Nigeria unveils over $1.4 billion in lithium and rare earth processing projects, including Africa’s largest planned facility Aims to process at least 30% of minerals locally and raise mining’s GDP share to 10% by 2026 Key hurdles include informal mining and unclear supply chains for new plants Nigeria announced, in June, plans to build what it calls Africa's largest...

 Côte d’Ivoire to introduce digital education in early schooling from 2025-2026 Goal is to build digital skills early and align with future job needs Challenges include teacher training and rural infrastructure gaps Côte d’Ivoire plans to integrate digital education into its preschool and primary curricula starting with the 2025-2026 school year. Mariatou Koné, the...

ITSCI resumes 3T mineral traceability in Walikale, DRC, after March 2025 suspension Risks persist from illegal taxes and armed group involvement along transport routes Smuggling and certification flaws continue to undermine traceability credibility The International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) has announced it is resuming operations in Walikale, North Kivu province of the...

Senegal's peanut output is forecast to drop 54% to 731,000 tons in 2024/2025 Poor rainfall, bad inputs, and a 35% cut in harvested area are key factors A rebound is expected in 2025/2026 with higher state support and better weather Senegal's peanut production is projected to plummet to 731,000 tons for the 2024/2025 season. This represents a steep 54% decline from the previous...

In its latest report, Transport Connectivity for Food Security in Africa: Strengthening Supply Chains, the World Bank highlights the challenges of transporting agricultural goods across the continent, emphasizing the critical role that port infrastructure plays in handling food products. Focus on the five key ports that are vital to food supply in Sub-Saharan Africa. Port Sudan Port Sudan, a...

• Mozambican government and Huawei considering the construction of a local mobile phone factory catered to rural needs • Special features for rural applicability and financial accessibility form the crux of this initiative The rural areas of Mozambique, home to over 60% of the nation's populace, indicate restrained connectivity adoption, with the country's internet penetration rate hovering...

• Djibouti adopts new digital code to accelerate digital transformation, with focus on data protection, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. • The move aligns with the country’s ambition to become a regional digital hub • It should foster innovation, increase digital trust and attract technological investments. In May 2024, the World Bank released a report titled "Djibouti Digital Economy...

• Record drought tests Zambia's dependence on hydropower, impacting its vital mining industry • Adoption of dedicated solar projects, such as the recent 100 MW Chisamba solar plant, ensures energy supply security for major mining operations Zambia's mining industry is hampered by the country’s historic reliance on hydropower amidst increasingly frequent droughts. Going solar is a crucial...

• The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved €25.5 million in funding to boost Mauritanian SMEs and stimulate inclusive growth.• Mauritania’s SMEs, which represent 80% of the country’s economic fabric, remain underserved by traditional banking systems.• A stronger focus on vocational training and entrepreneurship could help transform them into engines of youth and women’s...

• Blue Gold, active in Ghana with the Bogoso project, looks to grow its portfolio by potentially acquiring gold projects in West Africa.• CEO Andrew Cavaghan hinted at the move following the company's recent listing on the American stock exchange, Nasdaq. Blue Gold may secure new gold projects in West Africa, adding to its Bogoso Prestea project in Ghana. CEO Andrew Cavaghan hinted at this...