Author: Congo Times

A Strategic Investment in African Digital Infrastructure The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed a substantial €370 million in loans to Maroc Telecom, aimed at fortifying the telecommunications landscape in Chad and Mali. This investment aligns with the broader strategic objectives of enhancing mobile connectivity and proliferating high-quality mobile internet across the African continent. The funds will notably facilitate the deployment of advanced 4G services, aiming to introduce faster, more reliable internet access to burgeoning populations and businesses. Enhancing Connectivity: A Priority for Maroc Telecom With over two decades of operational experience in sub-Saharan Africa, Maroc Telecom remains committed to…

A Region in Crisis West and Central Africa are currently witnessing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, driven by an unfortunate melding of conflict, climate change impacts, and a significant decline in international support. As of the latest reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 13 million individuals have been displaced, an alarming statistic that underscores the gravity of the situation. A staggering 48% increase in forced displacement since 2020 has reshaped the demographic landscape of countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon, sparking an urgent call to action from international humanitarian organizations. The Humanitarian Fallout…

An Assembly of Leaders in Abuja From June 25 to 28, 2025, Nigeria’s capital Abuja will play host to over 6,000 delegates at Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual General Assembly (AGA). Esteemed attendees, including more than thirty heads of state and multiple economic leaders, will gather to deliberate on the pressing economic issues facing Africa. With a theme focusing on ‘Building the Future on Decades of Resilience’, the assembly underscores the vital role of intra-African trade, industrialization, and sustainable investment in shaping the continent’s economic landscape. Transformative Economic Goals The AGA will delve into Afreximbank’s ambitious agenda, which includes a $10 billion…

A Dire Search for Employment In the cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, young Congolese graduates emerge from universities, diplomas in hand, yet are met with a barren landscape of job opportunities. Many, like Nesmy, a 28-year-old economics master’s graduate, find themselves delivering goods rather than practicing their chosen professions. Nesmy’s struggle is emblematic of a widespread issue: the lack of stable employment avenues for qualified youth, as pointed out by various reports (source needed). The Gap Between Education and Employment Beyond the scarcity of jobs, there’s a glaring mismatch between educational output and labor market requirements, a concern echoed by…

Golden Dominance of the Maghreb In the intricate dance of international finance and power, gold remains a steadfast partner—a reliable asset amidst the swirling uncertainties of today’s geopolitical climate. North Africa, more specifically the Maghreb region, holds a notable share of Africa’s official gold reserves, illustrating an enduring dominance bolstered by both historical and economic factors. The combined gold holdings of Algeria, Libya, and Egypt reach an impressive 448 tonnes, representing two-thirds of the continent’s reserves as reported by the World Gold Council for the first quarter of 2025. This continued dominance can partially be attributed to the substantial oil…

A Tragic Incident Stirring Controversy The death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang has ignited a national uproar, not just due to the circumstances of his demise but also due to a quote wrongly linked to Siaya Governor James Orengo. Arrested in early June 2025 over defamation allegations made by Eliud Lagat, the deputy inspector general of police, Ojwang’s death in police custody following a transfer to Nairobi has raised serious questions about police accountability and brutality. An official autopsy contradicted the police account, revealing evidence of violent assault leading to public outcry and demands for justice from human rights organizations.…

Escalating Security Crisis and the Rise of PMSCs Insecurity in Africa is reaching unprecedented levels, with crises ranging from Jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel to piracy threats in the Gulf of Guinea. In this tumultuous environment, African governments are increasingly turning to Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) as a seemingly essential lifeline. From notorious entities such as the Wagner Group in Mali to less publicized operations in countries like Mozambique, Nigeria, and Kenya, PMSCs operate largely in shadowy realms, away from public scrutiny. Historical Precedent and Contemporary Practices The concept of private military forces is not new to Africa.…

The Unyielding Shadow of 1994 Since the 1994 genocide, where around 800,000 Tutsis were slaughtered, Rwanda has intricately woven this tragedy into its national fabric and international narrative. This historical scourge, while undeniably central to contemporary Rwanda’s identity, becomes a complex tapestry interwoven with accusations and critiques of current governance under President Paul Kagame. As the architect of modern Rwanda, Kagame navigates the murky waters of post-genocide reconciliation and international diplomacy, yet critics argue that he leverages this tragedy not only for national unity but as a shield against criticism. Domestic Governance under Scrutiny The realities within Rwanda paint a…

Examining the Roots of Misinformation Recent allegations have emerged, suggesting that the Republic of Congo is issuing diplomatic passports and even citizenship to foreigners with alarming ease. These claims, circulating primarily on social media, depict Congo as an enclave where national identity is commoditised, particularly targeting African nationals, including Rwandans. However, these claims lack substantiation, notably omitting crucial legal and administrative frameworks governing diplomatic passport issuance. Regulatory Framework Tightening Contrary to claims of laxity, Congo’s regulatory framework for diplomatic passports has intensified scrutiny. The biometric identification system, underpinned by the 2008 decree, delineates stringent criteria and qualifications for diplomatic passport…

Viral Claims of Exam Cancellation Recent social media posts have sparked a flurry of concern across West Africa, alleging that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has annulled the 2025 English language examination results due to widespread misconduct. This claim has been rapidly circulating, particularly on platforms like Facebook, engendering confusion among students and educators alike. WAEC’s Official Rebuttal In a swift response to these rumors, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s public affairs officer, firmly addressed the misleading information. Adesina emphasized that no such cancellation was in effect, nor was there any intent to reschedule the examination. She stated that these falsehoods…