Author: Adama WADE

Dakar, September 8, 2025 – Coris Investment Group, a pan-African conglomerate founded in 2019 by Burkinabe businessman Idrissa Nassa, has officially finalized today the acquisition of Total Energies’ activities in Burkina Faso. The transfer documents were signed in Dakar by Yacouba Saré, CEO of Coris Invest Group, and Jean-Philippe Torres, President of Total Marketing Services Africa. This strategic operation highlights CIG’s entry into the oil downstream sector, strengthening its presence in a sector previously dominated by international majors. Announced on February 18, 2025 by Mr. Mbacké Badara (TotalEnergies) to Minister Serge Gnaniodem Poda, this transaction represents a major step in…

Addis Ababa, September 2025 – The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to finalize rules of origin by October 2025 to achieve 97% tariff liberalization and pave the way for increased integration of African markets. However, discussions remain stalled in two strategic sectors: textiles and automobiles. These blockages reflect structural divergences. In the textile sector, West African cotton-producing countries defend their positions against nations with textile transformation and export industries (Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco). In the automotive sector, the divide is between countries with emerging industries (Morocco, South Africa, Rwanda) and those fearing direct competition in still fragile markets. Nevertheless,…

On September 1, 2025, will be remembered as a special day in the history of the African Development Bank (AfDB). During a solemn swearing-in ceremony, rich in emotion, the new president Sidi Ould Tah paid tribute to the two heads of state present – the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania – before congratulating his predecessors, Donald Kaberuka and Akinwumi Adesina, two figures who have marked the last twenty years of the institution. Beyond the excitement of this day, a new era now opens, full of immense challenges and urgent…

Sanlam Allianz Re, formerly Saham Re, has dismissed its CEO, Ilyes Hassib, Financial Afrik has learned. With extensive experience in the sector, he had notably led the Africa acceptance department at Société Centrale de Réassurance in 2013, before joining Sanad (Atlanta group) and then Saham. His departure comes just after returning from leave. This decision...

On September 30, 2025, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) will reach a historic milestone with the official launch of the Interoperable Instant Payment System Platform (PI-SPI), orchestrated by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). “This is not just a technical adjustment, but a deep shift towards a new monetary architecture, where the slowness, fragmentation, and delays that plagued financial transactions will be nothing but distant memories,” explains an expert from a currency exchange office. From this date, transfers between banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile money operators will be executed in real time, 24 hours a…

Thirty days before the end of his term, Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing president of the African Development Bank (BAD), is making decisions as if he had five more years at the helm of the institution. Promotions, privileges, and benefits are raining down on the Lagune. More than 22 senior executives have just been appointed to key positions. A frenzy of signatures that raises questions. Among the promoted, his loyal chief of staff Alex Mubiru has been elevated to head of the representation for Southern Africa in a first wave that concerned a few executives. The latest wave, made public on July…

At a time when it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Sonatel displays solid results and a certain resilience in a regional stock market environment that remains cautious. In the first half of 2025, the telecoms group, active in Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone, recorded a turnover of 960.2 billion FCFA (+9.4%), an EBITDAAL of 458 billion FCFA (+12.3%), representing a margin of 47.7%, and a net profit of 208.1 billion FCFA (+8%). These figures reflect a healthy trajectory, driven by sustained investments of 152.6 billion FCFA and consistent execution rigor. On the strategic segments, the customer base reached 42.5…

Exclusive interview with Dalvim Pipa, Director of DEEDC at the Capital Markets Commission (CMC – Comissão do Mercado de Capitais). Conducted on the sidelines of ATIDI’s annual meetings (June 21st), this conversation highlights the key reforms underway to enhance the attractiveness of Angola’s financial market and position the country as a credible player in regional...

ounded in 2013, Financial Afrik is a bilingual, pan-African media platform delivering trusted news, expert analysis, and strategic insights on finance, banking, capital markets, and public policy across the continent. Certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), Financial Afrik publishes real-time articles through its website, a daily newsletter for decision-makers, a monthly magazine with deep dives, and mobile apps dedicated to news and events. Its readership spans financial executives, investors, policymakers, and researchers seeking high-quality, independent reporting on African economies.

Intersecting Portraits of a Rising Generation in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Region Swept by the crosswinds of the Mozambique Channel and the Indian Ocean, a new generation of leaders is redefining the contours of finance not only in Madagascar but also in the Comoros, Mauritius, and the wider region. They are bankers, insurers, industrialists, fund managers, or digital strategists — united by a shared ambition: to build sustainable economic models rooted in regional dynamics and open to international investment. Here is a mosaic of rising figures in Madagascar’s evolving economic landscape. Hugues Bonshe Makalebo, the Network StrategistCEO of Baobab…

“Implementing the AfCFTA requires tact and patience,” asserts Riyad Mezouar, Chairman of the Bureau of African Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning, following the marathon conference of African finance ministers held from March 12 to 18 in Addis Ababa. This statement, made during an event coinciding with the fifty-seventh session of the Economic Commission for...

Abidjan, February 18, 2025 – Atlantique Finance (AFIN), a subsidiary of the Pan-African group Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP), has achieved a major milestone by ranking as the top Securities Brokerage and Management Company (SGI) in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) for the year 2024. With a market share of 25% and handling transactions worth 235 billion FCFA, AFIN stood out among the thirty-six SGIs operating in the market, reinforcing its central role and expertise in the regional financial sector. This exceptional performance underlines the effectiveness and relevance of AFIN’s business model, solidifying its position as a leader in…

In a media landscape where fake news often overshadows the truth, Yacoub Sidya, CEO of MSS Security, Global Aviation, and Phoenix Precious Metals, believes that disinformation is one of the weapons used by hidden lobbies. In this interview, Sidya, who refuses to see himself as a victim, discusses business in general, his entrepreneurial journey, and addresses alleged connections with Russia. Some newspapers have accused you of having ties with Nordgold, a mining company owned by sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov. What do you have to say about this? To clarify, I have never denied knowing or working with NordGold. They…

Appointed Senior Executive Vice President (Finance, Administration, and Banking Services) of Afreximbank in December 2023, Denys Denya has a clear view on the evolution of the bank’s operations, the treasury situation, market exposure, and, among other things, outstanding credit. Having been with Afreximbank for ten years, the finance executive has played a role in increasing and diversifying the bank’s funding sources, seeking liquidity, and growing the balance sheet, asset quality, and financial reporting fidelity. Financial Afrik interviewed him on the sidelines of the latest Afreximbank assemblies held in the Bahamas from June 12 to 15, 2024. Afreximbank announced a disbursement…

Adama Wade, Special Envoy to Nassau, Bahamas. The 31st annual assemblies of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) opened on June 12, 2024, in Nassau, Bahamas, with a welcoming speech by John A Rolle, Governor of the Central Bank of the Bahamas. Speaking next, Denys Denya, Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasized the need for a strong...

“Our exposure in West Africa is the highest among all regions ” Manuel Moses, the General Director of the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), granted an interview to Financial Afrik regarding the positioning of this multilateral insurer, which contributes to covering various risk classes for partners, donors, investors, and suppliers. Leading ATIDI since 2020, this Zimbabwean executive, a former IFC member, brings 25 years of experience in finance, banking, insurance, and investment on an international scale, including 15 years at the IFC where he held the position of Country Manager for East Africa. He has also held senior…

Chadian financier Abbas Mahamat Tolli has just been endorsed by the heads of state of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) as a candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Here are his impressions in an exclusive interview with Kapital Afrik. The ECCAS has designated you as a candidate for...

By Adama Wade  In a world where financial markets are increasingly interconnected, Africa is taking a major step forward. On Thursday, November 23, 2024, during the 30th anniversary celebration of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) in Nairobi, a historic event occurred: for the first time, shares listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange were traded on the Regional Securities Exchange (BRVM). This moment marked a giant leap in African economic integration. This operation, which took place under the watchful eye of Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, illustrated the immense potential for collaboration between African financial markets. It was carried out…

« AIF provides a unique platform for the project developers » For Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the Acting CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), this AIF edition in Marrakech is unique as it is focus on value chain. The CEO who represented Islamic Developpement Bank president H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, has answered to our questions. How can this Africa Investment Forum (AIF) bring investors together and create great opportunities for the continent? This forum is unique as it focuses on project investment and financing opportunities,…

By Adama Wade, Marrakech Far from the devastation that followed the deadly earthquake on Saturday, September 9, the wooden, aluminum, and renewable material structures set to house the annual assemblies of the World Bank and IMF have absorbed the shock well. “No significant damage,” said one of the officials responsible for this massive construction site, covering 50 hectares and expected to host 140,000 delegates from 190 countries worldwide. The event is scheduled from October 9 to 15, 2023, at the Bab Ighli site. Over a thousand workers labor daily at this site, adjacent to the old city, the Medina, which has…

“Our vision is to build a world-class bank and contribute to the financial and economic integration of Africa!” Having taken office in March 2023 as the CEO of the foremost Pan-African banking group, Kenyan banker Jeremy Awori gave an exclusive interview to Financial Afrik. He discussed the outlook for Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), his top priorities to boost profitability, the situation in specific strategic countries, and the disconnection between the stock price of the group and its fundamentals. Exclusive. You’ve been at the helm of the Ecobank TI Group for a few months, the first Pan-African group by its geographical…

Head of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), Nigerian-born lawyer Enoh Ebong was among 17 senior U.S. officials who were in Marrakech from July 17-20 2022, on the sidelines of the USA-Africa business meeting. Established in 1992, the USTDA promotes growth in developing countries, while creating American jobs through exports. What conclusions can we draw from this USA-Africa business meeting? The USTDA is a US government agency with a unique dual mission. We are a foreign aid agency that develops high quality sustainable infrastructure in emerging economies overseas. At the same time, we have a mandate to support American…

The appetite of investors is turned towards renewable energies, Fintechs and high-impact startups. This is what we see through this Focus on investments and exits of private equity funds in Africa produced with data from the African Venture Capital Association (AVCA). Amethis and IFC sell their stake in the Kenyan distributor Naivas to Proparco and...

A perfect illustration of the need for African powers to invest in trading and group purchasing to overcome the high cost of living A solemn photo taken on August 1 under the clichés of cameras around the world and a humanitarian cause highlighted. But the Razoni cargo ship, one of the first 5 to leave the port of Odessa thanks to the Russian-Ukrainian treaty obtained under Senegalese-Turkish auspices, has still not reached the port of Beirut. The Ukrainian ambassador stationed in the land of cedars had nevertheless invited the press and prepared the petit fours but had to cancel at…

While the talks between Ukrainians and Russians, conducted under Senegal-Turkish auspices, have enabled a first shipment of cereals from Odessa, Africa holds its breath and counts the days. The disruption of international supply chains, already weakened by the pandemic, has been compounded by the war in Ukraine creating a snowball effect on food and fertilizer markets, which are interdependent. In June 2022, the number of acutely food insecure people – that is, people whose short-term access to food has reduced to the point of putting their lives and means at risk livelihoods – reached 345 million in 82 countries, according…

In three years, BNP Paribas will have liquidated its holdings in 8 subsidiaries in Africa excluding Morocco, Algeria and South Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire, the sale process of the Banque internationale pour le commerce et l’industrie de la Côte d’Ivoire (BICICI), a subsidiary of the French group BNP Paribas, is in its final phase. The...

“Our success is based on strict adherence to the fundamentals of good governance” President of the Republic of Botswana since 2018, Mokgweetsi Masisi was one of the stars of the United States – Africa business summit which took place in Marrakech from July 18 to 21, 2022. At the head of the only African investment grade country ( A3 with Moody’s and BBB+ with S&P Global Ratings), this professor of social sciences has been able to maintain his country’s good reputation with foreign investors and the financial market in general by continuing in the tradition of administrative transparency initiated by…