Vista Bank is in advanced talks to acquire a 33% stake in ACEP Cameroon, a key step for entering the CEMAC financial market ecosystem. Finalizing the acquisition, which would establish Vista Bank as a major shareholder, is contingent upon a definitive agreement and full regulatory clearance. ACEP, a leading microfinance body in Cameroon, faced increased credit defaults in 2023, cutting net...

Mozambique launched "Big Data in Telecommunications" platform to send geo-located SMS and voice alerts during natural disasters. System enables coordinated emergency communication between INCM, INGD, CENOE, INAM, and mobile operators with national coverage. Platform targets vulnerable populations as the country faced three cyclones in 2024-2025. Mozambique has launched a telecommunications...

Indian bottler VBL signs exclusive deal to test Carlsberg sales in Africa Move aims to diversify beyond soft drinks into the growing alcohol segment Africa’s beer market projected to reach $32.5 billion by end-2025 Indian group Varun Beverages Limited (VBL), the main bottler of PepsiCo’s leading soft drink brands in Africa, is expanding into the beer segment. According to...

AFG Bank Mali launches CFA100 billion fund to support local mining firms Regional financiers like Dossongui, Nassa, and Tiemtoré now own or fund mines Rising gold prices and local content laws drive shift toward African control AFG Bank Mali launched the Local Content Champion Program (LCCP) on October 27, a CFA100 billion ($177.2 million) financing tool for local mining companies in...

Veolia's major Moroccan desalination project, Africa's largest, is almost a year old but remains "in the maturation phase" with no public progress announced yet. Intense negotiations are focused on key factors like the final pricing structure and finding the right subcontractors for the complex maritime and terrestrial works. Morocco seeks the best price and technology transfer to ensure...

Mining budget to surge 1,390% to CFA68.12 billion, up from CFA4.56 billion Government targets diversification beyond oil and stronger resource value New funding to support exploration, gold and manganese output, and reforms Gabon plans a sharp increase in funding for its mining sector, with the 2026 budget rising to CFA68.12 billion from CFA4.56 billion in 2025, according to a proposal...

Poland launches a US$1.1 billion Africa support program through state-owned Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK). Initiative forms part of a US$3 billion investment strategy running through 2030, targeting enterprise financing and exports. Africa accounts for just 1.2% of Poland’s exports, yet 17 of 89 BGK-backed markets are on the continent. Poland has launched a US$1.1 billion Africa...

Malaria remains top child killer, with 523 cases per 1,000 under-fives Vaccine supports goal to cut malaria deaths and incidence by 2026 Zambia has added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to its Expanded Programme on Immunization, UNICEF said in a statement on Tuesday, as the country steps up efforts to combat one of its leading causes of child mortality. The first phase will vaccinate...

Morocco forecasts 160,000-ton date harvest, up 55% from last season Drâa-Tafilalet region leads with 76% of national production Growth supports efforts to reduce rising date import dependence Morocco expects its date harvest to reach 160,000 tons in the 2025/2026 season, Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari said during the 14th International Date Show (SIDATTES), held from...

Government imposes 15% fuel import tax to protect local refining Shift to equity model after $25B failed refurbishment efforts The head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, said on Wednesday that the state oil firm has launched a technical and commercial review of Nigeria’s three state-owned refineries, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, with a combined...