First Independent Mena Newspaper
A surge in cocoa smuggling across West Africa is undermining the economies of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the world’s top cocoa producers, amid record global prices exceeding $10,000 per ton. The illicit trade, driven by price disparities and weak enforcement, is costing both countries hundreds of millions in lost revenue and threatening the stability of […]
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged African governments to take decisive action to strengthen the continent’s aviation sector, describing it as a vital engine for economic growth, connectivity, and job creation. Currently contributing $75 billion to Africa’s GDP and supporting 8.1 million jobs, the aviation industry is projected to grow at 4.1% annually, […]
In a landmark move, the French government has unveiled a new bill aimed at simplifying the return of cultural artifacts taken during the colonial period. Introduced by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, the legislation would allow items looted between 1815 and 1972 to be returned by government decree, bypassing the need for time-consuming parliamentary votes. The […]
Chinese company Kuntai has said it will invest $13.7 million in a car carpet plant in Morocco which has become a major global player in the automotive industry. The new production site comes to enhance further Morocco’s automotive industrial eco-system. Its main target is the European market. The facility will also promote research, development, production, […]
UN Special Representative to Libya Hanna Serwaa Tetteh has said Morocco is a “very important partner” in building agreement and consensus among Libyan parties, commending the Kingdom for its efforts and for backing the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The UN official made the remarks in Rabat following her Talks held Monday with Moroccan […]
Egypt’s 2025 Senate elections began on a somber note as the National Elections Authority (NEA) confirmed three deaths on the first day of voting. Judge Ahmed Bendary, Executive Director of the NEA, revealed at a press conference this Monday that the deceased included the principal of Kafr Hamad School in Sharqia, who died while on […]
Kenyan President William Ruto has pledged a record-breaking 600 million Kenyan shillings (approximately $4.6 million) to the national football team, Harambee Stars, should they clinch the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Addressing the players during a breakfast meeting in Nairobi over the weekend, Ruto described the moment as historic, noting that Kenya is hosting the […]
African nations are racing against time to renegotiate trade terms with the United States, as sweeping tariffs — initially set to begin 1 August — now loom for 7 August following a last-minute executive order by President Donald Trump. Trump’s latest executive order slaps a uniform 15% tariff on most African exports — threatening industries […]
Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition, led by Leila Benali, has initiated sweeping reforms to revitalize the mining sector as a strategic pillar of economic sovereignty and territorial development. The comprehensive overhaul includes legislative changes, digitalization initiatives, and targeted regional development programs designed to unlock the sector’s investment potential. A draft law amending Law No. 33.13 […]
Japan is intensifying its African engagement ahead of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), with ambitious plans centered on youth employment, digital transformation, and climate resilience. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already deployed $2.9 billion of a pledged $5 billion private sector investment package, signaling sustained commitment despite global economic […]