Overall sales of off-grid solar kits in Sub-Saharan Africa saw only a 1% increase during the first six months of 2025. This near-stagnation was primarily driven by a sharp drop in cash sales, which occurred as several major international energy access programs concluded and new regulatory changes were implemented in certain countries. Sales of off-grid solar kits using the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGo)...

Nigeria to replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single-Entry Emergency Travel Passport (STEP) STEP aids stranded Nigerians abroad; aligns with broader immigration and border control reforms Reforms target visa misuse, undocumented migrants, and bolster anti-trafficking efforts The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is developing a Single-Entry Emergency Travel Passport (STEP) to...

IMF agrees on $89.3M loan for Mauritania, pending Executive Board approval Mauritania met reform targets; IMF urges faster climate reforms under RSF Economic growth seen slowing to 4.2% in 2025; inflation expected below 2% The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement to provide Mauritania with a total loan package of $89.3 million, pending approval by...

Nigeria launches Sugarcane Outgrowers Programme to boost local sugar production Farmers to get contracts, inputs, training under national sugar supply chain Goal: 1.8M tons/year by 2033; current output only 75,000 tons Nigeria’s National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has launched the Sugarcane Outgrowers Development Programme (SODP). The initiative aims to boost local sugarcane...

Libya, Italy sign deal to build 160 km of coastal highway to Tunisia Project revives work halted since 2011, part of 1,750 km corridor Road to link with Trans-Saharan route, boosting African trade integration Libya and Italy signed an agreement on Nov. 6 to build the 160-kilometer Al-Aziziya-Ras Jdir section of the Emsaad-Ras Jdir highway. The road ispart of a 1,750-kilometer coastal...

Kenya plans to issue $1.3B in sovereign bonds to clear infrastructure arrears Funds to repay short-term loan, ease fiscal strain from stalled public projects Government eyes infrastructure and wealth funds to reduce debt reliance The Kenyan government is planning to issue new sovereign bonds to raise 170 billion shillings (approximately $1.316 billion), according to local media...

Burkina Faso launches Educational Radio and Television (RTE) to expand learning access Platform combines radio, TV, and digital content on education, health, and culture Initiative targets rural inclusion amid school closures and literacy challenges Burkina Faso has inaugurated the Educational Radio and Television (RTE) network, a new platform for learning and culture. The launch took...

Lomé to host UK-Francophone Africa Trade Forum on Nov. 12-13 Event to gather 600+ officials, investors, and business leaders Focus on trade, investment, and UK partnerships with West and Central Africa Lomé, the Togolese capital, will host the UK-West and Central Francophone Africa Trade and Investment Forum on Nov. 12-13. The event is expected to bring together more than 600...

DRC secures IMF staff-level deal for $456M under ECF and RSF programs $377M to support national budget; $79M to boost foreign reserves IMF Board to review in December; budget support to help fund 2026 spending The Democratic Republic of Congo is nearing a $456 million disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its three-year economic and financial...

West African officials met in Lomé to improve municipal finances for crisis response Talks focused on sustaining health, water, and sanitation services during shocks Meeting to produce regional roadmap and best practices for local governance Representatives from several West African countries met in Lomé, Togo, on Nov. 3-4, 2025, to discuss how to strengthen municipal finances against...