By late 2024, the AES had already committed to maintaining free movement with ECOWAS. Following their official withdrawal on January 29, 2025, all eyes are now on how relations between the two blocs will unfold. Investors are closely watching the situation, as key discussions are expected to outline the future of their cooperation. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced...

The report highlights that Africa's entrepreneurial landscape is mainly made up of small, informal businesses, which face structurally low productivity levels and limited access to capital. Micro-businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs most of whom operate in the informal sector account for 84% of total jobs across Africa, according to a World Bank report published on January 13. Titled...

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries in an increasingly digital world, its impact on cybersecurity—a key pillar of the fourth industrial revolution—is raising growing concerns. In its "Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025" report released in January, the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that nearly 47% of businesses worldwide see the rise of AI-powered cybercrime as...

The Cyber Africa Forum (CAF), a leading platform dedicated to analyzing digital and cybersecurity issues in Africa, announces its fifth edition to be held in Cotonou, Benin, on June 24 and 25, 2025. Organized with the support of Benin's Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Digital and Digitalization, this event will bring together top regional authorities, CEOs of leading...

West Africa has major gold producers like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana. Togo, which borders these countries, is a key transit point for traders exporting gold worth hundreds of millions of dollars, mainly to the United Arab Emirates. Togo's low royalty rates attract gold from Burkina Faso, allowing it to pass through Togo for international sale. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative...

In 2023, Ghana solidified its position as Africa's leading gold exporter with $7.6 billion in gold shipments. The momentum carried into 2024, where a notable 30% increase in gold prices contributed to rising export revenues, bolstering the nation's economic landscape. Ghana earned $11.6 billion from gold exports last year, up 52.6% compared to 2023. The Bank of Ghana disclosed the...

This move comes as part of stricter capital requirements aimed at supporting economic growth and strengthening the resilience of Nigeria's financial system. Zenith Bank announced on January 26 it raised 350.4 billion Naira (226 million dollars) through a rights issue and public offer launched a few months ago. The dual fundraising initiative, which was oversubscribed by more than 160%, has...

In December 2024, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners called for $7.6 billion in funding for 2025 to support 35 million people affected by crises in West and Central Africa. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend U.S. foreign aid globally, except for Israel and Egypt, has raised alarms about its potential impact on African countries heavily reliant on humanitarian...

The global 15% minimum tax on multinational corporations took effect on January 1, 2024, in over 30 developed countries, including tax havens like Luxembourg and Switzerland. While the United States signed the agreement, it was never ratified during Joe Biden’s presidency. The decision by newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump to pull the country out of a global agreement that would...

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson (pictured), has declared ‘a war” against wasteful government spending. Speaking recently to his staff members during his inaugural address, he stressed the importance of bold economic reforms and disciplined financial management to reposition the Ghanaian economy and ensure inclusive growth. In a statement released on January 26, the...