The introduction of eSIM technology is a significant development underscored by its potential impact on technology adoption, economic growth, and social inclusion in Africa. The technology simplifies user onboarding, potentially increasing the customer base and revenues for operators. MTN South Sudan has officially launched eSIM technology to the market. The event occurred during the group’s...

The International Labor Organization recommends allocating at least 1% of GDP to public policies for early childhood education. In Africa, this target has yet to be met, leaving women to bear an unequal share of childcare responsibilities. Increasing public spending on childcare and early childhood education could create millions of new jobs in four African countries by 2030, with 65% of these...

The ECF agreement between Ethiopia and the IMF aims to address economic imbalances, restore debt sustainability, and lay the foundation for more inclusive growth driven by the private sector. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) board has approved an immediate disbursement of $248 million for Ethiopia after completing the second review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). According...

The slight drop in Africa's trade deficit with China does not show a change in what Africa is exporting. That is mainly because prices for raw materials like gold, copper, and coffee have gone up. Trade between China and Africa reached $295.56 billion in 2024, growing by 4.8% compared to 2023, according to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs. Chinese exports to...

Simon Tiemtoré has become a key figure in African banking. In just four years, he has made big moves, getting attention in the African business world. As French banks pull back from Africa, this Burkinabé businessman is stepping in to fill the space they’ve left behind. His latest move is opening a branch in France—a big step for Vista Bank, which plans to grow its network to 25 banks by...

The IMF raised Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth forecast by 0.2 percentage points compared to the projections for October 2024. The region’s growth is expected to reach 4.2% in 2025. Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is expected to grow by 3.8% in 2024, from the 3.6% projected in October 2024. This update comes from the latest "World Economic Outlook January 2025" report published by the...

The financing needs for 2025 are estimated at CFA1,200 billion ($1.9 billion), including CFA610 billion through medium- and long-term debt issuance and CFA545 billion raised on the regional financial market via Treasury bills and bonds. Benin has successfully raised $1 billion through two simultaneous operations on international markets, making it the first African country to issue...

Globalization and digitalization have pushed countries to adopt new standards in public finance. In Burkina Faso, the government aims to align the skills of its officials and professionals with these global demands. On January 15, the Council of Ministers in Burkina Faso, chaired by Transitional President Ibrahim Traoré, approved the creation of a public finance institute. According to the...

In October 2023, the African Development Bank reported that Africa’s progress on the SDGs remains uneven. With persistent challenges like poverty and limited energy access, a new study from the Brookings Institution urges a bold rethink of strategies to boost results. Africa has made progress in areas like health. Still, it remains far behind on most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),...

Canada’s Robex Resources has been running the Nampala gold mine in Mali since 2017. Since then, the mine has delivered 230,000 ounces of gold. Last year, the Malian government doubled its stake in the project, located 250 km from Bamako, the capital. The lifespan of Mali’s Nampala gold mine has been extended, from June to December 2026. Robex, the Canadian firm running the project, announced...