecom industry.

Financial Highlights

The company's net profit for the year rose to KSh 69.8 billion, up from KSh 42.6 billion in the previous year. Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) also saw a substantial increase of 29.5%, reaching KSh 104.1 billion. These figures reflect the company's robust financial health and effective business strategies.

Expansion into Ethiopia

Safaricom's expansion into Ethiopia has contributed significantly to its revenue growth. The Ethiopian subsidiary now accounts for nearly 10% of the group's total revenue. In the past year, Safaricom Ethiopia more than doubled its customer base to 8.8 million and established over 3,100 network sites. Additionally, 2.4 million customers in Ethiopia are actively using M-Pesa services, transacting over KSh 20.6 billion during the year.

Performance in Kenya

In its home market, Kenya, Safaricom's service revenue grew by 10.5% to KSh 364.3 billion. M-Pesa, the company's mobile money platform, experienced a 15.2% increase in revenue, reaching KSh 140.1 billion. This growth highlights the continued demand for mobile financial services in the region.

Dividend Announcement

The board of Safaricom has proposed a final dividend of KSh 0.65 per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to KSh 1.20 per share. This payout reflects the company's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders.

Looking Ahead

Safaricom's leadership attributes the company's success to sustained innovation, strategic expansion, and a strong customer base. The positive performance in Ethiopia, despite initial challenges, positions Safaricom for continued growth in the region. As the company continues to expand its services and customer base, it is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the East African telecom sector.

Final Thought:
Safaricom's achievement of surpassing KSh 300 billion in revenue is a testament to its strategic initiatives and market leadership. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it sets a benchmark for other companies in the region to aspire to.

Gone are the days of spending hours in long supermarket lines. With the rise of online supermarkets, shopping for groceries, household items, and fresh produce is now just a few clicks away. But is online grocery shopping really the future, or just a passing trend?

Let’s explore how online supermarkets are transforming shopping habits and why more people are making the switch.

Convenience Like Never Before

One of the biggest reasons online supermarkets are gaining popularity is convenience. Imagine ordering your entire grocery list while sitting on your couch and having it delivered to your doorstep within hours. No more wasting time in traffic, carrying heavy shopping bags, or waiting in long checkout lines.

Example: Bespado.co.ke offers a seamless online shopping experience with a wide range of supermarket products at your fingertips.

Affordable Prices & Exclusive Discounts

Online supermarkets often offer better deals compared to physical stores because they cut down on operational costs, offer exclusive online discounts and promo codes, and allow customers to compare prices instantly.

Tip: Check Bespado’s Supermarket Section for daily discounts and flash sales.

24/7 Shopping – No More Rushing Before Stores Close

Unlike physical supermarkets with fixed hours, online supermarkets never close. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, you can shop whenever it’s convenient for you.

Example: Bespado.co.ke lets you place orders 24/7, so you never have to worry about store closing times.

Wide Variety – More Choices Than Physical Stores

Ever walked into a supermarket only to find your favorite brand out of stock? With online supermarkets, you get more variety because they partner with multiple suppliers, they don’t have shelf space limitations, and you can find local and imported brands easily.

Tip: Explore Bespado’s product categories for a wide selection of supermarket essentials, food, drinks, and more.

Easier Budgeting – No Impulse Buying

How often do you walk into a supermarket for one item and end up buying a whole cart full of things you didn’t plan for? Online shopping helps you stick to your budget, avoid unnecessary temptations, and easily track your total spending before checkout.

Tip: Always check for free shipping offers and discounts at Bespado.co.ke.

Eco-Friendly Shopping – Less Waste, Less Pollution

Online supermarkets can be more sustainable than traditional shopping because they use fewer single-use plastic bags, optimize delivery routes to reduce fuel consumption, and eliminate the need for large energy-consuming physical stores.

Example: Some online stores, including Bespado.co.ke, promote sustainable shopping choices by offering eco-friendly packaging and delivery options.

Is This the Future of Grocery Shopping?

With digital payments, faster delivery services, and growing trust in online shopping, the future of supermarkets is online. More people are adopting online grocery shopping due to busy lifestyles requiring faster solutions, expanding delivery networks, and competitive pricing.

Statistic: Studies show that over 70% of urban shoppers have tried online supermarkets at least once, and this number is growing.

Conclusion

Online supermarkets are not just a trend—they are a game-changer in the way we shop. With convenience, better pricing, and wider product choices, it’s clear why more people are embracing digital grocery shopping.

Start shopping now! Visit besapado.co.ke to explore amazing deals and get your groceries delivered hassle-free.

 

Charlie Javice, the founder of student-aid startup Frank, has been found guilty of fraud in a high-profile case involving JPMorgan Chase. The court ruled that Javice misled the banking giant into acquiring her company for $175 million by fabricating user data to inflate the startup’s value. Prosecutors detailed how Javice and her associates created fake customer accounts to deceive JPMorgan into believing that Frank had over 4 million real users, while in reality, the actual number was significantly lower.

Javice’s legal team attempted to argue that she was a victim of aggressive acquisition tactics by JPMorgan, but the evidence presented, including emails and financial records, painted a different picture. Investigators revealed that Javice paid a data scientist to generate fake user information, making Frank appear far more successful than it actually was. Once the acquisition was complete, JPMorgan quickly uncovered inconsistencies in the customer database, leading to an internal investigation and a subsequent lawsuit.

The verdict has sent shockwaves through the tech and financial sectors, highlighting the growing scrutiny around startup valuations and due diligence in acquisitions. Legal experts believe this case could set a precedent for how courts handle corporate fraud in the startup world. Industry analysts also speculate that investors and financial institutions will now take extra precautions when evaluating companies for potential investments or buyouts.

Javice now faces significant legal consequences, including possible prison time and financial penalties. The ruling serves as a stark warning to entrepreneurs and investors about the severe repercussions of financial misconduct. As the tech industry continues to evolve, this case underscores the importance of transparency, ethical business practices, and the risks associated with exaggerated valuations.

 

The business landscape is rapidly evolving, and 2025 presents new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Whether in Kenya or globally, here are some of the best businesses to consider starting this year.

1. E-commerce & Online Retail

With more people shopping online, setting up an e-commerce store can be highly profitable. Some of the most promising areas include dropshipping, where you sell products without holding inventory, niche stores focusing on specific markets like eco-friendly products or fashion, and delivery services that solve logistics challenges with last-mile delivery businesses.

An example is Jumia, which has grown significantly, showing the demand for online shopping in Africa.

2. Agribusiness & Smart Farming

Food demand is always rising, making agribusiness one of the most lucrative industries. High-yield greenhouse farming of crops like tomatoes and capsicum, poultry farming for chicken and egg production, and agri-tech solutions like mobile apps that connect farmers with buyers or provide weather data all present strong opportunities.

Twiga Foods is an example of a business that helps farmers sell directly to retailers, cutting out middlemen.

3. Renewable Energy & Solar Business

The world is shifting towards green energy, creating huge opportunities. Businesses in solar panel installation and maintenance, electric vehicle charging stations, and biogas or alternative energy solutions are gaining traction.

Kenya leads in geothermal energy, and solar energy is the next big opportunity.

4. AI & Tech Startups

Artificial intelligence is changing the world, and businesses that integrate AI are seeing massive success. AI-powered chatbots for businesses, automated customer service solutions, and AI-driven marketing and data analytics firms are in high demand.

Many Kenyan banks already use AI chatbots to handle customer inquiries, showing the potential of this industry.

5. Digital Marketing & Content Creation

With businesses moving online, companies need social media marketing and content creation. Freelance content writing, social media management, video editing, YouTube and TikTok influencer marketing, and SEO and website development services are all profitable ventures.

Many brands now hire digital marketers instead of relying on traditional ads.

6. Fintech & Mobile Money Solutions

The need for fast and easy financial solutions continues to grow. Mobile lending apps that provide short-term loans, payment processing solutions similar to M-Pesa but targeting new markets, and cryptocurrency or blockchain startups all present strong opportunities.

Equity Bank and Safaricom’s M-Pesa have already revolutionized mobile banking, proving that fintech is a highly promising sector.

7. Health & Wellness Business

More people are investing in their health and wellness. Fitness coaching, gym services, organic and health food businesses, and mental health counseling or wellness apps are all thriving areas.

Companies like MyDawa, which offer online pharmacy services and medicine delivery, highlight the potential in this industry.

8. Education & Online Learning

People are learning new skills online more than ever. Online courses and tutoring, coding and tech boot camps, and vocational training centers are all profitable areas.

Andela is a good example of a company that trains African software developers for global jobs.

Final Thoughts

The best businesses in 2025 focus on technology, sustainability, and solving real-world problems. Whether it’s e-commerce, AI, or renewable energy, the opportunities are endless.

 

Kenyan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are navigating 2025 with significant digital adoption and ongoing economic challenges.

Digital Adoption and Innovation
A notable trend is the widespread use of digital payment solutions. According to the Mastercard SME Confidence Index (Feb 2025), 91% of Kenyan SMEs have integrated digital payments, enhancing efficiency and financial stability. Businesses are prioritizing secure payment solutions to remain competitive. (Mastercard)

Economic Outlook and Challenges
Kenya's GDP is projected to grow by 4.9% in 2025, with a shift from agriculture to construction and financial services. However, SMEs face limited access to finance, high taxation, and market competition. Over 75% of SMEs are seeking credit, with 40% aiming for expansion. (Capital FM)

Government Support
The government is actively supporting SMEs through the State Department for MSME Development, addressing challenges like inadequate skills and regulatory constraints. (MSME)

The Road Ahead
As SMEs embrace digital transformation and seek financial solutions, their role in Kenya’s economic growth remains vital. Collaboration between the government, financial institutions, and the private sector is key to SME resilience and innovation.

Stay updated on Kenya’s SME developments at Bespado.co.ke.