In a bold move to revitalize Benin’s economic backbone, the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion embarked on a critical two-stop visit on July 15, 2026. The agenda was clear: assess progress, dismantle operational bottlenecks, and fast-track reforms to empower local entrepreneurs and artisans as key drivers of national growth. The itinerary included stops at the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (ADPME) and the Craft Development Fund (FDA), signaling a new phase of hands-on governance. Ground-level governance: bridging policy and execution The day-long tour was far…
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Gabon Transforms Mine Revenue into Local Investment
Gabon is seeking to break its historical pattern of extracting minerals for the benefit of other countries, while leaving local communities with limited infrastructure and services. The country aims to transform a portion of its mine revenue into direct local investment. Through a mechanism embedded in the convention between the Gabonese state and Comilog, the principal producer of high-tension manganese and a subsidiary of the French company Eramet, twenty percent of the proportional mining tax is now being redirected to the Local Development Fund. An additional amount from the extraction…
Read MoreBenin showcases digital government leadership at CAFRAD forum in Rabat
The Benin has reinforced its position as a pioneer in digital governance at the 17th CAFRAD Ministerial Forum held in Rabat, Morocco. On 14 July 2026, the country’s delegation, led by Minister Rodrigue Chaou, outlined a bold vision for transforming public administration into a key driver of economic development through innovation and digital reform. Strategic gathering for Africa’s public service future Held in the Moroccan capital—a historic hub for South-South cooperation—the forum brought together ministers, international experts, and senior officials to address the continent’s most pressing administrative challenges. As the…
Read MoreNiger journalists released after eight months in detention
Niger journalists released after eight months in detention Two prominent Nigerien journalists, Youssouf Seriba and Oumarou Kané, have been freed following eight months of imprisonment. Their release was confirmed early this week after they were held since November 2025. Authorities had charged them with “complicity in the dissemination” of a document deemed likely to disrupt public order. While their freedom is a relief, the case underscores ongoing concerns about press freedom in Niger. Journalists walk free after prolonged detention Youssouf Seriba, editor-in-chief of the online news outlet Les Échos du…
Read MoreNew leadership takes charge at general bank of Cameroon
New Leadership Takes Charge at General Bank of Cameroon Banking executive Ezékiel Passam has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors at General Bank of Cameroon (GBC), a financial institution formerly known as Société Générale Cameroun. The Cameroonian state has since become the majority shareholder in the bank, marking a significant shift in its governance structure. The leadership changes were formalized during a board meeting held in Yaoundé on July 15, 2026, where key appointments were made to steer the institution forward. Alongside Passam, Victor Noumoué…
Read MoreFIMEC 2026: bridging skills gaps for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic transformation
Abidjan, July 15, 2026 – The International Forum on Professions and Skills (FIMEC) stands as a pivotal mechanism for realizing the ambitious goals of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. This initiative effectively aligns the evolving demands of the national economy with the competencies fostered by our training sector, as articulated by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan. The Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of FIMEC’s second edition, which centered on the theme: “Skills, employment, and…
Read MoreLegal action initiated against Ousmane Sonko in Dakar over Touba remarks
Legal proceedings have been initiated against Ousmane Sonko, the Senegalese head of government and a pivotal figure within Pastef. This action follows public statements he made concerning dubious financial flows reportedly flourishing within the sacred city of Touba, the spiritual heartland of Mouridism. A complainant has formally approached the prosecutor’s office at the Dakar High Court, seeking a judicial determination on the implications and potential criminal repercussions of these declarations. This development unfolds amidst an already heightened political atmosphere, characterized by swift institutional restructuring since the new majority assumed power…
Read MoreYoung chadians embrace green jobs in N’Djamena with onape initiative
Chad young chadians embrace green jobs in N’Djamena with onape initiative N’Djamena’s city council and Chad’s National Employment Promotion Office launch a groundbreaking program to train 200 youth in sustainable agriculture, combating unemployment while fostering ecological resilience. N’Djamena’s city council, in collaboration with Chad’s National Employment Promotion Office (ONAPE), inaugurated a transformative initiative this week to integrate 200 young adults into sustainable agriculture roles. The launch event, part of the Green Jobs Youth Integration Project (PROJEV), took place this past Wednesday at the Kuweïte space in Farcha’s first district. bridging…
Read MoreEn Côte d’Ivoire, le pari d’une économie souveraine par les champions nationaux
Mines : en Tanzanie, 88% des achats ont été effectués auprès des fournisseurs locauxLe pays impose depuis peu des co-entreprises aux fournisseurs étrangers afin d’ancrer cette manne au-delà de la part captée par l’impôt sur le bénéfice et d’autres redevances minières. Il s’agit d’une révolution silencieuse dans le partage de la rente en Afrique, mais qui devra se confirmer et se renforcer.La Tribune Afrique By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent
Read MoreMali Algeria air travel thaw boosts regional airlines
Salimata Koné Aviation and consumer goods correspondent Abdelmadjid Tebboune Assimi Goïta Air Algérie Regional aviation is witnessing a significant shift as diplomatic tensions ease between Bamako and Algiers. The restoration of air links between Mali and Algeria opens new opportunities for airlines like Air France, Brussels Airlines, and Air Algérie, promising enhanced connectivity and economic benefits for West Africa. Diplomatic rapprochement reshapes Mali-Algeria air travel The thaw in relations between Mali and Algeria is more than just political—it’s a game-changer for regional air travel. After years of restrictions, airlines are…
Read MoreChad to waive visas for Africans starting 2027
Chad’s landmark visa policy shift In a bold diplomatic move, Chad is set to revolutionize travel across Africa by eliminating visa requirements for citizens of all African Union member states. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced this historic decision during the opening ceremony of the National Water Forum in N’Djamena, marking a significant step toward continental integration. The new policy, slated to take effect in 2027, will allow free movement for travelers from every African nation, fostering stronger economic ties and cultural exchanges. This progressive initiative aligns with the African…
Read MoreNiamey minister’s tour highlights Niger’s local industry push
Niamey, July 15, 2026 — Economic sovereignty isn’t just about rhetoric anymore. In Niger, it’s now measured by the pulse of production lines. Minister of Trade and Industry Abdoulaye Seydou continues his ground-level assessment of local factories, turning the nation’s production goals into tangible action. On July 14, the government delegation visited three key industrial sites: Sahel Agro Ingénierie, a leader in groundnut, sesame and tiger nut oil processing, followed by the mineral water plants of Benie and Belvie. This wasn’t a ceremonial walk-through. It was an operational deep-dive to…
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