First Independent Mena Newspaper
The Moroccan handicraft sector, long rooted in tradition and cultural heritage, is undergoing a significant transformation as it asserts itself as a vital pillar of the national economy, representing 7% of GDP, Lahcen Saadi, Secretary of State in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy said. The sector now employs over 2.7 million […]
Senegal is facing mounting fiscal challenges as its public debt approaches 80% of GDP, driven by rising borrowing costs, persistent energy subsidies, and the lingering effects of post-COVID recovery spending. The government is under increasing pressure to balance its budget while maintaining critical social and infrastructure investments. According to a recent World Bank report, Senegal’s […]
Italy and the European Union have announced €1.2 billion in new investments across Africa, aimed at boosting infrastructure, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient agriculture, though many question the true motives behind the ambitious investment plan. The deals, co-led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, form part of Meloni’s […]
In a strategic move to reduce global reliance on the U.S. dollar, China has welcomed six new financial institutions from Africa, the Gulf, and Central Asia into its Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). The expansion, announced during a ceremony in Shanghai, brings direct participation in the yuan-based payment network to 174 institutions, as China steps […]
Algeria is entering a phase of deepening financial isolation following its inclusion on the European Union’s updated list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing. While the blacklisting was formalized on June 10, 2025, its consequences are now materializing across Algeria’s already fragile financial system, exposing long-standing structural weaknesses. The EU’s decision, aligned […]
The International Finance Corporation has agreed to provide Maroc Telecom two loans totaling €370 million to enable the Moroccan telecom group support its subsidiaries in Chad and Mali. The IFC funding will help to enhance mobile connectivity and improve the quality of mobile internet. It will also support the rollout of 4G services, bringing faster, […]
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provides Morocco’s Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau potable (ONEE) €300 million loan to strengthen the financial & climate resilience of the utility company and support its digitalization projects. The Moroccan National Office of Electricity & Drinking Water is involved in generation, transmission and renewables. The […]
The World Bank has agreed to provide Morocco $250 million funding to support the country’s social protection system which has improved living standards of vulnerable households and expanded access to essential services. In December 2023, Morocco launched the Direct Social Benefit (DSB) program as a key component of the national social protection reform. As of […]
As Egypt navigates its economic recovery, a notable divergence has emerged between Government projections and IMF estimates regarding public debt reduction. While the Egyptian Government targets a reduction of public debt to 85% of GDP by the end of FY2024/25 and to 80% by mid-2027, the IMF forecasts a slower decline from 92.9% to 73.9% […]
Qatar National Bank (QNB) has petitioned a U.S. federal court to enforce a $1.02 billion arbitration award against South Sudan, stemming from an unpaid wartime loan originally intended to stabilize the fledgling nation’s economy. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, QNB’s request asks the court to treat the International Centre […]