As digital technologies reshape Africa's job market, digital skills are becoming crucial for youth inclusion. Developing these capabilities widely is essential for boosting employment and supporting economic growth. Africa must invest heavily in developing digital skills. This was the key message delivered on Thursday, July 17, by Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed at a high-level...

New industrial and trade dynamics are emerging in Africa, driven by renewable energy. The REN21 network analyzes how these value chains could strengthen economic cooperation across the continent. Africa’s trade and logistics systems, historically focused on exporting raw materials, could be entering a new era driven by renewable energy value chains. This is a key finding of the report, "Africa...

Nigeria set up expert group for an oil palm  traceability system to fight fraud and meet global standards Aims to attract $315.5M in foreign investment by proving ESG compliance. Plans to replant 1.5M hectares by 2030 to cut 20% import reliance. Nigeria aims to establish a national traceability system for its palm oil sector. To support this goal, Agriculture Minister...

South Sudan is being sued by BB Energy for failing to honor a prepaid oil delivery contract, marking the second major legal challenge after Vitol’s lawsuit earlier this year. The country's oil sector is under intense scrutiny due to a lack of transparency and controversial deals. South Sudan’s economy remains fragile and heavily dependent on Sudanese export routes. Amid a...

Resolute discovered two new gold deposits near Senegal’s Mako mine totaling 266,000 ounces (about 8 tonnes). These satellites—Bantaco West and South—could extend Mako’s mine life by 5 to 10 years beyond its expected 2027 closure. The company is working to upgrade these inferred resources and obtain mining permits while current production continues. In addition to its Syama gold mine in...

Ethiopia plans to increase avocado cultivation from 30,000 to 150,000 hectares within five years. The government uses the Green Legacy Initiative to produce and distribute 1.8 million high-yield avocado seedlings in 2025. Avocado exports currently contribute modestly, but the government aims to boost foreign currency earnings and horticultural export revenues. Ethiopia is shifting...

South Africa plans to produce its own foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine starting in 2026. Livestock accounts for 41% of the country’s agricultural GDP and supports over 500,000 people. The government has spent over 72 million rands on imported FMD vaccines amid a recent surge in outbreaks. South Africa moves decisively to reduce reliance on imported vaccines by developing a...

As digital transformation accelerates across Africa, so too do concerns about the rising tide of cyber threats. Ecofin Agency recently spoke with Babel Balsomi, a cybersecurity expert, ethical hacker, and CEO of Hiero Digital, at the 5th Cyber Africa Forum. In this exclusive interview, Balsomi delves into the escalating risks from AI-powered cyberattacks, examines the foundational weaknesses in...

This partnership is set to unlock broader economic opportunities and foster greater digital inclusion by improving the affordability, reach, and reliability of high-capacity connectivity solutions. African digital infrastructure provider, the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), has signed a Framework Agreement (FWA) with TMCEL, Mozambique’s national telecommunications operator, to...

500-ha site on Dibamba River: rail, road, river links. Phase 1: 100-ha multimodal logistics zone, CFA 160 bn. Phase 2: 350-ha industrial-port with agro units, timber cluster, fishing port. On July 24, Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute officially launched the construction of a 500-hectare industrial and logistics complex along the Dibamba River. This project is a CFA 230...