While cryptocurrencies are often used as a shield against inflation, they are viewed more positively in developing countries than in developed ones. However, market volatility and the prevalence of scams remain the main obstacles to wider adoption of these digital assets. Nigeria and South Africa have the highest rates of cryptocurrency ownership in the world in 2024, according to a report...

Ending the trade preference program, which has consistently enjoyed bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, seems unlikely. However, the next U.S. administration may choose to expand or restrict the program based on its economic and strategic priorities. Donald Trump’s return to the White House has created uncertainty over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The...

Sarama Resources has initiated arbitration proceedings against Burkina Faso, claiming $115 million in damages following the withdrawal of its mining permit. The dispute traces back to 2023 when the Canadian company faced the abrupt cancellation of an exploration permit the firm held for 12 years. Sarama deems the decision "incoherent" and is determined to explore all legal avenues to be...

Lithium prices significantly dropped over the past two years,  due to a slower demand and oversupply. However, the long-term outlook for lithium producers remains optimistic, with projections indicating a potential shortage by 2030. This anticipated deficit is prompting substantial investments to boost production capabilities. On December 12, 2024, Rio Tinto announced a $2.5 billion...

Mozambique has been engulfed in deadly protests since October 2024, triggered by the ruling party's victory in the recent presidential election. This post-election turmoil is compelling companies to halt operations due to escalating security risks and logistical challenges. On December 12, 2024, Australia’s Syrah Resources, declared “force majeure” at its Balama graphite mine in...

21% of the WAEMU population is unaware of the existence of regional financial market players, according to a study by the AMF-UMOA. Through this event, the APSGI aims to boost its visibility and achieve 60% of stock market transactions from individual investors by 2030. The Maison de l’entreprise in Abidjan-Plateau, Côte d’Ivoire, welcomed the second edition of the "APSGI Rendez-vous" on...

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) claims over $13 billion across more than 300 projects in Africa. To mark its fifth anniversary, the institution inaugurated a new office in West Africa to strengthen its presence in the region. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) officially inaugurated its first regional office for West Africa in Abidjan...

Thirty-three of the least developed African countries can now export 140 additional products to China without paying any tariffs. However, this latest tariff removal by Beijing is unlikely to significantly change trade relations between China and the continent, as it mostly applies to unprocessed, low-value goods. Starting December 1, China removed all tariffs on imports from the least developed...

Fibre networks are crucial in improving internal connectivity within African countries while linking them to a strong regional digital infrastructure. This development establishes a smooth and unified cross-border digital network. On December 12, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies and a leading pan-African technology group, announced the completion of its fibre...

Since November, the Ivorian government has been working with lawmakers to defend its 2025 budget proposal. The budget, which represents an 11.8% increase, has just been approved by the Senate's Economic and Financial Affairs Committee. In Côte d’Ivoire, the 2025 budget proposal has cleared a major hurdle after being unanimously approved by the Senate’s Economic and Financial Affairs...