The African Union has officially launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) in Mauritius, appointing South African researcher Sifiso Falala as its interim CEO. The agency aims to provide an independent, African-led perspective on credit assessments to address long-standing concerns regarding how international rating agencies price African sovereign risk. AfCRA is currently seeking to raise $15 million in capital, with Plus 94 Research identified as a founding shareholder holding a 33.33% stake. The agency seeks to counter the influence of major global rating firms, though AU leadership has cautioned that it may not immediately lower borrowing costs for African nations.