Facing a prolonged slump in diamond demand and declining prices, De Beers has trimmed its 2025 production forecast to between 20 and 23 million carats, down from an initial range of 30 to 33 million carats.  According to its quarterly report published on April 24, De Beers’ consolidated diamond sales in Q1 2025 totaled $520 million, down 44% compared to $925 million in...

The world’s seabed holds mineral resources valued at $100 trillion. Interest in these critical minerals—cobalt, nickel, and rare earths—has surged recently, yet exploitation remains limited. On April 24, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fast-track seabed mining permits in US waters. Though focused on national territory, the move could ignite a global scramble...

Togo and Burkina Faso agree to end roaming charges for incoming calls starting May 30 Several bilateral and tripartite deals already cut mobile costs by up to 90% ECOWAS push for region-wide free roaming still faces technical and regulatory hurdles Togo and Burkina Faso have signed a new agreement to eliminate roaming charges for incoming calls between the two countries starting May...

• Sub-Saharan African countries are set to pay about $20 billion in interest on public external debt in 2025.• Interest payments will account for 3.4% of the region’s combined GDP between 2025 and 2027.• Twenty countries spent more on debt payments than on health and education combined in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa will pay around $20 billion in interest on public and publicly...

The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) secured $8.3 billion in investments for 272 projects between 2022 and March 2025, with significant contributions to industries like renewable energy and pharmaceuticals. The zone's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and commitment to digital services have made it a key hub for international investment, creating over 40,000 jobs. The SCZone...

BCEAO’s gold assets jumped 38% in 2024 to CFA2530 billion ($4.37 billion) Over 90% of the reserves are held abroad, mostly at the Banque de France Critics question the centralization of West Africa’s gold reserves in Europe In 2024, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) saw the value of its gold reserves climb past CFA2530 billion ($4.37 billion), up from CFA1831...

Despite some positive surprises, Sub-Saharan Africa faces less vigorous growth forecasts, with necessary reforms in a global environment marked by shifting priorities among world leaders: Amadou Nicolas Racine Sy, economist and advisor to the director of the Africa Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he has worked for over 24 years, shares his insights on the revised...

• Canal Box launches in Benin, sparking fierce competition in home fiber Internet.• Rivals Celtiis and Isocel adjust prices and packages to defend market share.• Fixed broadband adoption rises sharply, with FTTH gaining nearly 70% of the market. Canal Box, the Internet provider owned by Group Vivendi Africa (GVA), has officially entered the Beninese market. The company has recently...

• Mediterrania Capital Partners finalizes full sale of its 10.5% stake in Akdital.• Exit comes after Akdital’s strong financial growth and a major capital increase in 2024.• Akdital plans major expansion across Morocco with $140 million in new investments. Mediterrania Capital Partners (MCP) has completed its full exit from Akdital, Morocco’s leading private healthcare group. The...

• Italy increases support to IDA by 25% to help drive sustainable growth in Africa.• The agreement will fast-track Italy’s Mattei Plan, focusing on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, and job creation.• Italy aims to strengthen economic ties with Africa while securing Europe's energy supply and managing migration flows. Italy raised its financial support to the International...