Morocco signed an agreement to build the National School of Advanced Technologies (NSAT) in Dakhla with an investment of 100 million MAD (USD 10.8 million). The school will specialize in AI, robotics and digital systems, aiming to retain and upskill youth in the southern regions. Youth unemployment in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab rose from 13.1% in 2017 to 22.2% in 2024, underscoring the need...

Human capital includes knowledge, skills, and health built over life. Lifelong learning and adaptability are key to economic participation. Investing in youth human capital is vital for Africa’s development. For the World Bank, human capital refers to the range of knowledge, skills and health that people build throughout their lives, enabling them to reach their potential and...

Operators accepted to lower Internet tariffs starting this week after government pressure and threat of sanctions. Government signals openness to a 215 billion ariary ($48 million) tax relief, provided it does not hurt the state budget. Malagasy consumers currently spend 6.28% of GNI per capita on mobile Internet—three times above the ITU affordability benchmark. Madagascar’s...

Chad is negotiating a digital partnership with Azerbaijan focused on a national datacenter, infrastructure modernization and e-government services. The country is rolling out “Tchad Connexion 2030”, a USD 1.5 billion digital investment plan aiming to boost connectivity and modernize public services. Chad ranks 189th out of 193 on the UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index,...

Efforts to update the definition of “conflict diamonds” stalled again in Dubai Civil society, producers, and Western states remain split on how far reforms should go Diverging economic, political, and security interests make consensus harder to reach The latest plenary session of the Kimberley Process (KP) ended in mid-November in Dubai without adopting a proposal to change...

New smelter in the DRC will process all copper concentrate from Kamoa-Kakula Facility can treat 500,000 tons of concentrate per year and produce 99% blister copper Launch comes as 2025 output guidance is cut after a seismic incident In a note published on Dec. 1, Ivanhoe Mines announced the official start-up of the copper smelter at its Kamoa-Kakula mine in the Democratic...

NUPRC launches a new licensing round covering onshore, shallow, deep, and frontier zones The offer includes 50 blocks aimed at attracting both local and international operators Abuja prepares consultations and bid reviews, with timelines yet to be announced Nigeria has opened its 2025 oil bid round with a total of 50 blocks offered for exploration and development. The...

Pretoria says its G20 membership is unconditional as a founding member Washington disputes how the 2025 rotating presidency was handed over Diplomatic strains deepen as South Africa pushes ahead with a joint declaration South Africa has pushed back against a threat from the United States to exclude it from the 2026 G20 Summit. Responding on 30 November, President Cyril...

Hybrid financing models are reshaping Africa’s energy sector as traditional private equity acquisitions decline but clean investment grows upwardly Sun King’s $156m securitization shows how PAYG solar assets can attract local banks, DFIs and investors to expand affordable energy access Now.! Regulatory progress and wheeling-ready platforms are enabling scalable clean power...

Government in talks with Arial Metrics to test drone-based aerial seeding Planned technical partnership aims to launch trials in the next reforestation season Country faces a sharp drop in forest cover, losing 11% in the past decade Madagascar’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development is in discussions with the local company Arial Metrics, which provides...