Author: ISSOUF KAMAGATE

Abidjan hosted, on June 12, 2026, a high-level meeting between the President of the UEMOA Commission, Abdoulaye Diop, and members of the Ivorian government, led by the Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget. On this occasion, Mr. Diop officially presented the conclusions of the annual review of community reforms, policies and programs for the period 2024-2025. The assessment is clear: Ivory Coast confirms its position as a driving force for regional integration, with an implementation rate of reforms at 85%, a performance praised by the sub-regional institution. The evaluation process intensified over the past year, reflecting UEMOA’s willingness to strengthen…

To strengthen the competitiveness of its capital market, the UEMOA region is taking a decisive step with the launch, on Thursday, June 11 in Abidjan, of the “UEMOA Chapter”. The initiative is led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Paris Europlace, and the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM). The program aims to build a network of experts capable of supporting the development of capital markets in the region. According to Josiane Kwenda, Country Manager of the IFC, the objective is to propose solutions to improve the liquidity of local markets and support the financing of the regional economy. For Dr. Edoh…

The National Investment Bank (BNI) closed the 2025 fiscal year with a net profit of 47.97 billion CFA francs (around 84.5 million dollars), compared to 39.98 billion CFA francs a year earlier, representing a 20% increase. These figures were announced on Wednesday, June 10 in Abidjan by the bank’s executives. The total balance sheet stood...

The Single Window for Foreign Trade of Ivory Coast (GUCE-CI) launched the first edition of “GUCE Connect” on Monday, June 8th. Bringing together over 400 key players – economic operators, financial institutions, port and logistics authorities – the event focused on the theme: “Digitalization of multimodal logistics chains for more efficient foreign trade.” Digital transformation...

To keep up with the global technological shift and stay in line with the changes brought by artificial intelligence (AI), Ivory Coast is preparing to take a decisive step. On Monday, June 8 in Abidjan, in front of digital ecosystem stakeholders, the press, and representatives of technical ministries, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, announced the imminent preparation of two structuring partnership agreements aimed at permanently anchoring the country in this innovation dynamic. These agreements, which will be officially signed at the VivaTech trade show in Paris from June 17 to 20, involve two major international…

The third edition of the Abidjan Private Equity and Venture Capital Summit (APES) opened on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Abidjan. Under the theme “Mobilizing local capital to finance African businesses: towards a better return on investment”, this meeting allowed the general commissioner, Jean-André Ahipeaud, to set an ambitious goal: to transform local savings into...

Senegal has officially chosen General Birame Diop, former Minister of the Armed Forces, to occupy the presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission for the 2026-2030 mandate. This nomination was announced on Sunday, May 31 by the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, confirming President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s desire to position a key figure at the helm of the regional organization. This designation follows the decision made at the 68th ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja in December 2025, which assigned Senegal the leadership of…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the OCP Group signed an agreement on May 22, 2026 in Rabat for a partial credit guarantee of €450 million. This financial mechanism aims to support the implementation of the 2023-2030 investment program of the world leader in phosphate fertilizers, focusing on industrial decarbonization, sustainable water management, and the integration of renewable energies. This operation enables Société Générale and BNP Paribas to mobilize a green financing envelope of €530 million. These resources are specifically intended to support the industrial and energy projects planned by the Moroccan group, while facilitating access to long-term capital from…

The 9th Conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) marked a turning point with the adoption, on Tuesday, May 19, of the Abidjan Declaration. More than just a guiding document, this strategic document outlines the continent’s roadmap for personal data governance by 2030. This shift has significant political implications. Data protection is no longer viewed solely as a regulatory or technical issue: it is now presented as a pillar of state modernization, public service credibility, and economic attractiveness. Implicitly, the text recognizes an increased responsibility of the highest national authorities, called upon to drive this transformation…

The ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) opened on Monday, May 18, 2026 in Abidjan, for a duration of four days. The event brings together more than thirty countries from Africa and Europe, including twenty-four African delegations, as well as international experts, representatives from the private sector, and specialized institutions. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, marking the beginning of working sessions dedicated to the challenges related to artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data on the continent. The central issue of…

Following his re-election as head of the African People’s Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI), at the end of the party’s first congress, former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo surprised everyone on Saturday, May 16, 2026. In front of thousands of supporters gathered in Songon, west of Abidjan, for the fourth edition of the Renaissance Festival, the opposition leader officially announced his intention to “delegate” his powers as party president. However, Laurent Gbagbo immediately clarified the scope of his decision, firmly ruling out any idea of permanent withdrawal or automatic succession. This move is presented as an internal reorganization of the party’s…

During a joint seminar of the World Bank and the African Center for Economic Transformation on May 7, 2026, dedicated to “Revamping trade for growth and employment in Ghana,” Minister of Trade, Agro-Industry and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced that Ghana recorded a trade surplus of $13.6 billion in 2025, the best performance in its history....

On the occasion of Europe Day, celebrated on May 9 and marking 65 years of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Ivory Coast, EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly reaffirmed European support for the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. This support is first and foremost part of a 1 billion euro investment program led by Team Europe as part of the Global Gateway strategy. According to European authorities, this program aims to support the private sector, infrastructure, training, and certain agricultural value chains. The transport component of the PND is also set to benefit from investments in the strategic corridors of…

The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced former Nigerian Energy Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison on May 13, 2026, in a case of fraud and money laundering involving 33.8 billion nairas (approximately 24.7 million dollars). The sentence was handed down after his conviction on May 7 on 12 charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges relate to funds intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects. Judge James Omotosho ordered that the sentences be served consecutively, not concurrently. According to court records, most charges resulted in seven-year prison terms without the possibility…

During the Africa Forward summit held in Nairobi (Kenya) on May 11 and 12, 2026, Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency (AFD), and Atlantic Group officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This document establishes a framework for a long-term strategic partnership aimed at supporting the growth of high-impact African private sector players. This alliance is based on a common desire to support sectors essential to the structural transformation of the continent, leveraging Atlantic Group’s multisectoral presence and extensive regional footprint. The cooperation will specifically target investments in the real economy, including agro-industry, cement industry, mining, and financial…

Local authorities want to increase the mobilization of their own resources for sustainable local development. According to Amoi Sanhou, Deputy Director General of Decentralization and Local Development at the Ministry of Interior and Security, the main challenge lies in their ability to raise funds through the acquisition of internal tools and techniques, especially since less than 10% of the resources of these entities come from their own mobilization, with the rest being provided by the State. To address this low financial autonomy, the Project to Support the Mobilization of Internal Resources of Local Authorities (PAMRI), initiated by Expertise France, is…

The Sugar Company of Ivory Coast (SUCAF-CI), a sugar subsidiary of the Somdia group, the agro-industrial branch of the giant Castel, inaugurated on May 7, 2026, the operation of a state-of-the-art industrial distillery in Ferkessédougou, in northern Ivory Coast. Located in the Ferké 2 sugar complex, the project, based on a circular economy approach, aims to locally transform by-products from sugar cane, especially molasses, into extra-neutral alcohol with a purity level equal to or greater than 96%. Intended for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, this new unit strengthens the national value chain by substituting local production for massive imports.…

Financial transfers from the Ivorian diaspora have significantly increased over the past fifteen years. Estimated at 165.8 million dollars in a previous period, they reached 316.7 million dollars in 2019, and are now standing at around 1.4 billion dollars. However, a large part of these resources are still oriented towards households’ social expenses, particularly in the areas of health, education, and housing. During the launch of the “Diaspora for Growth” forum on May 7, 2026 in Abidjan, authorities emphasized the need to better direct these flows towards productive investments. According to the figures presented on this occasion, only 10 to…

The Ivorian government, under the presidency of Alassane Ouattara, officially approved a reduction and harmonization of aeronautical fees during the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday, April 29 in Abidjan. This regulatory reform results in the adoption of several decrees deeply modifying the fee structure applied to passengers, as well as the charges related to...

The Ivorian government, under the presidency of Alassane Ouattara, officially approved a reduction and harmonization of aeronautical fees during the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday, April 29 in Abidjan. This regulatory reform translates into the adoption of several decrees deeply modifying the tariff structure applied to passengers, as well as levies related to security...

Commercial International Bank (CIB) has finalized a securitization issuance worth 1.307 billion Egyptian pounds ($27.3 million) on behalf of B.TECH. For this transaction, completed in mid-April, CIB acted as the exclusive financial advisor, lead arranger, issuance manager, promoter, and subscriber. This operation, structured in a single tranche with a maturity of 12 months, represents the third phase of B.TECH’s 14th securitization program, with a total envelope of 10 billion Egyptian pounds ($208.8 million) over two years. Middle East Rating & Investors Service (MERIS) has assigned a credit rating of “P1” to this issuance, based on the strength of the underlying…

The Electricity For All Program (PEPT) is embarking on a new trajectory with the admission to the listing of the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) on Thursday, April 23, of a bond in three tranches totaling 99.01 million dollars (60 billion CFA francs). This operation, structured through the “FCTC EPT 2025-2040” fund, is divided into three maturities for respective amounts of 41.25 million dollars (25 billion CFA francs), 24.75 million dollars (15 billion CFA francs) and 33.01 million dollars (20 billion CFA francs). This listing comes two years after a similar issuance, carried out in May 2024, which had already raised…

The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade launched, on Wednesday, April 22, a three-month promotion campaign dedicated to investment zones governed by Law No. 72 of 2017. This initiative aims to raise awareness of this strategic framework among business circles, in order to attract national and foreign capital. The system relies on integrated industrial and service clusters, equipped with advanced infrastructure and a flexible regulatory environment, designed to accelerate project implementation. According to performance indicators published by the ministry, 12 investment zones are located in strategic sites nationwide. These spaces have attracted total investments of around 1.39 billion dollars, equivalent…

The Royal Theatre of Rabat officially opened on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 with its opening show, the first cultural activity welcoming artists and the public within its premises. This effective commissioning comes after an official inauguration held on October 29, 2024, without any artistic programming open to the public. On Wednesday evening, Princesses Lalla Khadija,...

A national harvest of 90 million quintals and a growth of around 15% in agricultural GDP: these are the prospects announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, for the 2025-2026 campaign, on the occasion of the 18th edition of the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco (SIAM), held on April 20, 2026 in Meknes. After several cycles of drought, the return of rainfall between January and March 2026 favored the sowing of 3.9 million hectares of cereals, thus marking a clear recovery in the sector. The improvement in the water situation is the foundation of this revival, with dam…

The Director General of Taxes, Abou Sié Ouattara, presented, on April 17, 2026, the balance sheet of the activities of the General Tax Directorate (DGI) for the first quarter. The tax services mobilized 2.02 billion USD, against a target of 2.22 billion USD, resulting in a negative deviation of 196.67 million USD compared to budget forecasts. The overall achievement rate of revenue targets thus stands at 91.1%. During the same period in 2025, the DGI had collected 1.85 billion USD, against a target of 2.13 billion USD. Year-on-year, revenues therefore increased by 176.67 million USD, representing a growth of 9.7%.…

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced a new strategic direction aimed at transforming diaspora remittances into a source of long-term investment capital. During a roundtable in Washington D.C., the governor of the central bank, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, revealed that these financial flows reached nearly $7.8 billion at the end of 2025, up from $4.6 billion in 2024. Now representing around 6% of the GDP, these inflows surpass foreign direct investments (FDI), consolidating their systemic role in the country’s external stability and monetary position. The issuing institution is currently collaborating with state agencies to structure specific financial products, including…

Approximately 435 tons of gold escape formal channels each year in Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire alone, 142 tons of gold leave official channels, resulting in an estimated loss of 4,600 billion CFA francs. Faced with this situation, the Ivorian state is implementing a strategy focused on three main areas: supervision, repression – with over 7,000 illegal sites dismantled – and formalization. This vision was presented on the sidelines of the ongoing World Bank spring meetings in Washington. Côte d’Ivoire’s vision, represented by the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, is based on four major pillars: strengthening governance,…

“The Ivory Coast has been officially selected to host our representation covering the West, North, and Central Africa regions, a decision motivated by the country’s economic performance and strategic positioning in the sub-region,” said Catherine Koffman, Africa Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Received in audience on April 17 in Abidjan by the Ivorian Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, along with the Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Abou Bamba, the Africa Director of the GCF highlighted “the quality of Ivorian initiatives” as well as the positive ratings obtained by the country from international agencies. Discussions focused on investment…

At the Ministry of State Portfolio and Public Enterprises, the assessment of the reforms initiated for the period 2020-2025 reveals sustained growth in activity indicators. The overall turnover of the portfolio reached 7.75 billion dollars (4,728 billion CFA francs) in 2025, compared to 4.46 billion dollars (2,719 billion CFA francs) in 2021. This progression represents an average annual growth rate of 15%. These figures were revealed on April 16, 2026 in Abidjan-Plateau, during a meeting between the Minister of State Portfolio and Public Enterprises, Mariatou Koné, and all the social leaders of the public sector, including general managers, their deputies,…