The Olympique de Marseille squad touched down at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan-Port Bouët on a sunny Wednesday morning, greeted by vibrant traditional dances, rhythmic drumbeats, and a passionate crowd of supporters. This historic arrival signaled the launch of the OM Summer Tour 2026, a three-day promotional campaign cementing the renewed partnership between France’s iconic football club and Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism promotion brand. €5 million annual deal strengthens Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism push In April, the three-year agreement between Olympique de Marseille and Sublime Côte d’Ivoire was formalized, injecting approximately…
Read MoreAbidjan port expands trade ties with Sahel hubs despite regional shifts
The Port of Abidjan has deepened its economic ties with Ouagadougou, Bamako and Niamey, reinforcing its position as a key logistics hub in West Africa. This strategic move comes as the port continues to serve as a vital gateway for landlocked Sahel nations despite recent geopolitical realignments. Record throughput drives port expansion In 2025, the Port of Abidjan achieved a 16% surge in total cargo volume, underscoring its enduring role in facilitating trade for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—three countries with no direct maritime access. This milestone has cemented its…
Read MoreStarlink gets green light to bridge Côte d’Ivoire’s digital divide
The green light has been granted. Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, is now authorized to operate in Côte d’Ivoire. The announcement was made on July 16 at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan by Frank R. Garcia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, during an official visit that also saw the signing of several economic agreements. Bridging the rural connectivity gap with satellite technology According to the Ivorian Press Agency, Starlink will leverage its low-orbit satellite constellation to deliver high-speed internet to rural and remote areas of the…
Read MoreLegal action filed over Sonko’s remarks about Touba
Legal challenge launched against Ousmane Sonko’s statements about Touba Senegal is witnessing a fresh legal confrontation following public remarks attributed to Ousmane Sonko regarding Touba. A descendant of Serigne Touba has formally petitioned the Prosecutor’s Office at the Dakar High Court of First Instance, urging the initiation of a judicial investigation into the matter. In a petition dated July 14, 2026, Serigne Modou Maroun Niang—identified as a Senegalese citizen, entrepreneur, and grandson of the founder of the holy city—contends that statements linked to the PASTEF leader have severely tarnished Touba’s…
Read MoreBurkina Faso urges au to implement bold reforms amid Sahel tensions
Burkina Faso pushes for decisive African Union reforms The Burkinabè Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, on July 15 during the latter’s regional tour of the three Sahel states—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—that form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The meeting focused on strengthening ties between the AU and Burkina Faso, as well as deepening cooperation with the AES bloc. According to an official communiqué, discussions covered Burkina Faso’s political and security landscape, regional dynamics…
Read MoreFrance and Morocco deepen strategic ties with new agreements
France and Morocco deepen strategic ties with new agreements Diplomatic update. During an official visit to Rabat, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu underscored the need to elevate the longstanding partnership between France and Morocco. Nearly fifteen new agreements are set to be signed, reinforcing cooperation established in 2024 across multiple sectors. Partnership poised to “scale new heights” In his opening remarks at the 15th High-Level Meeting between France and Morocco, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the moment as a « turning point » in bilateral relations. He emphasized the need…
Read MoreUs issues travel ban for three Sahel states amid escalating terror threat
The United States Department of State has once again updated its global travel advisory, placing 23 nations under its highest-risk category—Level 4, labeled “Do Not Travel.” Among the countries now deemed too dangerous for American citizens are three West African nations that form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES): Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The justification? A sharp deterioration in security conditions and the relentless spread of terrorist networks across the region, which has become a global hotspot for instability. Washington’s stark warning: no exceptions for travel America’s travel advisory…
Read MoreFrance and Morocco deepen strategic ties with landmark agreements
Rabat witnessed a historic moment as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch jointly declared a “renewed confidence” in bilateral relations during a high-level meeting on July 16, 2026. The two leaders emphasized the strengthening of ties following years of diplomatic strain, particularly since France’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—a move that reshaped regional dynamics. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu (left) and Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch at a joint press conference in Rabat The visit marked the first high-level dialogue between the two nations…
Read MoreChad to welcome all africans without visas starting 2027
The Republic of Chad is set to make a historic leap in African diplomacy by opening its borders to all African nationals without visa requirements. Effective from January 1, 2027, citizens from every African country will be able to travel to Chad freely—a decision that underscores the nation’s commitment to continental unity and mobility. During the opening ceremony of the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno unveiled this groundbreaking policy in front of distinguished heads of state and global leaders. The announcement reflects Chad’s role as…
Read MoreGabon’s bold vision for education by 2030
Education Gabon’s bold vision for education by 2030 By Editorial Team July 16, 2026 128 No comments Libreville, July 16, 2026 – Gabon has launched one of the most pivotal initiatives in its national transformation journey. By approving the roadmap for the Interim Sectoral Education Plan (PSEI) 2026-2030, the Gabonese authorities have set a clear ambition: to position the education system as the primary driver of economic diversification, social cohesion, and international competitiveness. At the Alibandeng school complex, government officials, technical and financial partners, and civil society organizations officially endorsed…
Read MoreDepuis Rabat, Sébastien Lecornu veut “changer d’échelle” dans la relation entre la France et le Maroc
Depuis Rabat, Sébastien Lecornu veut “changer d’échelle” dans la relation entre la France et le Maroc Sébastien Lecornu est en visite à Rabat, au Maroc, pour consolider le rapprochement entre les deux pays, jeudi 16 juillet. Accompagné de douze ministres, dont le ministre de l’Intérieur, le premier ministre effectue son premier déplacement à l’étranger. Aujourd’hui à 12h41 | Durée : 1:36 Partager X By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent
Read MoreBénin: unlocking potential for SMEs and artisans through government reforms
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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