First Independent Mena Newspaper
Algeria is grappling with a deepening currency crisis as the Algerian dinar continues its relentless slide, raising alarm over the country’s economic stability, inflationary pressures, and the sustainability of state finances. Since late 2019, the dinar has lost significant value against the euro, falling from 204 dinars per euro in December 2019 to over 260 […]
In a dramatic pivot away from traditional regional alliances, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have deepened their collaboration under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aiming to reclaim sovereignty and reshape their economic future, including through the planned launch of common currency. Born out of frustration with ECOWAS and external pressures, the AES is fast-tracking […]
Morocco has officially dismantled the near-monopoly held by le Centre Monétique Interbancaire (CMI) over electronic payment terminals, marking a major shift in the country’s digital economy and financial sector. The reform, which took effect on May 1, 2025, allows banks, fintech firms, and independent payment providers to directly offer point-of-sale (POS) services to merchants, a […]
King Mohammed VI has outlined a roadmap for achieving a comprehensive and sustainable development in Africa, based on four key pillars, namely changing the model used for development financing; creating an institutional, economic, and social environment conducive to development; increasing and stimulating intra-African trade; and increasing the value of the continent’s abundant natural resources. These […]
In a decisive stride towards climate resilience, the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced plans to establish a dedicated Carbon Markets Support Facility aimed at galvanizing carbon finance across Africa. Recognising the continent’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters, this pioneering initiative seeks to unlock new streams of investment by formalizing and scaling carbon credit trading. […]
Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah, who secured a five-year mandate at the helm of the African development Bank, one of the continent’s most influential financial institutions, pledged in his victory speech to “build a stronger, more responsive AfDB” that can better support member countries in tackling urgent challenges such as climate resilience, food security, and youth […]
The diplomatic standoff between France and Algeria has escalated into a retaliatory spiral, with Paris now reportedly preparing to freeze the assets of 20 senior Algerian regime figures, according to French media outlets including L’Express. The measure, currently under review by the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, would mirror the sanctions imposed on […]
Morocco and the UN World Tourism Organization have signed a financial agreement related to the establishment of the organization’s first African innovation Office in Rabat, Morocco. The financial agreement was signed Thursday in Madrid by Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. This agreement follows host country agreement signed between […]
Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania was elected this Thursday President of the African Development Bank Group at the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Sidi Ould Tah will succede Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina at the helm of the AfDB. Tah was elected by the Bank’s Board of Governors, comprising Finance and Economy Ministers or […]
Morocco has emerged as a key beneficiary of the Mirova Sustainable Land Fund 2 (MSLF2), a €363 million impact investment initiative targeting sustainable agricultural and forestry management across seven countries, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in Africa’s ecological transition. The fund, launched by Mirova—a Natixis Investment Managers affiliate—with strategic support from the Green Climate Fund, addresses […]