In 2024, the Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced 686,000 ounces, down 10% from the previous year. As a result, the mine lost its top producer title. Ghana’s Ahafo mine stripped away Kibali’s crown after producing 798,000 ounces. Barrick Mining, Kibali’s operator, is resolved to reclaim the crown this year. In a May 7 report, the mine confirmed it targets up...

Mali’s Fekola gold mine saw production drop 33% in 2024, delivering 392,946 ounces. B2Gold, the mine’s operator, expects a strong rebound in 2025, targeting between 515,000 and 550,000 ounces. In Mali, the Fekola gold mine produced 93,805 ounces in the first quarter of 2025, down from 119,141 ounces during the same period in 2024. B2Gold, the operator, reported this 21% year-on-year decline...

• Satellite project by Orange Mali and Intelsat brings Internet to over 360,000 people• Over 60 sites launched since 2022 in remote areas with upgraded capacity of 5 Gbps• Effort supports digital inclusion, local business growth, and rural women’s empowerment More than 360,000 people living in rural parts of Mali now have access to the Internet, thanks to a satellite connectivity project...

• PalmPay plans to enter South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, and Tanzania by late 2025• The fintech already handles over 15 million daily transactions in Nigeria• It will face strong competition from MTN, Wave, TymeBank, and Airtel in new markets PalmPay, a Nigerian digital payment company backed by China’s Transsnet Group, is pushing ahead with its regional expansion plan. After...

• Spain will fund Casablanca’s seawater desalination plant with $381 million in financing• The plant will supply drinking water to over 6.7 million people and irrigate 5,000 hectares• Full capacity expected by 2028, making it the largest desalination plant in Africa Spain has committed $381 million to help finance the construction of a major seawater desalination plant in...

This initiative reflects ECOWAS’s commitment to a results-driven, people-centred digital transformation agenda. By laying the groundwork for a unified and inclusive digital market, the Commission aims to boost access to information, spur job creation, and enhance economic participation for millions across West Africa. On 7 May 2025, the ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with the World...

The partnership between Phase3 and Sonatel underscores a broader commitment to regional development through digital innovation. By linking their core networks, both companies aim to accelerate economic inclusion, digital sovereignty, and technological empowerment across ECOWAS countries. Phase3 Telecom, West Africa’s independent fibre optic infrastructure provider, in partnership with...

 Ocean warming and illegal fishing are shrinking fish stocks that millions rely on in West Africa.  Catches of small pelagic fish have dropped sharply in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire since the 1990s. A Harvard report calls for job training and economic alternatives to protect fishing communities. Coastal fishing communities in West Africa are facing a serious crisis. A...

The Central African Republic raised CFA50 billion with full subscription on five bonds. Chad and Gabon saw mixed outcomes, with short-term debt drawing more investor interest. BEAC’s tighter monetary policy continues to shape CEMAC nations’ fundraising efforts. The Central African Republic stood out in April’s regional bond market activity with a 100% success rate across...

African Union launches 10-year strategy to transform food and farming sectors. Goals include raising farm output by 45% and cutting post-harvest losses by 50%. The plan targets CFA100 billion in investment and stronger food security. The African Union has officially launched a new strategy to transform agriculture across the continent. During a ceremony held on May 5 in South...