Day: June 22, 2026

The Togolese Regulatory Authority for Public Contracts (ARCOP Togo) delivered its verdict on June 19, 2026, closing the case on allegations of irregularities surrounding the international tender for the Lomé Electricity Grid Expansion Project (PEREL PLUS), identified as tender reference 003/DPI/PRMP/DG/CEET/2026. After reviewing the investigation report and conducting hearings with the Public Procurement Responsible Officer of the Togo Electricity Company (CEET), the Dispute Resolution Committee (CRD) concluded that the complaints lacked substance. Tender process faces scrutiny but meets all regulatory standards Two anonymous complaints, filed on March 28 and April…

Gabon’s intra-African trade gap: only 8.9% of exports The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promised a vast market of 1.4 billion consumers, yet Gabon’s exports to neighboring African nations remain disappointingly low at just 8.9% of its total trade volume. Recent economic reports highlight a stark reality: Libreville is yet to fully capitalize on the continent’s growing demand for diversified goods. This imbalance is even more pronounced in reverse—28.3% of Gabon’s imports originate from Africa, making the continent its second-largest supplier after Europe. The data underscores a critical challenge:…

Senegal’s leader, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is making a strategic pitch in Berlin this week to attract foreign investors and strengthen ties with Germany. His agenda includes high-level meetings with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, following his participation in the German-Senegalese Economic Forum. The visit underscores Dakar’s efforts to position Senegal as a prime destination for international business, with a focus on private sector collaboration. Faye’s diplomatic tour comes as his administration actively promotes the country’s economic potential and stability. Senegal’s economic appeal: stability, resources and opportunities Faye’s Berlin…

storm warning in philadelphia delays France Iraq world cup kickoff The second Group-stage match of the French national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, faced an unexpected interruption on Monday evening. Weather alerts forced officials to consider a delayed kickoff as thunderstorms swept across the stadium just hours before the highly anticipated clash. thunderstorm alert forces world cup schedule adjustments The National Weather Service issued severe weather warnings for the greater Philadelphia area, including the stadium vicinity. Moments after…

The National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INStaD) has completed the rebasing of Benin’s national accounts, adopting 2023 as the new reference year to replace the 2015 base. This statistical adjustment has led to a significant upward revision of the country’s GDP for 2023, now estimated at 14,020.2 billion CFA francs—a 25.2% increase. The revision reflects a more accurate capture of recent economic transformations in Benin. Why the change in the base year? This rebasing aligns with the 2008 United Nations System of National Accounts, which recommends periodic updates to…

Church leaders voice strong opposition to upcoming referendum The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) has publicly criticized the proposed constitutional referendum, describing it as untimely and ill-advised given the current security crisis gripping the nation. In a candid interview, Msgr. Fulgence Muteba, President of Cenco, emphasized that national priorities should focus on restoring peace rather than constitutional changes. “At a time when our country is grappling with armed conflicts and humanitarian challenges, holding a referendum is not just inappropriate—it is irresponsible,” Muteba stated. The church leader argued that the…