• DR Congo extends cobalt export ban by 3 months.• Prices up 45% since February to $30,200/ton.• Quotas may replace ban in future review. The Democratic Republic of Congo's suspension of cobalt exports, initially set to expire Sunday, June 22, has been extended by an additional three months. The Regulatory Authority for Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS) announced the...

Traffic congestion costs African economies an estimated $314 billion annually, according to a report by the French multinational Alstom. This figure is equivalent to four times Côte d’Ivoire’s Gross Domestic Product or nearly half that of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While African cities have not yet reached the scale of American or European megacities, they...

• IFC lends $425M to Maroc Telecom for Chad and Mali networks.• Funds target 4G rollout and Mobile Money expansion.• Move backs Africa’s digital drive, boosts regional presence. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector arm, announced a partnership with Maroc Telecom on Thursday, June 19. Under this agreement, IFC will provide two loans...

Highligthts : • Nsia to launch securitization deals in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, Senegal, Togo• The move aims to unlock more credit for small and medium-sized businesses• Nsia completed a $70 million securitization deal in 2020 and plans to scale up Nsia Banque Côte d’Ivoire plans to roll out a new series of securitization deals this year to support small and...

• Ouattara delayed announcing 2025 candidacy, promises decision soon.• RHDP backs him; opposition calls the run unconstitutional.• A fourth bid may heighten political tensions. On Sunday, June 22, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara delivered a much-anticipated speech to supporters during the closing of the ruling party RHDP’s congress at the Abidjan Exhibition Park. However, he did not...

Highlights: • Nigeria and Benin agree to deepen bilateral ties as a model for West Africa• The deal aims to ease trade, improve infrastructure, and push regional unity• Leaders warn that ECOWAS faces crisis, call for faster economic integration Nigeria and Benin have signed a new agreement to strengthen their partnership and push for deeper regional integration in West Africa. The deal...

In a West African financial landscape marked by tighter regulation of the fintech sector, digital financial companies must innovate to continue growing. Djamo, founded in Côte d’Ivoire, is a pioneering Francophone fintech. It offers an inclusive solution that connects unbanked populations to essential financial services. The company recently secured $17 million in fundraising, the largest...

The announcement highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in driving Africa’s digital transformation and underscores Comoros’ ambition to become a more connected, innovative, and inclusive digital economy. Yas Comoros, a subsidiary of AXIAN Telecom, announced on June 20 a major partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to boost digital infrastructure...

Highlights : • Nigeria secures €20 million from Germany to support its energy transition• The funds will promote renewables, expand infrastructure, and build skills• Nigeria targets 50% renewable electricity and wider energy access by 2030 Nigeria will receive €20 million in support from Germany to expand renewable energy and improve electricity access. The financing...

Highlights: • Kenya leads Africa’s 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index alongside Senegal• Strong reforms and governance praised but families face high electricity bills• Legal disputes over land charges could push Nairobi power prices up 30% The African Development Bank (AfDB) announced that Kenya shares first place with Senegal in the 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI) for Africa....