Author: The Editorial Staff

The FINACTU Group is pleased with a particularly dynamic month of February 2026 in the context of its support activities for the National Social Security Fund for Public Servants (CNSSAP) of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Led by its president, Denis Chemillier-Gendreau, a delegation of about ten consultants traveled to Kinshasa to present to the Congolese authorities the major progress made in the strategic partnership initiated since last September, aimed at strengthening the technical and operational capacities of the CNSSAP. On this occasion, the president of FINACTU was received by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau, in the presence of his…

BOAD Market Solutions, a specialized subsidiary of the BOAD Group, is taking a new strategic step with the appointment of Ms. Adjï Sokhna M’Baye as Managing Director. This decision comes at a time of increasing use of structured financial instruments in West Africa and growing internationalization of financing needs. Created to support public and private actors in regional and international markets, BOAD Market Solutions positions itself as a platform dedicated to structuring and executing innovative financial solutions, particularly in structured finance and derivatives. The goal is to respond in a targeted and secure manner to the fundraising needs of African…

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, meeting in Addis Ababa, endorsed the renewal of Nardos Bekele-Thomas’s mandate, a national of Ethiopia, as Director General of AUDA-NEPAD for a new period of four years. This decision, adopted during the 39th ordinary session of the Assembly, comes at a time of...

After more than three decades of service to the State and strategic consulting, Zakaria Thiam, former wali and seasoned jurist, embarks on a new stage in his professional career with the creation of Clean Bac Consulting, a firm specialized in legal, institutional expertise, and public governance. Recognized for his mastery of major administrative and litigation cases, Zakaria Thiam has distinguished himself throughout his career by his involvement in supporting public reforms and managing complex disputes involving government and public enterprises. His experience covers both the legal, financial, and organizational dimensions of public policies, in a context marked by increasing demands…

The Republic of Congo has announced the success of the partial buyback operation of its international bond maturing in 2032, for an amount of 354 million US dollars. This transaction is part of the government’s active and prudent debt management strategy, aiming to sustainably improve the debt profile and strengthen budgetary sustainability in the medium...

The group led by Mohamed Hassan Bensalah has chosen the French subsidiary of the prestigious American investment bank, JP Morgan, to lead the advisory team for the acquisition operation. In an operation set to reshape the Moroccan banking landscape, the Holmarcom group, led by Mohamed Hassan Bensalah, is strengthening its acquisition strategy of BMCI by...

Niamey, February 16, 2026 – Vista Group Holding, a pan-African financial services group, announces that it has finalized the acquisition of 99.99% of the capital of Saham Assurances Niger, which now operates under the name Vista Assurances Niger. This operation marks a new strategic step in the development of the Group’s insurance division and is...

By Fazila Dahall, President of the Financial Afrik Awards jury It was an honor and a privilege to preside over the 7th edition of the Financial Afrik Awards, held on January 22 and 23, 2026 in Banjul, Gambia – the “Smiling Coast of Africa”, renowned not only for one of the most remarkable coastlines on the continent, but also for its stability, openness, and growing confidence as an emerging investment platform. Beyond its modest size, the influence of The Gambia continues to extend far beyond its borders, driven by a people resolutely focused on the future and by a country…

Abidjan, February 11, 2026. On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of FANAF, the gala evening organized at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire served as the setting for the presentation of the FANAF Special Insurance Trophies. Supported by Atlantic Re and 225assurances.com (part of the 212assurances.com group), this distinction highlighted six emblematic initiatives, illustrating the upscale and transformation of the African insurance sector. In front of a full audience of regulators, leaders of pan-African groups, and technical partners, the ceremony took place in the presence of Mamadou K. G. Koné, the new president of FANAF, Gérard Ballo, Secretary General of ASACI,…

It’s done. Since February 14, 2026, local banks and financial institutions in the Ader region can carry out their operations on-site, from the city of Tahoua, located 550 km northeast of Niamey, the capital. The inauguration of the auxiliary agency of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in this part of Niger, a commercial, agricultural, and pastoral hub, illustrates the BCEAO’s policy of proximity. After the cities of Maradi and Zinder, a third city in Niger, Tahoua, officially houses an auxiliary agency of the BCEAO since February 14, 2026. The inauguration of this regional agency was presided over…

by Lamine Bal, special envoy. At a time when global competition for critical minerals is reshaping geo-economic balances, the question is no longer just about the volumes extracted, but about the ability of territories to structure complete industrial ecosystems. The Democratic Republic of the Congo represents approximately 70% of global cobalt production and is among the leading global producers of copper, two essential minerals for global energy transition. According to several international projections, global demand for copper could significantly increase in the coming decades, driven by the electrification of transportation, renewable energies, and digital infrastructure. In this context, Lualaba —…

The independent African strategy and management consulting firm FTHM Consulting announces the official opening of its office in Abidjan. With 30 years of experience and over 1,100 completed missions, the group aims to strengthen its presence in West Africa and promote African-origin consulting expertise that is structured and certified to international standards. FTHM Consulting takes a new step in its continental development with the official opening of its office in Côte d’Ivoire. The announcement was made on February 11 in Abidjan by its founding partner, Thierry Rajaona, during a press conference presenting the group’s expansion strategy in Africa. Founded in…

At the beginning of February 2026, a “dry strike” observed by healthcare personnel in Gbadolite, Democratic Republic of Congo, due to non-payment of bonuses and salaries, has brought the financial situation of the local branch of Afriland First Bank CD back into the spotlight. In response to the information circulating in the media, Afriland First Group has sought to clarify its position. In a statement, the group recalls that it was removed from the capital of Afriland First Bank CD in July 2021, following a decision by the Congolese authorities and the Central Bank. Lack of control since 2021 Since…

The leading Zambian reinsurer Klapton Re has announced that it has obtained a regulatory license to conduct reinsurance activities in China. This approval marks the entry of the African company into one of the most competitive insurance markets in the world, valued at over 100 billion yuan (approximately 14.45 billion USD). This authorization comes just a few weeks before Klapton Re’s planned listing on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) on March 24, 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The company will thus become the only Moody’s-rated entity listed on the Zambian stock exchange, with a Caa1 rating. “China is a market…

Ethiopia and France signed a bilateral debt restructuring agreement on February 11, 2026, marking a crucial step in the economic recovery process of the second most populous country in Africa. This agreement, the first of its kind between Addis Ababa and a member of the Official Creditors Committee (OCC) within the G20 framework, comes after five years of complex negotiations and is accompanied by a new French financing plan of 81.5 million euros. The agreement was signed in the Ethiopian capital by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and French Minister Delegate for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Éléonore Caroit. Ethiopia had requested…

The information disclosed a few days ago in financial circles of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) had a bombshell effect. Ivorian fintech CinetPay would have been the victim of an attack estimated, at the lower end, at $1.1 million. The cyber fraud incidents would come from three countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and...

On February 11, 2026, the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) decided to maintain the key rate unchanged at 7.00%. This decision was made after analyzing several indicators, including the evolution of the inflation rate. According to the BCT, it was necessary to continue supporting the ongoing disinflation process in order to bring inflation back to its long-term average. Updated data shows that inflation has decreased to 4.8% in January 2026, after stabilizing at 4.9% over the previous three months. “This decrease was favored by the slowdown in inflation of administered price products, which fell to…

The Minister of Finance of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Doudou Fwamba Likunde, stated that his country is preparing its very first issuance on the international bond market. “Our priority is to access the international capital market, not only to raise funds, but also to create a dynamic that allows the private sector to raise capital and invest in the country,” the minister said, as quoted by Reuters on Wednesday, February 11. Doudou Fwamba Likunde is aiming for an amount of 750 million USD, but the exact date of the operation has not yet been announced. “It will all…

Koné Mamadou, president of the Association of Insurance Companies of Côte d’Ivoire (ASACI), was elected president of the Federation of African National Insurance Companies (FANAF) following a vote held on Wednesday, February 11 during the organization’s general assembly in Abidjan. The vice presidency goes to Aymric Kamega, CEO of ACAM Vie (Cameroon). “This victory symbolizes the unity of all insurers, both those who supported my election and those who did not,” said the newly elected president. As the CEO of SanlamAllianz Côte d’Ivoire since 2014, Koné Mamadou succeeds Gabonese César Ekomie-Afene, who has been in office since February 2020. The…

The Republic of Congo has successfully issued international bonds in the amount of $700 million USD, with a coupon of 9.5% and a final maturity date set for January 2035. The outstanding amount will be repaid through a progressive amortization in five equal annual tranches, starting in January 2031. This transaction represents the first public...

Abidjan, February 11, 2026. ASAFO & CO. announces the appointment of Benoit DIOUF as a Partner at ASAFO & CO. RCI. Recognized for his expertise in legal and regulatory structuring of capital market transactions, Benoit joined ASAFO & CO. RCI in 2021. He assists local and international financial players in the design and implementation of their most complex operations, particularly in securitization cases in the WAEMU. This expertise is based on a career notably marked by internal experience at the African Development Bank (AfDB), which gives him a unique understanding of the operational and strategic expectations of development financial institutions.…

The Central African Securities Exchange (BVMAC) is preparing to launch an incubator called “BVMAC Enterprise Support Program (BVMAC ESPro)”. The tool aims to remove barriers to accessing financing through the stock market and familiarize companies with the standards of the regional financial market. According to information, the program is scheduled to launch in June 2026. In this regard, the authorities of the regional stock market held a meeting on February 4, 2026 in Douala (Cameroon) with key players from the CEMAC zone to inform and mobilize them around this new initiative. In detail, the BVMAC ESPro is presented as a…

Malian authorities launched the public securities issuance calendar for the year 2026 on February 5, 2026, with a target of 1.450 trillion FCFA to be raised on the Umoa market. The event also highlighted the three top investors in Malian securities in 2025. Firstly, the Development Bank of Mali (BDM-SA) was ranked first. The only bank mostly controlled by the state is followed by the Malian Solidarity Bank (BMS-SA), while the National Agricultural Development Bank (BNDA) completes the top three. These three institutions are also the country’s leading banks in terms of assets, accounting for 53% of the Malian banking…

The Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions of Senegal (APBEFS) carried out the handover of service on February 5 between the outgoing President, Mrs. Khady Boye HANNE, and the interim President, Mr. Sahid YALLOU. Mrs. Khady Boye HANNE successively held the positions of First Vice-President, and since January 14, 2025, those of President of APBEFS, following her acclamation election. Her mandate was marked by a strengthening of the internal structure of the Association, a revitalization of its technical committees, and a sustained dialogue with public and monetary authorities, in a context of transformation of the banking sector. Under her…

Libreville, February 10, 2026 – In a context marked by the restructuring of public policies, increased pressure on organizational performance, and growing demand for transparency, Global Mind Consulting, in partnership with the Homme et Développement firm, is organizing the 5th edition of its Global Master Class on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Libreville Business Square (LBS) around the theme: “Data Governance: producing, analyzing, and using information to make better decisions.” This new edition is part of a clear strategic dynamic: repositioning data as a central lever for credibility, efficiency, and steering of public and private action in Africa. From available…

The African Development Bank and Djibouti have signed agreements for $80 million to support infrastructure and resilience. The African Development Bank Group and the government of Djibouti signed four agreements on February 5 for $80 million in financing to support the implementation of key projects in road infrastructure, urban development, and climate-resilient agriculture. Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, who is also the Bank’s governor, and Alex Mubiru, the institution’s Director General for the East Africa region, signed on behalf of their respective entities. The Bank’s Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Service Delivery, Mrs. Nnenna…

Fifty years. In African institutional history, few sectoral organizations can boast such longevity without losing their soul, direction, and credibility. The Federation of African National Insurance Companies, better known by the acronym FANAF, is celebrating half a century of existence today, of battles and patient construction of a continental market that is still young but already structured. Fifty years of commitment to an African insurance conceived by Africans, adapted to local realities, and inscribed in a vision of regional integration. This anniversary, celebrated this week in Abidjan on the occasion of the 50th annual general assembly of the organization, is…

The appointment of Professor Serge Bayala as President of the Confederation Bank for Investment and Development of the Sahel States Alliance (BCID-AES) marks a new institutional and financial phase for the member countries of the Confederation. The decision, made on February 9, also places the new leader in front of a complex challenge: to build,...

Mining companies operating in the DRC will have to demonstrate that at least 5% of their share capital is held by employees of Congolese nationality. This is the essence of a letter dated January 30, 2026, addressed to operators of mines of all metals in the country, by the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba. This rule of local participation in mines, although provided for in the code, has long remained a dead letter in the sector. The provision is indeed provided for in Article 71 bis of the Mining Code, Article 144 bis of the Mining Regulations, as well…

On February 9, 2026 in Casablanca, the Professional Association of Stock Exchange Companies highlighted a major strategic shift in the Moroccan financial market. Supported by economic authorities and regulators, the stock exchange now aims to establish itself as a structuring lever for financing in the face of major challenges. Organized by the Professional Association of...