Author: The Editorial Staff

Former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Diamonds for Development Fund, announced on Friday, May 29, 2026, by the government of Botswana and mining group De Beers. Established jointly by the Botswana government and De Beers, this investment vehicle aims...

In the margins of the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Brazzaville, Financial Afrik interviewed Gerardine Mukeshimana, Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). A recognized figure in agricultural and rural development in Africa, Gerardine Mukeshimana is known for her high-level technical expertise, fueled by solid field experience, a deep understanding of agricultural financing issues, and a vast network with multilateral development banks and international climate funds. Before joining IFAD in August 2023, Gerardine made a lasting impact on the African agricultural landscape by serving for nearly a decade as the Minister of Agriculture…

Brazzaville closes on May 29 a sequence that is expected to mark a milestone in the recent history of African development financing. Over five days, the 61st Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group will have offered much more than a statutory meeting: they will have laid the foundations for a new continental financial narrative, at a pivotal moment for both the pan-African institution and the Congo, engaged in its transformation trajectory through the Congo 2060 vision and its National Integrated Development Plan. At the end of the meetings, the Congolese Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board…

In a context marked by a chronic deficit in development financing in Africa, the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD) aims to deeply transform the continent’s financial ecosystem. Didier Acouetey, senior advisor to the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in charge of the private sector and NAFAD, spoke on May 28 with Financial Afrik on the sidelines of the AfDB Annual Meetings. He discusses the ambitions of this initiative, the challenges of SME financing, and the mobilization of African resources for development. What makes NAFAD a turning point for the continent? NAFAD is a unique initiative because,…

Brazzaville, May 29, 2026 The fourth day of the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank in Brazzaville confirmed the strategic direction set for this 2026 edition: to accelerate the mobilization of African resources to finance the continent’s development in a global context marked by the decline of public aid, geopolitical tensions, and the rise of economic resilience requirements. The AfDB has published its Annual Development Effectiveness Review (ADER) for 2026, a flagship document that measures the concrete impact of its interventions on the continent. Under the theme “Mobilizing resources on a large scale for Africa’s development financing,” this publication…

The DIDEX 20 is the benchmark stock index designed by Financial Afrik to track the evolution of the 20 largest listed capitalizations in Africa. A true barometer of the performance of African stock markets, it aggregates the most representative values of the continent, from the main African stock exchanges, including Johannesburg (JSE), Lagos (NGX), Casablanca (BVC), Nairobi (NSE), and the BRVM. Its purpose is twofold: to offer a consolidated view of African stock market dynamics and to provide investors, analysts, and decision-makers with a simple tool to measure the financial health of large listed companies on the continent. The importance…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) annual meetings continue in Brazzaville today, with several events on the agenda for day 4. AGENDA FOR THE DAY Thursday, May 28, 2026 08:00 – 09:00 Catalytic approach for Africa’s transformation: aviation and health 📍 Hilton Tours Jumelles Hotel 09:00 – 16:00 Inaugural Integrate Africa Forum “Made in Africa, Trade in Africa” 📍 Cuvette Ouest Tent A highlight of the third day, this forum will bring together public decision-makers, financial institutions, and technical partners to discuss commercial and industrial integration strategies. 12:30 – 13:30 High-level AWLN Dialogue: “Shaping capital, leading Africa” 📍 Nkieni-Alima Tent 12:30…

The international bond market is sending a worrying signal to Dakar. According to a note from JPMorgan reported by Reuters on May 26, current prices of Senegalese bonds due in 2033 now include the assumption of a sovereign debt restructuring, with a nominal discount of 15%, a maturity extension of five years, and a reduction...

The Professional Association of Brokerage Firms (APSB) is betting on continuity. At its meeting on May 19, 2026, its board of directors renewed the mandate of the executive board led by Amine Maamri for two more years. This decision comes in a context of gradual revival of the Moroccan capital market and increasing challenges related...

The Moroccan group TGCC is starting the year 2026 on a positive trajectory. In the first quarter, the construction specialist recorded an operating income of 2.08 billion dirhams, up 12.5%. This performance was achieved in a context marked by heavy rainfall that disrupted the pace of several construction sites. The TGCC group confirms its resilience....

Morocco has become the first industrial economy in Africa, surpassing South Africa, according to the 2025 edition of the Africa Industrialization Index (AII), presented in Brazzaville on the sidelines of the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings. This ranking, which covers 54 countries over the period 2010-2024, marks a turning point in the continent’s industrial hierarchy....

The construction materials giant officially changes its identity. Gathered at the General Assembly on May 22, 2026, the shareholders of Holcim Morocco approved the transition from LafargeHolcim Morocco to Holcim Morocco. Beyond a simple rebranding, this evolution reflects the strategic alignment of the Moroccan subsidiary with the international Holcim group and supports the new ambitions of the construction sector in Morocco. A new chapter begins for Holcim Morocco. The group’s shareholders officially approved the change of corporate name from LafargeHolcim Morocco to Holcim Morocco. This decision, adopted at the mixed General Assembly on May 22, 2026, is part of a…

The Moroccan banking group Attijariwafa bank is taking a new step in its digital strategy with the official launch of “Simple.”, presented as the first Moroccan neobank. Designed as a “Super App” banking platform, the platform aims to bring together financial services, payments, lifestyle, and community features in a single mobile interface intended to support the daily needs of Moroccans. Ten years after the launch of L’bankalik, which marked a breakthrough in the Moroccan banking sector by democratizing 100% mobile account opening, Attijariwafa bank is now seeking to scale up. With “Simple.”, the banking group is no longer just offering…

The appointment of Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô as Prime Minister of Senegal marks a new stage in the power reconfiguration initiated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. By choosing an experienced economist and senior civil servant to succeed Ousmane Sonko, the head of state seems to favor a more technocratic approach to accelerate the implementation of...

The election of Ousmane Sonko as President of the National Assembly of Senegal marks a major political milestone in the institutional reconfiguration of Senegal. Elected on May 26, 2026 in Dakar with 132 out of 133 votes, the former Prime Minister now heads the second institution of the Republic, just days after being dismissed from his position by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Beyond its national significance, this political sequence is closely watched by international partners, investors, and regional cooperation actors. In a global context marked by economic tensions, energy sovereignty issues, and security challenges in the Sahel, Senegal appears more…

The Senegalese president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, appointed economist Ahmadou Al Amine Lô as Prime Minister on Monday, May 25, replacing Ousmane Sonko, who was dismissed from his position three days earlier. Described as an insider, the new Prime Minister has worked extensively on the country’s economic issues, particularly within the BCEAO and other international economic institutions. His appointment comes at a challenging global economic context, marked by external shocks and tensions with major donors, notably the IMF, which is still in discussions with Senegalese authorities for a new program, following the issue of the “hidden debt”. Speaking about his appointment,…

Despite a long-standing presence and close ties with local markets, French groups are seeing their positions in Africa erode. However, the dynamism of the continent offers significant growth opportunities, a potential highlighted during the Africa Forward summit. Several companies are strengthening their positions in Africa, such as Orange, Engie, Limagrain, and GBH. 23 billion euros in investments announced, bilateral contracts with Kenya, thousands of business leaders gathered in Nairobi: on May 11 and 12, 2026, the Africa Forward summit underscored the strategic role of Africa for the French economy. More than 5,000 French companies are established in Africa, where they…

The financial rating agency Bloomfield Investment Corporation has downgraded the outlook of Senegal’s sovereign rating from stable to negative, while maintaining its long-term rating at BBB+, now placed under close surveillance. This decision, announced on May 26 in Abidjan, comes in a context of strong institutional tension following the dismissal of the Prime Minister by...

Brazzaville, Tuesday 26 May 2026 Editorial Africa Day: Investing in Youth, Water, and Energy to Transform the Continent The celebration of Africa Day, held on May 25 on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, saw a strong plea for accelerated investments in youth, women, as well as water and energy infrastructure. Speaking on this occasion, Sidi Ould Tah emphasized that sustainable transformation of the continent cannot be achieved without a massive mobilization in support of its youth and essential infrastructure. The leader stressed that no country can succeed in isolation, and no continent can…

The giant of construction materials officially changes its identity. Gathered at the General Assembly on May 22, 2026, the shareholders of Holcim Morocco approved the transition from LafargeHolcim Morocco to Holcim Morocco. Beyond a simple rebranding, this evolution reflects the strategic alignment of the Moroccan subsidiary with the international Holcim group and supports the new ambitions of the construction sector in Morocco. A new chapter begins for Holcim Morocco. The group’s shareholders officially approved the change of corporate name from LafargeHolcim Morocco to Holcim Morocco. This decision, adopted at the mixed General Assembly on May 22, 2026, is part of…

Royal Air Maroc announces the temporary suspension of several international routes departing from Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakech, in a context of a sharp increase in jet fuel prices due to tensions in the Middle East and a slowdown in demand on certain routes. Affected routes include Casablanca-Bangui, Casablanca-Brazzaville, Casablanca-Kinshasa, Casablanca-Douala, Casablanca-Yaoundé, and Casablanca-Libreville, as well...

A delegation from the Central Bank of Libya, led by Governor Naji Mohammed Issa, received officials from Numisma Bank in Tripoli. Numisma Bank is an American bank specialized in secure monetary solutions, currency operations, and compliance services for central banks and international financial institutions. Based in the United States and regulated by US authorities, Numisma...

The implementation of the Simandou 2040 Program continues to reach new milestones in the Guinean industrial sector. The Republic of Guinea and Chalco Guinea Company signed agreements on Thursday, May 22, 2026, for the construction of an alumina refinery in Boffa. This partnership was sealed under the auspices of the Minister Director of the Presidency’s Cabinet, Djiba DIAKITÉ, President of the Simandou Strategic Committee, in the presence of the Minister Secretary General of the Presidency, General Amara CAMARA, Presidential advisors, and members of the Strategic Committee. This project, considered strategic in the national policy of local transformation of mineral resources,…

On the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Oil Days in Casablanca (May 20-23, 2026), Martin Boguikouma, General Manager of the Gabon Ports and Harbors Office (OPRAG), detailed the country’s new port ambition, based on logistical modernization, digitalization, and the development of smart ports to support the country’s oil and mining boom. The Gabonese official emphasized that OPRAG, now a true national port authority, currently oversees several strategic concessions operated with international partners in containerized, mining, and oil activities. In Libreville and Port-Gentil, port infrastructures already support flows related to manganese, offshore hydrocarbons, and regional trade. But Gabon now…

Regional integration: AfDB launches its “Integrate Africa Forum” in BrazzavilleThe African Development Bank Group is organizing, on May 28, 2026 in Brazzaville, the first Forum on integration in Africa called “Integrate Africa Forum”. Under the theme “Made in Africa, Marketed in Africa”, this meeting aims to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA and regional value chains. The President of the AfDB Group, Sidi Ould Tah, is expected to defend a vision of industrialization driven by intra-African trade. Brazzaville aims to transform the Congo Basin into a global strategic assetOn the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings, the Republic…

Present at the 4th edition of the Oil Days organized in Casablanca (May 20-23, 2026), Seynabou Dia Sall, CEO of Global Mind Consulting and Organizer of the Forum, reflects on the issues of attractiveness, governance and economic sovereignty in the oil sector in Africa. In this interview with Financial Afrik, she urges African countries to move beyond dependency logics and to invest heavily in training, data mastery, and the creation of continental champions capable of carrying a true African energy strategy. Interview by Ismael Sy, Casablanca Can you introduce Global Mind Consulting and discuss the issues of this 4th edition…

At the end of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on May 18, 2026, the Central Bank of Mauritania (BCM) chose to take control of the monetary front. By raising its key rate by 50 basis points, from 6% to 6.5%, the institution led by Mohamed Lemine Dhehabi sends a clear signal: price stability is...

In the face of the resurgence of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, health authorities and international partners are accelerating the mobilization of financial, logistical, and medical resources to contain the spread of the epidemic. Ebola, one of the deadliest viruses in the world, causes severe hemorrhagic fevers with a high mortality rate in the absence of rapid care. The current resurgence is concerning due to the risks of transmission in several provinces in the East of the country and cross-border movements in the Great Lakes region. An international emergency financial support According to the latest…

TThe ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and Afriland First Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A. signed a loan agreement on May 20, 2026, at the Bank’s headquarters in Lomé, Togo, for an amount of ten billion (10,000,000,000) FCFA to strengthen private sector financing and accelerate economic transformation in Côte d’Ivoire. The facility will support the growing short- and medium-term financing needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-sized companies operating in strategic sectors such as health, education, agro-industry, manufacturing, trade, construction, services, and technology. By improving access to tailored financing solutions, the partnership seeks to unlock productive capacity,…

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