Lesotho claims that US lawmakers promised to extend AGOA by one year, but no formal action has yet been taken. Thirty-two countries are fully eligible, yet only 18 benefit significantly; Lesotho’s exports and jobs remain heavily dependent. Without renewal by September 30, 2025, tariffs will be reinstated, impacting African exports, US retailers, and critical mineral supply chains. Earlier...

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is negotiating agreements for new industrial gold mines. Gold prices have surged over 40% year-to-date, trading above $3,700 per ounce. The initiative aims to curb an estimated 60 tonnes of annual gold smuggling. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is actively engaged in discussions to establish agreements for developing new industrial gold...

• IFC, Access Bank sign $10M deal to boost SME lending• At least 25% of loans reserved for women-led businesses• Program targets financial inclusion, job growth in Sierra Leone The International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, that it has reached a $10 million guarantee agreement with Access Bank Sierra Leone, a local subsidiary of a major...

• Nigerian oil unions reject plan to sell NNPC JV assets• Say divestment threatens revenue, jobs, and sector stability• Unions warn of possible action; government yet to respond Nigerian oil unions are strongly opposing a federal government proposal to sell off portions of its joint venture (JV) oil assets currently managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC...

• Benin approves 2025–2029 jobs plan to boost youth employment• Strategy targets underemployment, informal work, and skills gaps• Backed by budget, performance metrics, and stakeholder input Benin has officially approved the National Employment Agency's (ANPE) 2025-2029 strategic plan, according to a summary from the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. The plan...

The first woman to hold the position of Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritius, she takes the helm of the institution following internal tensions. Her second Deputy Governor is Ramsamy Chinniah, a veteran chartered accountant. Economist Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor has been appointed governor of the Bank of Mauritius for a three-year term beginning Sept. 29, 2025, the Mauritian presidency...

• Visa hosts compliance forum to strengthen Cameroon's financial system• Focus on AML, digital ID, and AI to boost trust, security• Aims to align African compliance with global investor standards Global digital payments giant Visa convened banks, fintech companies, and institutional partners in Douala on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, for its Visa Compliance Forum. The meeting’s goal was to...

Ramaphosa urges AGOA renewal to fight youth job crisis South Africa sees 62.4% youth unemployment in early 2025 Calls for U.S. ties, trade, and skills to boost opportunities South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), stressing its critical role in supporting jobs amid a national youth unemployment crisis....

Morocco to launch D4SD Hub for Arab-African digital growth Talks held with Meta, UN to boost AI, skills, cooperation Initiative aims to drive public services, tackle development gaps Morocco is slated to launch its Morocco Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub this Friday, Sept. 26, establishing a center for digital transformation that will serve Africa and the Arab...

Gabon launches drive to clear domestic debt backlog Firms must submit verified claims by Sept. 30 deadline Plan aims to restore fiscal order, boost business confidence Gabon's government has launched an extensive operation to regularize domestic debt owed to private businesses, which accumulated between 2022 and 2025. The Economy and Finance Ministry announced the drive, stating...