The Tree Crops Development Authority targets $600 million in investment commitments, or $100 million for each of six strategic tree crop value chains. The authority estimates that each value chain could generate up to $2 billion in annual export revenue by 2030 with adequate investment and processing capacity. The government plans a $500 million financing...

“Dao” ranks among the three films in official competition at the 76th Berlinale and marks Alain Gomis’ second bid for the Golden Bear. The film premiered on February 14 at the festival and will release in French cinemas on April 29. Alain Gomis shot the 3-hour-5-minute feature over 20 days in 2023 between Guinea-Bissau and France. The world premiere of “Dao” took...

Egypt launched trial operations at Damietta Port’s second container terminal with the arrival of Hapag-Lloyd’s “ESSEN EXPRESS.” The terminal offers 3.5 million TEUs in capacity and aims to triple the port’s overall capacity. IFC, EBRD and AIIB financed the project, while Damietta Alliance Container Terminals operates the facility. Egypt launched the trial phase for...

West Wits Mining launched a scoping study to lift WBP output to 200,000 ounces per year after starting initial production. South Africa’s gold output fell from about 1,000 tonnes in 1970 to 84 tonnes in 2022. Gold prices rose more than 60% in 2025 and trade just below $5,000 per ounce, while JPMorgan and UBS expect prices above $6,000 by end-2026. Australia’s West...

Togo economy accelerates in third quarter 2025 Industrial output up 11% after 2024 decline Trade, services, construction post double-digit growth Togo’s economy accelerated sharply in the third quarter of 2025, driven by an industrial rebound, stronger trade and rising activity in services and construction, according to data released earlier this year by the National Institute of...

A dispute over the uranium stockpile claimed by France’s Orano has intensified tensions between Niamey and its former long-time partner following the nationalization of Somaïr. As global interest in nuclear energy picks up again, Niger’s authorities are setting out how they intend to divide output produced before and after taking control of the Arlit site. In a televised address aired late...

Nigeria sets presidential, legislative elections for Feb. 20, 2027 State elections to follow on March 6, 2027 Polls come amid reforms, security challenges, coup attempt Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that presidential and legislative elections will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, as provided by law. Elections for state governors and...

In 2015, all 54 African countries committed to raising education spending to at least 4 to 6 percent of GDP and/or 15 to 20 percent of total public expenditure, in line with international pledges tied to the Sustainable Development Goals. Most, however, have fallen short of that target, even as education emerges as one of citizens’ top concerns across the continent. Education now ranks among...

Côte d’Ivoire announces commercial offshore hydrocarbon discovery Eni finds oil, gas at Calao South well Government targets 200,000 bpd output by 2030 The Ivorian government on Monday announced a new hydrocarbon discovery on offshore block CI-501, according to a statement from Mines, Petroleum and Energy Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly. The discovery, described as commercial, was...

Niger’s Tiani begins two-day visit to Algeria Trip follows ambassador recall and diplomatic normalization Countries advance gas pipeline and energy cooperation projects Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani arrived in Algiers on Saturday for a two-day working visit aimed at strengthening ties between the neighboring countries, Algeria’s state news agency reported. The...