EcofinAgency

22/09/2025

Morocco Eases Visas for 8 African Nations Ahead of AFCON 2025

Morocco eases visas for 8 African nations Electronic travel authorization via “YALLA” app required New system active Sept 25, 2025–Jan 25, 2026 Morocco has eased its visa policy for eight African nations to accommodate fans attending the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The countries benefi...

22/09/2025

Kenya Eyes U.S. Trade Deal by Year-End as AGOA Expiry Looms

Kenya hopes for U.S. trade deal by end of 2025 AGOA expiry threatens jobs, 10% U.S. export tariffs Talks restarted in August; deal timing still uncertain After nearly five years of negotiations, a trade deal between Kenya and the United States may finally be concluded this year, Kenyan officials bel...

22/09/2025

Captive Power: Nigeria’s $25 Billion Answer to a Failing Grid

Nigeria has the world's largest electricity access deficit, with 86 million people left unconnected in 2022, according to the IEA. To counter the national grid's weaknesses and significant economic costs, individuals and particularly industrial users are increasingly turning to self-generated power....

22/09/2025

Ranking of Sub-Saharan African countries by institutional & policy quality (2024)

Rwanda leads with 4.2 points, followed by Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde & Kenya.

https://www.agenceecofin.com/actualites/1507-130108-qualite-des-politiques-et-des-institutions-classement-2024-des-pays-subsahariens-bm

22/09/2025

Mali applies new mining code to gold and lithium projects

• Government approves decrees applying 2023 mining code to four major mines • State shareholding in mines raised to 35%, with priority dividend rights • Agreements cover Sadiola, Syama, Goulamina, and Bougouni projects The Malian government announced on September 19 that it has approved decree...

22/09/2025

Congo Showcases Digital Ambitions at BRICS Forum with Plans for Pan-African AI Center

• Only 38.4% of Congolese have internet access in early 2025, giving opportunity to tap on the 60% remaining offline, for growth expansion. • CARIA, a pan-African AI center was unveiled. It will support research, training, and innovation in health, education, and agriculture. • Congo signed an...

22/09/2025

Senegal allocates $4.5 mln relief fund for flood victims

• Government approves $4.5 mln emergency package for flood-affected families • $1.8 mln to fund drainage works, $2.7 mln for food aid, shelter, and logistics • Floods continue to threaten food security and displace thousands in Senegal The Senegalese government announced on September 19 an eme...

22/09/2025

Spain’s CAF wins €450 mln deal to upgrade Cairo Metro

• CAF signs €450 mln ($530 mln) deal to upgrade and maintain Cairo Metro trains • Project covers modernization of 39 trains on Line 2 and maintenance of Lines 1–2 • Spain uses FIEM fund to expand global footprint in Egypt’s transport sector Spanish rail group CAF has signed three...

22/09/2025

Ghana rubber sector loses $100 mln annually over low processing

• Rubber Processors Association says lack of processing costs $100 mln a year • Over half of Ghana’s 2024 exports were raw rubber with little value addition • Foreign intermediaries capture large share of unprocessed rubber market Ghana loses more than $100 million annually due to low proces...

22/09/2025

Mauritius Central Bank Head Quits After Deputy’s Exit, PM Push

• Mauritius central bank governor Rama Sithanen to resign after PM request • Resignation follows deputy’s exit, allegations of family interference • Rupee up 6% in 2025, inflation contained at 3.3% The governor of the Bank of Mauritius, Rama Sithanen, announced on Saturday, Sept. 20, that he...

22/09/2025

Namibia to build national data center under 2025-2029 digital strategy

• Government to create a national data center as part of its digital strategy • Project details still under study, but facility expected to meet global standards • Move follows Namibia’s 2025-2029 digital plan to boost growth and inclusion The Namibian government plans to set up a national d...

22/09/2025

DR Congo digital shift could add $4.1 bln and 2.5 mln jobs by 2029 (GSMA)

• GSMA projects $4.1 bln in added value, 2.5 mln jobs, and 3,000 bln CDF in taxes • Industry and agriculture seen as main drivers of digital transformation • Poor internet access, high taxes, and weak energy supply remain key obstacles The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could add 11,800...