European Commission proposes pushing law’s start to end of 2026 Regulation targets imports of cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, timber, and beef Africa’s producers see delay as chance to strengthen traceability systems The European Commission (EC) is seeking another one-year delay in enforcing its anti-deforestation law (EUDR), which bans imports of commodities such as cocoa,...

Robust International invests CFA15 billion ($26.99 million) in new factory Plant can process 37,440 tons of raw cashew nuts per year in Kpouèbo Industry aims to process about 50% of national cashew output in 2025 Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister Robert Beugré inaugurated on September 22 a new cashew processing plant in Oussou, Kpouèbo sub-prefecture. The project, backed by...

South Africa’s Competition Tribunal clears Ninety One’s takeover of Sanlam Investment Conditions include job protection, support for small asset managers, and business development Deal gives Ninety One stronger footprint in South Africa, Europe, and Africa South Africa’s Competition Tribunal has approved the acquisition of Sanlam Investment Management by Ninety One, the...

Bank Al-Maghrib leaves benchmark rate unchanged at 2.25% Inflation seen at 1% in 2025 before rising to 1.9% in 2026 Economy expected to grow 4.6% in 2025, driven by agriculture and investment Morocco’s central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25% on September 23, citing contained inflation and continued uncertainty in the global and domestic economy. “Given...

Central Bank of Nigeria lowers benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 27% Inflation slows to 20.1% in August after peaking at 31% in 2024 IMF warns of fiscal risks despite signs of stronger growth The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cut its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 27% on September 23, marking its first rate cut in five years. The move comes after a long tightening...

Chinese-backed semi-industrial mining destroyed over 250 km of waterways in Haut-Uélé since 2020. PAX says miners operated illegally under cover of “cooperatives” with army and police protection. Local communities and the state treasury saw no benefits while ecological and social damage mounted. Illegal gold mining involving Chinese nationals and Congolese partners has destroyed more...

Nearly 200 containers disappeared in Southern African waters in 2024. Diversions via the Cape of Good Hope due to Red Sea attacks increase risks. Increased cargo losses, extended shipping times, and higher freight rates heighten supply chain vulnerability. The often-underestimated loss of cargo at sea significantly impacts the African supply chain, already strained by various international...

Cameroon approved $298 million in loans to fund road, agro-industry, and energy projects. The IsDB will provide €163.7 million for a key transport corridor linking central and northern regions. Standard Chartered financing will help revive the troubled Cameroon Development Corporation. Cameroon President Paul Biya signed decrees on September 22 approving €252.4 million...

Côte d'Ivoire launches "e-cadastre minier Côte d’Ivoire" platform on September 22. The move aligns with a broader African trend towards digitized mining cadastres, enhancing transparency and efficiency. The platform aims to boost investment attractiveness and comply with extractive industry transparency initiatives. In Côte d'Ivoire, mining companies can now submit and track title...

Guinea's new constitution received 90.6% approval in a September 21 referendum. Provisional results cover 91.4% of polling stations amid disputed turnout figures. The referendum occurred amidst tensions between the transitional government and political parties. Guinea's proposed new constitution, advanced by the transitional government, secured 90.6% approval from participating voters in a...