The Global Environment Facility (GEF) will launch biodiversity bonds to raise up to $1.5 billion for Africa’s threatened species. The bonds link repayments to conservation outcomes, reducing repayment burdens if targets like anti-poaching succeed. This off-balance-sheet funding attracts private investors amid shrinking public budgets and donor withdrawals. Facing a drop in...

Tanzania introduces e-Kilimo, a digital platform connecting farmers to extension agents via mobile app. The platform enables tracking of input sellers and evaluates extension agents to boost service quality. Limited internet access in rural areas poses risks to widespread adoption despite the platform’s potential. Tanzania has taken a new step in its digital journey by rolling...

23% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa saved money using mobile accounts in 2024, well above the 9% average in low- and middle-income countries. Mobile money accounts now fuel nearly 60% of formal borrowing in the region, with Kenya leading in digital lending. Mobile payments grew rapidly, but only 20% of mobile money users pay merchants digitally. Mobile money accounts are...

Ashenda is a vibrant traditional festival celebrated primarily in northern Ethiopia, particularly among the Tigray and Amhara communities, as well as in parts of Eritrea. This unique celebration takes place annually in mid-August, immediately after the two-week Filseta fast. Ashenda is more than a cultural holiday—it is a joyful tribute to girls and women, honoring their presence, voices,...

Senegal began GDP rebasing on July 15 after a credit downgrade and IMF program suspension Authorities aim to reflect real growth and ease debt ratio concerns Markets rebounded, but S&P warns of $10B in 2025 financing needs Senegal’s Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, it began an exercise to revise its gross domestic product, or GDP. This move comes...

Nigeria to boost aquaculture via new financing and insurance plans backed by World Bank and NAIC Strategy targets food security, youth/women inclusion, and sector reform Aquaculture covers only 25% of fish needs; imports average 833,000 tons/year Nigeria plans to accelerate aquaculture production by focusing on access to financing and creating a dedicated insurance scheme for...

Eskom targets 32 GW renewable capacity by 2040, cutting coal to 18 GW Plans include new clean energy projects and a dedicated subsidiary $22B debt and rising off-grid solar raise funding and demand concerns Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity company, announced on Wednesday, July 16, its goal to generate most of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040. This...

After years of stagnation or even decline, platinum prices are up more than 40% this year, making it the best-performing precious metal by mid-2025. As the global market heads toward a third consecutive annual deficit, producers are looking to capitalize on the momentum. Zimbabwe is preparing to restart the development of the Darwendale platinum deposit. Trevor Bernard, CEO of Kuvimba Mining...

Côte d’Ivoire Terminal added 2 electric STS and 9 RTG cranes to boost capacity at Abidjan’s second container terminal The upgrade supports rising container traffic, which doubled to 1.6M TEUs in 2024, driven by larger vessels and regional demand Part of a strategy to modernize and stay competitive in West Africa’s port sector Côte d’Ivoire Terminal announced on Monday,...

• Côte d’Ivoire issued a ¥50 billion ($336.2M) Samurai bond, first for sub-Saharan Africa• The 10-year, 2.3% ESG-labeled bond was backed by JBIC and drew strong demand• Part of broader 2025 strategy, including $1.75B eurobond and CFA 220B local issuance Côte d'Ivoire’s Ministry of Finance announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the country successfully issued a 50 billion yen...