Author: ISSOUF KAMAGATE

Stanbic Bank Ghana and Standard Bank of South Africa have successfully structured a $205 million financing for Engineers & Planners Company Limited (E&P). This financial arrangement consists of senior secured term loans and revolving credit facilities. The transaction benefited from a strategic syndication including Ecobank Ghana PLC and Absa Bank Ghana LTD, demonstrating strong banking synergy to mobilize significant capital for the national extractive sector. Scheduled for a maturity of five years, this financing is divided into two distinct tranches of $110 million and $95 million. These resources are specifically allocated to support E&P’s contractual mining operations. The main objective…

Since 2015, the Chauffeured Transportation Vehicles (VTC) sector has undergone a spectacular transformation, moving from a niche innovation to a structural pillar present in over 80 countries. A strategic study presented on Thursday, February 26, by experts from the KPMG firm – Marcel Kopoin, Carlos De Souza, Xavier Caruge, and Gilles N’Gatta – reveals exceptional...

The 39th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on February 14 and 15 in Addis Ababa marks a diplomatic and financial turning point for the continent with the first official participation of Dr. Sidi Ould Tah as president of the African Development Bank group. Taking office on September 1, 2025,...

The Ghanaian government, through its Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, announced on Thursday, February 12, a major overhaul of the cocoa industry to address a failing financing model. This structural reform is based on three major pillars: converting several billion dollars of debts of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), a drastic revision of producer...

A note circulated on social networks this Wednesday, February 11, reported the kidnapping of Adama Bictogo, president of the SNEDAI group and former president of the National Assembly. This document, bearing the name of Me Kouamé Fulgence, presented as the politician’s lawyer, claimed that his client had been kidnapped from his home by armed and hooded individuals. The text specified that the incident took place the day before around 8:00 p.m. local time, after the attackers had neutralized the security guards before taking the man to an unknown destination. Contacted by Financial Afrik, Adama Bictogo’s communication advisor, Alain Toussaint, formally…

The Cheddid Capital group, owner of the broker Ascoma, and the École Supérieure d’Assurances (ESA) in Paris officially signed a partnership on February 10, 2026 on the sidelines of the 50th general assembly of the Federation of National African Insurance Companies (FANAF). This alliance, which aims to be a major turning point for the insurance sector on the continent, is directly related to the theme “Building the future of insurance”, the central theme of the continental insurance gathering. The objective is clear: to structure an offer of excellent training dedicated to senior executives to meet the growing demands of governance…

The opening of the 50th General Assembly of the Federation of African National Insurance Companies (FANAF) on Monday, February 9, 2026 in Abidjan, marks a historic milestone for the sector under the theme: “FANAF’s Fiftieth Anniversary: Building the Future of African Insurance”. This sectoral meeting, which brings together insurers, regulators, and international institutions, takes place in a context of profound transformation of the continental financial landscape. Representing Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, emphasized the catalytic role of the federation in the emergence of regional champions, making insurance an essential instrument of stability…

The presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar officially expressed, on Saturday, February 7, its “strongest condemnation” towards the Kingdom of Eswatini. The reason: the official reception given to the former ousted president, Andry Rajoelina. For the current authorities in Antananarivo, this diplomatic act is perceived as an unacceptable interference and a serious...

Standard Chartered Bank anticipates a robust year for global financial markets in 2026, driven by a synergy between technological innovation and favorable macroeconomic conditions. The central engine of this performance lies in the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, which continues to boost profit growth by improving operational efficiency for businesses. Combined with monetary policy easing...

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan was the scene of an operational incident involving Air France flight AF 702. The aircraft, an Airbus A350 registered as F-HUVM arriving from Paris, made a normal landing on runway 03 at 7:27 pm. It was during the taxiing phase, after leaving the...

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the General Confederation of Ivorian Enterprises (CGECI) officially launched the Local Champions Acceleration initiative on January 29, 2026 in Abidjan. This pilot program aims to identify and propel local companies with high potential that have already demonstrated operational maturity, strong governance, and a strong market presence. The central objective is to transform these high-performing actors into true pillars of economic and social development, capable of sustainably stimulating job creation in Ivory Coast. As part of this collaboration, the IFC will deploy a range of advisory services and technical expertise based on international best practices.…

The office of the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kaba Nialé, formally summoned the ambassador of the Republic of Niger in Côte d’Ivoire on January 30, 2026. Through this official step, Abidjan expresses its “strong indignation” and rejects the accusations of involvement in the assault on Niamey airport, marking a clear break with Niger’s allegations. The diplomatic climate between Côte d’Ivoire and Niger has sharply deteriorated following a major terrorist attack. During the night of January 28 to 29, 2026, the 101st air base of Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport (Niger) was the target of a large-scale assault.…

Facing a critical slowdown in domestic marketing, the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC) officially launched, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, a strategic operation to buy back unsold cocoa stocks. Chaired by Koné Brahima Yves, Director General of the CCC, this initiative aims primarily to release the volumes immobilized by producers and to ensure the maintenance of their incomes. This safeguard measure, dictated by the presidency of the Republic, is intended to protect the farmers whose production from the main 2025-2026 campaign had been suffering until now. The Transcao industrial complex, located in the Akoupé-Zeudji area (PK24), is the operational pivot of this…

Guinea reached a historic milestone this weekend by officially reclaiming its seat within the African Union (AU). This reintegration marks the end of a suspension that had lasted for nearly five years, following the military coup in September 2021 that overthrew President Alpha Condé. The decision, taken by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) through a statement released on January 25, 2025, symbolizes the international recognition of the country’s gradual return to the community of sovereign nations on the continent. The key factor in this diplomatic resolution lies in the holding of the presidential election in December 2025, which…

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Secretary General of the presidency, Masséré Touré, released an official statement announcing a strategic reorganization within the executive branch. President Alassane Ouattara made a series of key appointments, integrating former ministers and prominent political figures into advisory and cabinet director positions. This movement aims to strengthen the state apparatus by relying on the technical and political experience of executives who have previously served in the government. The circle of influence around the head of state is strengthened by the integration of high-ranking profiles, including Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Ahoussou Kouadio Jeannot, Laurent Tchagba, and Bouaké…

The South African Supreme Court of Appeal issued a decisive ruling on January 23, 2026, in favor of Makaziwe Mandela, the eldest daughter of the renowned anti-apartheid leader, ending a prolonged dispute with the National Heritage Agency (SAHRA). This decision now allows the sale and export of 70 personal items that belonged to Nelson Mandela....

Reappointed in his functions by President Alassane Ouattara, Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé unveiled, on Friday, January 23, the list of his government team mainly composed of members of the outgoing executive. In detail, the new government consists of 34 members, including 30 full ministers and four deputy ministers. Four outgoing ministers are Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Léon Kakou Adom, Bouaké Fofana, and Laurent Tchagba. Five new personalities are entering the government: Hien Yacouba Sié, Djibril Ouattara, Abou Bamba, Jean-Louis Moulot, and Bernard Kini Comoé. Thus, the following are appointed: – Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Defense: Téné Birahima Ouattara…

The ministerial reshuffle carried out on January 23, 2026 under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé marks a strategic step in the governance of the State. This cabinet, characterized by continuity at the top, maintains key ministerial positions while refining the executive hierarchy. The overall architecture relies on a Vice Prime Minister, Téné...

Coca-Cola group announced the upcoming launch of a new production unit located in Alexandria. The project was officially announced during a strategic meeting at the World Economic Forum between the Egyptian Ministers of Finance and Investment and senior executives of Coca-Cola HBC, on Wednesday, January 21 at the Davos Economic Forum in Switzerland. This new...

By way of a statement read this Wednesday, January 21 on the national television (RTI) by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Masséré Touré-Koné, President Alassane Ouattara officially appointed Robert Beugré Mambé as Prime Minister. As soon as the appointment was made public, the President instructed the Prime Minister to submit a new government team as soon as possible. This directive highlights the urgency of the challenges to be met and the need for the executive branch to quickly get organized. Robert Beugré Mambé, who had already formed a government of 33 members during his first term in October 2023,…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is showing renewed optimism for the Egyptian economy, raising its growth forecast to 5.4% for the 2027 fiscal year, according to an announcement made on January 19, 2026. This revision of 0.7 percentage points compared to the October estimates reflects an improvement in national macroeconomic indicators. Already, for the 2026...

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Abidjan-Plateau hemicycle marked the beginning of the 3rd legislature of the 3rd Republic with the election of Patrick Achi as President of the National Assembly. The candidate of the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), the former Prime Minister won a clear victory: out of 253 voters...

Equatorial Guinea is embarking on a structural transition with the official proclamation of Ciudad de la Paz, capital of the Djibloho province in the eastern part of the country, as the new capital of the State. This historic decision, formalized on January 2, 2026 during a solemn ceremony at the seat of the Presidency of...

The Nigerian federal government has canceled a substantial portion of the debts inherited from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) to the Federation account. This operation amounts to approximately $1.42 billion US dollars and 5.570 trillion nairas, following a reconciliation exercise validated by President Bola Tinubu. The decision is formalized in a regulatory document prepared by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and presented at the November meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). It concerns the clearance of long-standing balances, particularly related to crude oil liftings, production sharing contracts, and joint venture royalties, up to the…

The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) officially released the results of the legislative elections held on Saturday, December 27, this Monday, December 29. In the end, Alassane Ouattara’s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), who was re-elected last October with nearly 90% of the votes as the head of Ivory Coast, emerged victorious with...

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officially signed a $22 million financing agreement on Sunday, December 28th. This grant aims to fund the construction of Egypt’s first diving support vessel, intended to strengthen maritime security and rescue capabilities along the Suez Canal, according to information provided by the Authority....

In its 2025 country report on Ivory Coast entitled “Making the most of Ivory Coast’s capital to promote its development”, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reveals that the country has joined the category of countries with a medium Human Development Index (HDI), reaching a score of 0.582 in 2023, a clear progression compared to 2022...

In its 2025 country report on Ivory Coast entitled “Harnessing Ivory Coast’s Capital for Development”, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reveals that the country has entered the category of countries with a medium Human Development Index (HDI), reaching a score of 0.582 in 2023, a significant increase compared to 2022 (0.565). According to the report...

Ghanaian company Cybele Energy has officially strengthened its international presence by signing a production sharing agreement (PSA) for block S7 in Guyana, a first for an African operator in the country’s offshore basin. This development positions the company, led by Beatrice Jones-Mensah Tayui, as the first operator company led by an African woman in this...

On the occasion of the admission of Senegal’s four bond issues to the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) on Tuesday, December 9, the Senegalese Minister of Public Debt, Alioune Diouf, indicated that the country is engaged in advanced discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the establishment of a new program. This program aims to...