DRC and the US are nearing a deal granting mineral access in exchange for security support. The agreement could counter China’s mining dominance and aid M23 conflict resolution. Talks follow a $1B US-backed investment in DRC’s Manono lithium deposit. Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeking to balance China's dominance in the mining sector. The...

• Kaduna Electric signed an MoU for a 100 MW solar project with battery storage.• The project will serve Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states with decentralized power.• Nigeria aims for universal electricity access and 50% renewables by 2030 To address Nigeria's energy deficit, Kaduna Electric is embarking on a 100 MW solar energy project with storage facilities, aligning with...

• The NPA will begin dredging Lekki Port under a $1.5B deal with CHEC.• The aim is to deepen the channel to 19 meters and attract larger vessels.• Lekki Port supports export growth and relieves congestion at Lagos ports. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to start dredging works at the Lekki deep-sea port, located on the outskirts of Lagos. According to the local press, the...

• 214 young refugees in Kakuma camp completed digital and entrepreneurship training.• The program was led by BrighterMonday Kenya with MasterCard Foundation and Amahoro Coalition.• It aims to create job opportunities via remote work or online businesses for displaced youth. In a context where only 10% of Kenya’s workforce holds formal employment and youth unemployment remains high,...

• Morocco plans to integrate 12.5 GW of new renewables into its grid by 2030.• The $24 billion plan includes €341 million in support from EU, EIB, and KfW.• A 1,400 km HVDC line is planned to boost capacity and power supply security. Last week, the World Bank approved a procurement plan to kick-start a pilot battery storage project in Morocco, a crucial initiative for scaling...

• Burkina Faso is building a CFA6.65 billion ($11.5M) cashew plant in Péni, set for 2025.• The facility will process 5,000 tons annually, producing juice, wine, vinegar, and alcohol.• Only 10% of cashew harvests were processed in 2024 despite higher installed capacity. Burkina Faso, one of the premier cashew producers in West Africa, is looking to strengthen its processing sector, an area...

• Angola and Brazil signed six agreements on May 24, 2025, to strengthen bilateral ties.• The deals span human rights, agriculture, energy, and security cooperation.• Bilateral trade reached $1.2 billion in 2023, with potential for further growth. Following his official visit to Brazil, Angolan President João Lourenço signed six cooperation pacts on May 24, 2025, alongside Brazilian...

• Cameroon is testing a cocoa auction model that could guide the African Cocoa Exchange.• The AfCX aims to help producers access financing and set fair prices within the continent.• Local pricing and trade could reduce reliance on global markets like London and New York. While Africa already accounts for nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa supply, there have been growing calls over the past...

• Africa captured 47% of Proparco’s 2024 project volume, totaling €1.3 billion.• Jolaks, Beacon Power Services, and One Acre Fund received the year’s largest funding.• AFD’s biggest non-sovereign loan in 2024, €350 million, went to Morocco’s green hydrogen plan. Africa remained the primary region of intervention for French development agency Proparco in 2024. The...

• SENEGEL training began May 23 in Kaolack for 50 youths; 300 to be trained in phase one.• Initiative targets 50,000 beneficiaries over three years to address youth unemployment.• Model includes mentorship, coaching, and project-based learning aligned with market needs.• Over 100,000 young people enter Senegal’s labor market annually; many face joblessness.• Success depends on local...