First Independent Mena Newspaper
Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is expected to grow by 3.8% in 2025, a modest but meaningful rebound driven by easing inflation, stabilizing currencies, and improving investment conditions, according to the World Bank’s latest Africa Pulse report released Tuesday (7 Oct). The forecast marks an upgrade from April’s 3.5% projection and reflects renewed optimism in key economies […]
Africa’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity fell sharply in the first half of 2025, with deal volumes declining by 21% and total values down 16% compared to the same period last year. According to a new report by DealMakers Africa, foreign investors are retreating from the continent due to global interest rate hikes, a strong […]
A sweeping new offensive by the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nasrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in western Mali is rapidly reshaping the Sahel conflict, expanding both the geographic reach and economic impact of militant Islamist violence in the region, according to a new study by the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS). Led by the Maçina Liberation […]
The European Union has announced a €545 million ($638 million) initiative to accelerate Africa’s transition to clean energy, aiming to expand electrification, modernize power grids, and improve access to renewable power across nine countries. Unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, the funding forms part […]
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 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved nearly $297 million to fund major development projects in Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Mauritania. The funds aim to boost job creation, strengthen public services, and drive inclusive growth. The approval came during the IsDB’s 361st Board of Directors meeting held at the beginning of this week. The financing […]
Ukraine is reportedly deepening its presence in Africa, offering military training, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic support to counter Russia’s growing influence, particularly in the Sahel region. As Moscow-backed mercenaries spread across conflict zones like Mali, Ukraine has launched a strategic push to win allies on the continent and undermine Kremlin-backed operations. Kyiv’s latest initiative includes […]
Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire have inked a military cooperation agreement destined to enhance military cooperation, particularly in the fields of training, exercises, military healthcare, technical assistance, and the exchange of expertise across various areas of mutual interest. The agreement was initialed In Rabat Friday by Minister Delegate in Charge of National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, […]
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan chaired, on Monday at Mechouar Stinia–Sahrij Souani in Meknes, the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the Moroccan International Agricultural Show (SIAM), held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, from April 21 to 27, under the theme “Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of […]
Former international banker and Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam has officially declared his candidacy for Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming presidential election, marking a dramatic return to national politics after more than two decades abroad. The 62-year-old former elite banker was confirmed as the presidential candidate for the opposition Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), winning 99.5% […]