CNBC Africa has closed its East Africa bureau and regional headquarters in Kigali, Rwanda, rendering dozens of journalists jobless. This is after the Rwanda-based broadcaster issued termination notices to staff, effective January 29, 2026.
The move has left several employees, including Kenyans, out of work.
In a notice dated January 29, 2026, Africa Business News (Rwanda) Limited, the ABN unit that oversees CNBC Africa’s operations in Rwanda, told employees the company had determined it was no longer viable to continue operations in the country.
The termination letter seen by The Kenya Times states that the decision followed the failure to secure approval of a key contract which the company had anticipated would support its commercial and operational position in the region.
“Following the non-renewal of a key contract supporting the Rwanda bureau, the Company has undertaken a careful review of its operational and commercial position. After thorough consideration, it has been determined that it is no longer viable for the Company to continue its operations in Rwanda. The decision has therefore been taken to close the Rwanda office,” read part of the letter sent to employees.
CNBC Quits Rwanda
The company said the termination was being carried out in accordance with Rwanda’s labour law, specifically Law No. 66/2018 of August 30, 2018, which governs employment relations in the country, as well as the individual terms set out in employees’ contracts.
ABN issued a statutory notice period of 30 days, running from January 29, 2026, to February 27, 2026.
However, the company released the staff immediately from duty and pledged full compensation in lieu of work for the notice period.
The closure marks the end of ABN’s Rwanda operations, which had served as a key base for CNBC Africa’s East Africa Bureau.
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From Rwanda, CNBC Africa produced and broadcast regional programming covering East African markets, policy developments, and corporate activity, including the daily shows Power Lunch East Africa and Closing Bell East Africa.
The Company employs a pool of talent from East Africa, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Africa Business News (ABN)
Africa Business News (ABN) is a pan‑African business media group founded in 2007 and headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg.
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It owns and operates CNBC Africa, the continent’s first dedicated business television network, and Forbes Africa, the African edition of the global business magazine.
CNBC Africa was launched on June 1, 2007, under license from CNBC International and broadcasts 24 hours a day across Sub‑Saharan Africa on DStv Channel 410 and digital platforms.
Its programming focuses on financial markets, macroeconomics, corporate activity, commodities, and public policy, with regional editions for Southern, West, and East Africa.
Forbes Africa, run through ABN Publishing, covers entrepreneurship, wealth, and leadership.
In 2024, Emerald Group acquired a 40 percent stake in ABN Publishing, strengthening Forbes Africa’s capital base and regional reach.
ABN has historically operated bureaux in Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and Kigali.
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