Mobilis, Algeria's leading mobile operator, has completed its first 5G trials in Algiers. The tests achieved impressive connection speeds and demonstrated 5G’s potential for various uses. The company is aiming for a nationwide 5G launch in 2025, a move expected to enhance Algeria's digital future. On April 17, Mobilis, the top telecommunications company in Algeria, announced...

Mali is preparing to activate its long-dormant sovereign investment fund. The country is drawing on Burkina Faso’s experience to guide the process. A delegation from Burkina Faso will share its model at a business event in Bamako this May. Mali announced it is working to launch its sovereign investment fund, with plans to include an investment branch. To guide the process, the...

Seychelles leads Africa in low financial crime risk, followed by Botswana and Mauritius, according to a new global index. No African country made the “top tier,” but 11 countries were classified as actively improving their defenses. Economic crime risks remain high worldwide, with illicit flows expected to hit $6 trillion by 2030. Seychelles, Botswana, and Mauritius...

Gold Fields operated Damang as its second gold mine in Ghana, but its permit will expire on April 18 after the government declined to renew it. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said on April 16 that Ghana now controls the Damang gold mine, which Gold Fields previously operated. Gold Fields’ mining lease ends on April 18, and the government denied the company’s renewal application....

In its 2025 outlook, Orezone Gold projects Bomboré mine output will range from 115,000 to 130,000 ounces, up against last year’s total of 118,746 ounces. Orezone Gold reported on Wednesday, April 16, that the Bomboré mine in Burkina Faso produced 28,688 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2025. This is 4% less than in Q1 2024–30,139 ounces. The firm described the recent output as...

Benin has approved a new five-year plan focused on urban development, transportation, and environmental sustainability. The plan will require around $9.7 billion, with over half of the funding coming from national resources. Key goals include cleaner cities, better transport systems, and stronger environmental protection by 2030. Benin’s government has signed off on a new strategic...

Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire plans to raise up to CFA30 billion ($52 million) to support its operations The funding will take the form of loans, issued in one or more stages over two years The bank reported a record profit in 2024, creating favorable conditions for the capital raise Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire has received shareholder approval to raise up to CFA30 billion, or...

• Morocco to buy up to 600 FIM-92K Stinger missiles from U.S. defense firms• Deal includes engineering, logistics, and technical support services• Washington says sale will boost regional security and support a key non-NATO ally The United States has approved a potential sale of 600 FIM-92K Stinger surface-to-air missiles and related equipment to Morocco in a deal worth an...

• The IMF has approved $129 million for Mali under its Rapid Credit Facility.• The money will help cover urgent balance of payments needs following recent floods.• Mali has committed to fiscal reforms and stronger protections for vulnerable populations. The International Monetary Fund has approved $129 million in emergency funding for Mali. In a statement issued yesterday, IMF...

• WTO now expects global goods trade to shrink by 0.2% in 2025, reversing its earlier forecast of 2.7% growth.• Tariff tensions, especially between the United States and China, are weighing heavily on trade outlook.• Africa could see a slight boost in exports due to trade shifts but remains vulnerable to global shocks. The World Trade Organization warned that trade flows could shrink by...