72 countries sign UN Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi Treaty aims to boost global cooperation, evidence sharing Critics warn of weak safeguards, potential for misuse The United Nations Convention on Cybercrime garnered 72 signatures in Hanoi, Vietnam, over the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, at a dedicated signing event. The final list provided by the United Nations Office...

Senegal opens 24-km Touba-Mbacké-Ngabou railway line Line targets 5,000 daily passengers with affordable fares Part of broader rail strategy to boost mobility, economy Senegal on Saturday, October 25, inaugurated the Touba-Mbacké-Ngabou railway line, a 24-km track that marks the gradual reintroduction of rail transport into the country’s national mobility strategy. The project cost...

DRC launches tender to build domestic train manufacturing plant Project aims to boost rail network, reduce logistics costs Rail industry seen as key to mining, regional trade expansion The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Accessibility has launched an international tender to build a train assembly and manufacturing plant, marking what could be...

NJFP 2.0 targets key sectors, aims for 100,000 beneficiaries Over 60% of Nigerians are under 25, job access limited On Wednesday, October 22, the Nigerian government launched the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0), a $220 million initiative aimed at connecting promising young graduates with internships, mentorships, and jobs. The program focuses on key...

Burkina Faso launches digital infrastructure mapping tool, OAN Goal: eliminate mobile coverage gaps by 2027 Only 17% internet penetration despite 85% mobile reach On Friday, October 24, Burkina Faso launched Observatoire de l’aménagement numérique (OAN), a new platform designed to collect, analyze, and map data on the country’s digital infrastructure. The tool aims to support public...

AFG Bank Mali will mobilize CFA100 billion ($177.2 million) to finance local suppliers and subcontractors in the mining sector. The initiative, called the Local Content Champion Program (LCCP), aims to strengthen technical and financial capacities of Malian mining firms. Mali’s mining sector accounts for 82% of export revenue and 10% of GDP, according to the Extractive Industries...

Dangote will double refinery capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day within three years, making it the world’s largest. The $20 billion project will be funded through cash flow, a local stock market listing, and strategic investors. Dangote’s fortune has risen to $30.5 billion, cementing his position as Africa’s richest person. Nigerian billionaire Aliko...

President John Dramani Mahama announced free higher education for persons with disabilities under the “No Fees Stress” initiative. The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will finance the policy with an annual budget of 50 million GHS ($4.62 million). The initiative could benefit up to two million Ghanaians identified as living with disabilities in the 2021 national census. Ghana’s...

Nigeria plans to reconnect the ALSCON aluminium smelter to the national grid and complete its 330 KVa substation soon. The $1.2 billion rehabilitation deal with China’s CNCEC aims to restore power and generate up to 660 MW. Ownership of ALSCON remains under legal dispute between Rusal and the U.S.-Nigerian consortium BFI despite a 2022 Supreme Court ruling. Nigeria plans to...

Togo becomes the first African country to offer national health insurance to self-employed workers. The program enables informal sector workers to enroll digitally and choose tailored contribution plans. The reform expands Universal Health Coverage and targets millions excluded from traditional social security. The International Labour Organization says informal jobs represent 85% of...