The West African Development Bank held the first board meeting of its new foundation. Two thematic funds will target emergency solidarity and knowledge promotion. A 2026–2028 strategic plan will guide its social and environmental initiatives. The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has taken a new step in its institutional development with the creation of the BOAD Foundation,...

Debt service could cut Gambia’s growth by 1.2 GDP points between 2025 and 2028. Public debt fell to 71.2% of GDP in 2024 but still poses high sustainability risks. Reforms aim to strengthen debt management and maintain budget discipline. The World Bank projects that external debt service will reduce Gambia’s economic growth by about 1.2 percentage points of GDP between 2025 and...

• KEFI Gold and Copper is set to sign a $240 million financing deal for Ethiopia’s Tulu Kapi gold project, marking a significant milestone.• The $420 million project is fully permitted, with construction planned to start in 2025 and gold production targeted for early 2027.• Tulu Kapi will create 1,500 jobs, boost Ethiopia’s gold exports, and support the growth of the mining...

• Mali will now require U.S. nationals to post a visa bond of $5,000 or $10,000, mirroring new American visa conditions for Malians.• Bamako says the U.S. measure violates a 2005 bilateral visa agreement between the two countries.• The decision comes amid strained diplomatic relations since Mali’s 2020 and 2021 coups. Mali’s government said on Sunday, October 12, that it will...

• MTN CEO Ralph Mupita warned that Africa risks a “digital underclass” if it fails to harness AI for inclusive growth.• He called for urgent action on energy, digital infrastructure, local AI models, skills development, job creation, and partnerships.• Across Africa, countries such as the DRC, Sierra Leone, and Senegal are implementing AI strategies as the continent’s AI market is...

• The plan will guide Somalia’s next phase of digital growth and innovation.• Officials from the MoCT, NCA, and ITU emphasized that strong partnerships are essential for sustainable progress.• Somalia still ranks 191st out of 193 on the UN E-Government Index, underscoring the need to close digital gaps.  The Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT), in partnership with the...

• South Africa plans to add 5,000 MW of new nuclear capacity to stabilize its grid and address chronic power cuts.• The project will be implemented in partnership with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA).• The Cabinet will soon approve the sites, suppliers, costs, and project timeline. South Africa plans to launch a 5,000-megawatt (MW) nuclear program to expand domestic...

• Italy granted Ghana €154 million ($179 million) to support a three-year agricultural modernization program.• The initiative will develop 10,000 hectares of irrigated model farms for maize, rice, tomato, and soybean.• Ghana targets 1 million hectares of solar-powered irrigation by 2028 to mitigate drought risks. Ghana signed a €154 million ($179 million) financing agreement...

• CRAN upgraded internet speeds to 50 Mbps and donated eight computers to Gochas and Koës Libraries to bridge Namibia’s rural-urban digital divide.• The initiative supports the government’s National Digital Strategy 2025–2029 and aligns with plans to increase the national minimum internet speed from 2 Mbps to 25 Mbps.• Despite progress, 12% of Namibians remain without 4G access,...

• BOAD approved two refinancing lines totaling CFA25 billion ($44.2 million).• BGFI Bank Côte d’Ivoire will receive CFA10 billion to support the 2025–2026 cocoa and cashew campaigns.• BMS Mali will receive CFA15 billion to finance SMEs and off-grid solar projects. The West African Development Bank (BOAD) approved two new refinancing lines totaling CFA25 billion ($44.2 million) for...