Guinea, the world’s second-largest bauxite producer, faces a critical challenge as it seeks to process its bauxite locally. The government, led by Mamadi Doumbouya, must secure clean energy in large quantities to meet global demand for low-carbon aluminium. Aluminium has become vital for key industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles, sustainable construction, and packaging. The...

Barrick Gold Corporation produced 3.9 million ounces of gold and 195,000 tonnes of copper in 2024. The world’s second-largest gold producer plans to double its copper output by 2031. The Canadian also considers rebranding to Barrick Mining Corporation to reflect this strategic shift. Barrick disclosed its plans to rebrand on April 4, 2025, signaling its ambition to expand into copper while...

• Benin is moving to digitize public procurement to simplify processes and increase transparency.• New regulations have been introduced to strengthen governance and modernize the sector.• The reform is part of a broader push to reduce corruption and improve government efficiency. Benin is working to simplify public procurement by moving to digital systems. The government’s goal is to...

• The Moroccan government aims to boost exports by using digital platforms to unlock the untapped potential of its export market.• A partnership agreement was signed on April 9 to advance the digital transformation of the trade sector.• Three key digital platforms will provide tailored services, increase visibility, and offer AI-driven insights to help Moroccan exporters succeed...

• Burkina Faso raised 40.35 billion CFA ($67 million) in a recent bond auction but had to accept high interest rates.• Investor confidence is shaken following a government request for commercial banks to transfer 25% of public companies' term deposits to the Treasury.• The country’s borrowing costs are rising as it struggles with a widening budget deficit and a reliance on internal...

• Somalia has secured a debt relief agreement worth $306.5 million with the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF).• The agreement aims to ease Somalia's financial burden and support its ongoing economic reforms.• This deal follows Somalia’s successful efforts to reduce its international debt, including a 99% cancellation of its debt by Paris Club creditors in 2024. Somalia has reached a...

Over the past decade, Africa’s first and second-largest uranium producers, Namibia and Niger, exported most of their output to China and France. However, new producers, like Mauritania, are now emerging, resulting in the diversification of the buyers’ pool. Lotus Resources, the Australian mining company, will sell 600,000 pounds of uranium from its Kayelekera mine in Namibia to a North...

Last November, Mali's 2023 Mining Code was applied to the Bougouni lithium mine project. Under the memorandum of understanding signed on the occasion, Bamako required a $15 million payment, split into two equal installments.  Malian authorities are waiting for a $7.5 million payment from Kodal Minerals (UK) and Hainan Mining (China), partners on the Bougouni lithium project. Kodal...

• Afreximbank successfully raised 2.2 billion yuan (around $303 million) with a bond issuance on the Chinese market, showcasing African institutions' growing ability to diversify funding sources.• The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) approved €230 million and $10 million to fund infrastructure projects and support the private sector in West Africa, with a...

A new piece of legislation, known as the "CEMAC Act," is drawing attention to the management of foreign reserves in Central Africa’s six CFA countries—Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Congo, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea. The bill specifically urges the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to hold these countries accountable for the transparency of their reserves, particularly the funds...