NAIROBI, Oct 15 (Reuters) - The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect African markets on Thursday.
GLOBAL MARKETS
Global shares slipped on Thursday as investors locked in recent gains amid rising concerns about resurgent COVID-19 infections and after U.S. Treasury Secretary dashed any remaining hopes of a stimulus package before the Nov. 3 election.
WORLD OIL PRICES
Oil prices rose slightly in early trade on Thursday after data showed U.S. crude stockpiles fell last week, adding to 2% gains overnight, as OPEC and its allies were seen fully complying in September with their pact to curb output.
SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS
South Africa's rand inched lower on Wednesday as the postponement of the country's budget and the stalemate over a United State stimulus package kept bids subdued.
MARKETS
The Kenyan shilling was under slight pressure on Wednesday as increased demand from energy and merchandise importers exceeded supply from remittances, horticulture exports and tourism, traders said.
NIGERIA PROTESTS
Nigerian protesters demanding an end to police brutality returned to the streets on Wednesday, saying they were unconvinced by the creation of a new police unit and a pledge not to use violence against demonstrators.
OIL
Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi should be acquitted of corruption in a legal case concerning the purchase of an oilfield in Nigeria since there is no evidence to support the charges, Descalzi's lawyer told a Milan court on Wednesday.
SECURITY
Kidnappings rose by 40% in the Gulf of Guinea in the first nine months of this year, and the region off West Africa's coast now accounts for 95% of global maritime kidnappings, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said on Wednesday.
BANKING
Uganda's central bank said on Wednesday foreign-based banks do not need its license to lend funds originating abroad, reassuring an industry jolted by a court ruling last week that declared some syndicated loans involving foreign banks illegal.
DEBT
Zambia's bonds fell heavily on Wednesday as an escalating standoff between the government and the country's private sector creditors fed fears of a ugly default by one of the world's largest copper producers.
DRUGS
Rwanda is in talks with four European and American companies about growing and processing cannabis for export to meet rising pharmaceutical demand for the narcotic, although its consumption is still banned in the country.
SECURITY
Somalia's Islamist insurgents are moving millions of dollars through the formal bank system and appear to be investing in businesses and real estate, according to a United Nations report offering a rare glimpse into their finances.