ECONOMY

Despite investing over one billion euros in tourism since 2016, Benin remains isolated by air. Without a national airline to connect Cotonou to major capitals, the country’s ambitions struggle to take off. With low connectivity, lost economic opportunities, and increased…

A historic milestone has been reached for the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), which has officially completed its first shipment of garments to French fashion brand GEMO. This achievement marks a decisive step in Benin’s ambition to become a key player…

The administration of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC) has taken a new step in its strategy to modernize and streamline port operations. In an official memo dated May 22, 2025, PAC Director General Bart Johan Jozef Van Eenoo announced…

Western companies in the commodities and shipping sectors are reportedly consulting legal firms to assess the possibility of resuming business ties with Russia, amid speculation that U.S. sanctions against Moscow could be eased, the Financial Times reports. According to the…

The French Days 2025 kicked off this Wednesday, April 30, offering consumers a full week of promotions across a wide range of products. Launched in 2018 by several major French retailers, this sales event was designed to rival Black Friday…

France is stepping up its stance against the flood of low-cost parcels arriving from China. In a context marked by a surge in ultra-cheap deliveries, the government is aiming to dismantle a system it deems both unfair to local retailers…

The French government plans to eliminate or merge a third of its public agencies and institutions starting next year, in a bid to reduce a budget deficit deemed too high. The announcement was made by Amélie de Montchalin, Minister of…

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), is set to take over leadership of the World Economic Forum (WEF), held annually in Davos, Switzerland, following the end of her term in 2027, according to SonntagsZeitung, citing sources within…

Gold futures for June 2025 delivery have reached a new all-time high, surpassing $3,500 per ounce on the Comex exchange. As of 03:30 (UTC), gold was trading at $3,500.10 per ounce, up 4.59%. By 03:45, the precious metal had slightly…

Russia will supply Senegal with seed batches, assist in the introduction of organic fertilizers, and train agri-food specialists, announced Modou Gueye Seck, advisor to the Senegalese Prime Minister on agriculture and director of the Department of Financing and International Partnerships…

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to breaking away from the CFA franc, which he considers incompatible with the country’s ambitions. Ousmane Sonko, who became Senegal’s Prime Minister in April 2024, has openly voiced his opposition…

Mali approves transfer of Bougouni lithium mine exploitation permit, marking a key step toward production launch On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Malian government approved, during a Council of Ministers meeting, the transfer of the exploitation permit for the major…

As part of its economic diversification strategy, Nigeria has signed a mining cooperation agreement with South Africa. The announcement was made on Thursday by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the country’s…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the immediate disbursement of $129 million to Mali under the Rapid Credit Facility. This funding will help the Sahelian country effectively address the aftermath of the 2024 floods. The country led by General…

Starting May 1st, Ghana will prohibit foreigners from operating in the artisanal gold market. The decision, announced by the Ghana Gold Board—the state agency in charge of regulating the gold sector—marks a significant shift for Africa’s leading gold producer. The…

Beninese President Patrice Talon has appointed the members of the Board of Directors of the Territorial Agricultural Development Agency (ATDA) for the Niger Valley. The decision, formalized by a decree dated March 14, 2025, involves seven individuals from various public…

In Senegal, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asserts that between 2019 and 2024, a debt of around $7 billion was concealed by Macky Sall’s administration, confirming the findings of the Cour des Comptes. In a report published in February 2025,…

The Beninese government and its financial partners have devoted more than 450 billion CFA francs (around $746.8 million) in recent years to modernizing the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, with a target date of 2026, José Didier Tonato, Benin’s Minister of…

Burkina Faso has recorded an acceleration in economic growth, reaching 5.1% in 2024 compared with 3.6% in 2023, the government announced on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers. This marks an upward revision of 0.1 percentage points on the August…

Benin’s merchandise exports rose by 4.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with the previous quarter, while imports fell by 7.4%, according to a report published Tuesday by the National Institute of Statistics and Demography (Instad). According to Instad’s…

With the rise of Bassirou Diomaye Faye to the presidency, the debate on the abandonment of the CFA franc has been reignited, forming a major pivot in his electoral program. In response to questions on this subject, Stéphane Séjourné, the…