Cobalt prices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fallen to their lowest level since 2016. The DRC is the world's largest cobalt producer, with 140,000 tonnes expected to be mined in 2023. An oversupply in the market has led to declining prices, impacting the country's revenues. Last week, cobalt prices dropped to between $10 and $11.80 per pound, according to...

Nigeria is currently facing devastating floods that have affected several regions. The floods have caused numerous casualties, significant property damage, and displaced millions of people. The European Union (EU) has released €1.1 million (about $1.22 million) to support victims of severe flooding in Nigeria. The country is one of six African nations receiving a total of €5.4...

In 2023, the external debt of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries increased to CFA4.4 trillion, or about $7.4 billion, according to a new report from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). This marks an 11.1% rise from the previous year. As a result, external debt reached 36.6% of the region’s total GDP, up slightly from 35.7% in 2022. Benin has the...

The price of uranium surpassed $100 per pound in early 2024, a record it had not reached since 2007. The surge was driven by renewed interest in nuclear power worldwide, affecting demand for uranium. Several African nations are taking notice of this trend. The Letlhakane project could produce an average of 3 million pounds of uranium annually over its 15-year lifespan, totaling 42 million...

For economic and environmental reasons, French firm Eramet stopped developing the Akonolinga rutile project in October 2023. The Cameroonian government is now looking for new ways to exploit it. Cameroon's Société Nationale des Mines (SNM) is seeking a partner to restart the Akonolinga rutile project after France's Eramet exited the project a year ago. SNM’s managing director, Serge...

The African healthcare system is at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges that necessitate innovative solutions. By prioritizing innovation and investing in robust healthcare frameworks, African nations can address pressing health issues, reduce mortality rates, and pave the way for a healthier future. Kenya’s leading telecommunications company Safaricom announced on September 21...

These countries bought back CFA41 billion ($69.5 million) in debt last week on the public securities market organized by UMOA-Titres. The market continues to support the states with regular issuances, although the yields demanded by regional investors remain high. From September 17 to 20, 2024, four countries from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) raised CFA143 billion...

Ivorian SMEs are supported by incentives designed to boost their share of public contracts. During the first half of the year, they secured 71.1% of the contracts, though their share in total value has decreased. The number of public procurement awarded to SMEs in Côte d'Ivoire significantly increased during the first half of 2024, according to the final communiqué of the latest Council of...

In 2024, 19 African countries are recognized as strong performers in e-government, with scores of at least 0.5 out of 1. South Africa and Mauritius lead the rankings, while Tunisia has surpassed Seychelles. South Africa (0.8616), Mauritius (0.7506), and Tunisia (0.6935) top the African continent in the latest E-Government Development Index (EGDI), according to a new report by the United Nations...

A robust digital infrastructure is essential for supporting Africa’s fast-growing digital economy. A resilient internet ecosystem ensures that operations can continue smoothly even during global disruptions, which is critical for maintaining business continuity. The Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA) has called for urgent reforms to bolster the country’s digital...