Ethiopia, China sign market access deal as part of WTO accession process Agreement ends bilateral talks; follows similar deal with Turkey in October Ethiopia advancing reforms to align with WTO rules and attract investment Ethiopia and China have signed a protocol on market access at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva.  The Ethiopian Mission to the United...

ECOWAS held regional peacekeeping logistics training in Lagos from Nov. 3-7 Sessions focused on deployment planning, mission support, and coordination Training aims to boost mission readiness amid rising West African security crises The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hosted its third annual logistics training for peace operations in Lagos, Nigeria, from Nov. 3 to 7....

Despite being a pioneer in 5G deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, Togo has faced mounting criticism regarding the quality of its telecom services. In response, ARCEP, the regulatory body, is increasing its oversight of operators to enforce stricter requirements, optimize the network, and meet user expectations. Although 5G now appears in the national regulator’s reports, its footprint in Togo...

Nigeria launches upgraded NgREN to connect higher education institutions New platform supports online learning, research, and digital services Full national rollout planned by 2026 under digital education strategy Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education recently announced the rollout of an upgraded version of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) and its integration with...

Tarkwa gold output drops 5% to 122,900 oz in Q3 2025, Gold Fields reports Decline due to lower ore processing volumes from pit and stockpiles 2025 output forecast at 488,000 oz, down from 537,000 oz in 2024 Tarkwa, one of Ghana’s largest gold mines, produced 122,900 ounces of gold in the third quarter of 2025. The mine’s South African operator, Gold Fields, said in a report...

Gozem launches Brazzaville operations, expanding across Francophone Africa App offers green taxis, rentals, and digital tools for drivers Entry follows Yango’s exit, targets mobility formalization and fintech growth Pan-African super app Gozem officially launched its operations in Brazzaville on Wednesday, Nov. 5, marking a key step in its expansion strategy across Francophone Africa....

Cape Verde is recognized as one of Africa's leaders in energy regulation, particularly in the management of its electricity sector. However, the nation faces challenges in integrating renewable energy into its existing grid and must contend with climate vulnerability that poses a significant threat to its critical infrastructure. Cape Verde and Portugal have signed a debt-conversion deal to...

Guinea’s SOGUIPAH secures $3M loan from BIG to revive operations Funds to restart production, improve logistics, and support farmer payments Loan supports 2025-2030 plan to expand palm oil and rubber processing The Guinean Oil Palm and Rubber Company (SOGUIPAH) has obtained a 30 billion Guinean Franc ($3 million) loan from the Islamic Bank of Guinea (BIG).  The financing...

Kevin Smith named De Beers COO, replacing retiring Burger Greeff on Dec. 1 Smith to oversee African operations amid diamond market slump and JV focus Leadership change follows talks on De Beers’ split from Anglo; Botswana eyes majority De Beers said on Nov. 5 that Kevin Smith will become its next Chief Operating Officer.  He will replace Burger Greeff, who is retiring at the end of...

Subsidies cost $180M in 2024; removal could raise fuel prices up to 30% Reform postponed to 2026 pending social protection and market conditions Gabon’s government will keep fuel subsidies in place for now.  Petroleum and Gas Minister Sosthène Nguema Nguema announced the decision on Nov. 6, according to local media. He said the measure was needed to protect economic stability...