Author: Ousmane Tandja

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…

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…

Amin Mohamed: the referee chosen for Argentina vs Austria in the World Cup Egyptian official Amin Mohamed has been selected to oversee the high-stakes World Cup encounter between Argentina and Austria on June 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time in Arlington, Texas. This fixture, part of the group stage’s final matchday, will see Mohamed lead an all-Egyptian refereeing team, with Mahmoud Abouelregal and Ahmed Hossam Taja serving as assistant referees. Spain’s Alejandro Hernández and Diego Sánchez will take on the roles of fourth official and reserve assistant referee, respectively.…