First Independent Mena Newspaper
Two Moroccan fintech startups, Woliz and Hsabati, have been selected for the fourth Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program launched by the American giant in digital payments to help startups fast-track their growth and impact. Woliz is a fintech ecosystem transforming nano-stores into digital hubs with loyalty rewards, payments, and AI-driven operations. Hsabati is a platform […]
The Central African Republic (CAR) is resisting Russian pressure to replace the Wagner Group with the Kremlin’s newly formed Africa Corps, amid demands for cash payments rather than the mineral-for-security model that has long defined the partnership. According to senior officials in Bangui, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister made several visits this year urging CAR to […]
Kenya, a nation heavily reliant on agricultural exports, seeks to expand its commercial opportunities globally. The country now steps closer to a bilateral agreement with China that would scrap customs duties on several key agricultural exports, including tea, coffee, and avocados. President William Ruto announced this progress during a presidential round table with the private […]
Morocco dominates the top 10 biggest listed companies in North Africa following the success and expansion of Moroccan businesses, driven by steady growth and an effective pan-African expansion strategy. According to Africa Business news platform, the first six places have been grabbed by Moroccan companies with largest market capitalization. Attijariwafa bank ($15.6 billion) tops the […]
The Royal Atlantic Initiative enabling landlocked Sahel countries to have access to the Ocean strengthens South-South and triangular development projects that effectively contribute to improving the lives of beneficiaries and enhancing their development capacities. The remarks were made by Omar Hilale, Morocco’s permanent representative to the UN and President of the 22nd session of the […]
The government of Japan has reportedly signed again on the participation of the Algeria-backed Polisario militia’s in its summit with African countries due in Yokoham from 20 to 22 August 2025. This is not the first time that Japan takes such a risky move with serious political implications. It is very likely to strain relations […]
King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, on his country’s National Day, wherein he hailed bilateral relations as exceptional. In this message, the Monarch welcomed the deep bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that unite the Moroccan and Ivorian peoples, as well as the close […]
Finance and economy ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have agreed to fast-track the launch of a new regional financial institution aimed at bolstering economic sovereignty and reducing dependence on external donors, following their exit from regional bloc Ecowas. In a recent meeting in Niamey, officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reached […]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned Sudanese aircraft from landing at its airports, a move Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority described as “surprising” and deeply disruptive to travel plans for its citizens. The UAE also blocked a Sudanese flight from departing Abu Dhabi, escalating already fraught relations between the two nations. The flight ban marks […]
Danish shipping giant Maersk has announced plans to halt its direct cargo shipping route between South Africa and the United States, effective October 1, 2025. The decision is expected to significantly impact South African exporters, who will now face longer transit times and higher logistics costs. According to a company notice sent to clients earlier […]