Since 2015, Côte d’Ivoire has led the world in cashew production, overtaking India. Cambodia, another rising Asian player, has rapidly expanded its cashew industry over the past decade but still trails behind. Cambodia’s cashew industry is growing fast, but experts say it will not dethrone Côte d’Ivoire anytime soon. Jim Fitzpatrick, a global cashew industry specialist, confirmed this in...

Afreximbank opens 32nd AGM in Abuja; leadership change underway. Ghana’s minister calls for African economic self-reliance. Fitch downgrade noted, but investor confidence holds. African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) officially opened its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja. This year's gathering marks a leadership transition, occurring against a backdrop of shifting...

Reducing spectrum fees lowers the cost barriers for telecom operators to expand and improve services, particularly in underserved or rural areas. This promotes broader internet penetration. The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) announced on June 23 a 20% reduction in spectrum licence fees as part of efforts to promote affordable digital access and accelerate the country’s...

• Algeria, John Cockerill sign rail deal to boost local train manufacturing.• Part of $2.9B rail expansion plan to triple network and cut imports.• Aims to build export-ready rail industry and create jobs. As Algeria pushes ahead with the expansion of its railway infrastructure, the country is simultaneously laying the groundwork for a domestic train manufacturing industry. A recently...

Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, is one of the most extraordinary and extreme lakes in Africa. Fed primarily by the Ewaso Ng'iro River and several mineral-rich hot springs, this saline and alkaline lake lies within the Great Rift Valley, at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, a volcano sacred to the Maasai people. What makes Lake Natron particularly remarkable is its...

• Africa could save $3 to $5 trillion and create 2.2 million extra jobs with renewables• Installed clean energy capacity would need to reach 3,500 GW by 2050, up from 80 GW• Report urges financing tools, distributed energy, and debt relief for green transition Africa could save between $3 trillion and $5 trillion and create 2.2 million additional jobs by shifting to...

• IPIS report says diamond embargo failed to stop rebel financing in Central African Republic• Rebel groups increased control over mines despite export restrictions imposed since 2013• Experts urge reforms to broaden conflict diamond definition and strengthen oversight The diamond embargo imposed on the Central African Republic (CAR) failed to stop rebel groups from financing their...

• Senegal signs bus assembly deals with Chinese firms to renew 40,000 vehicles under Vision 2050.• Project to build local auto value chain, starting with 6,000 vehicle replacements in 5 years.• Supports industrial push tied to TER, BRT, and energy transition goals. Senegal is preparing for a new phase in its transportation modernization and industrial development strategy. On the sidelines...

• Desert Gold to acquire 90% stake in Tiegba gold project in Côte d’Ivoire• Deal includes $450,000 cash payment and 1.5 million Desert Gold shares• Company targets West Africa’s growing gold potential after Mali’s SMSZ project Desert Gold announced on June 23 it has signed an option agreement with Flower Holdings to acquire a 90% stake in the Tiegba gold project in Côte...

• Ghana promotes energy-efficient solutions through public-private partnerships• New investment program launched with TCL for high-performance appliances• Regulatory reforms aim to ease costs for industries hit by high electricity prices Ghana is positioning energy efficiency as a key pillar of its industrial development strategy. Local media reported on June 23 that the government plans...