Author: Congo Times

Efako My Bouffe: An Unlikely Innovation in Benin In Benin, a captivating innovation has emerged, as Efako My Bouffe introduces a groundbreaking local production: a 100% locally manufactured food dispenser. Spearheaded by the visionary Prosper Kangnidé Mahunakpon, this project springs from the educational trenches and rises as a testament to local ingenuity. The endeavor highlights the potential harbored within academic circles to spawn real-world technological advancements. This landmark venture showcases a blend of human resolve and native intelligence, poised to alter prevailing consumer habits and stimulate local employment. The Tenacity Behind Efako My Bouffe The journey of Efako My Bouffe…

Exploring Solar Potential in Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by an abundant solar potential, is increasingly exploring renewable energy solutions to combat chronic energy deficiencies. Countries like Mali are turning towards solar power to meet critical energy needs in various sectors, notably healthcare. With sunshine blessing certain regions with over 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, solar energy emerges as a viable solution to endemic power shortages. Kati Hospital: A Beacon of Solar-Powered Healthcare Kati Hospital in Mali exemplifies how solar energy is becoming an indispensable part of healthcare infrastructure. Under the aegis of the transitional government, led by initiatives such…

A United Front in Addressing Youth Unemployment On June 17, 2025, a pivotal meeting took place in Plateau, Ivory Coast, gathering key representatives from the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, alongside the Ministry of State Properties, Portfolio, and Public Enterprises. This strategic collaboration aims to harness the capability of public enterprises in the campaign against youth unemployment, a major concern in the country. For the year 2025 alone, approximately 102,000 opportunities for professional integration, including internships and training programs, have been earmarked. The Gravity of Youth Unemployment in Ivory Coast Youth unemployment in Ivory Coast has…

A New Chapter of Financial Isolation Algeria has entered increasingly turbulent economic waters as the implications of its inclusion on the European Union’s list of high-risk countries unfold. The EU’s blacklisting, effective as of June 10, 2025, spotlights Algeria’s systemic vulnerabilities, echoed by the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) earlier greylisting in 2024. This classification compels European financial institutions to adopt stringent due diligence on Algerian transactions, inevitably raising barriers in trade, elevating operational costs, and causing significant interruptions in cross-border financial activities. The Enduring Strain on Algeria’s Financial System The EU’s decision serves to exacerbate Algeria’s financial seclusion, straining…

Historic Gathering in Bamako On June 20, the Sahel region witnessed a landmark event as the defense ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) converged in Bamako. This inaugural meeting aimed explicitly at fortifying security cooperation and mutual defense strategies among Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The assembly was not merely procedural; it was a testament to the three nations’ resolve to confront common security challenges through unified efforts. The Birth of a Sovereign Alliance Established in September 2023, the AES signified a pivotal shift towards regional self-reliance, evolving into a confederation by July 2024, underscoring a shared commitment…

Comprehensive Legislative Revisions in Kenya The recent announcement by Kenya’s President, William Ruto, marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s legal landscape aimed at fortifying its financial sector. Central to this initiative are two formidable legislative documents: the Insurance Professionals Bill and the 2025 Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Bill. These legislative frameworks are crafted to impose a rigorous regulatory supervision over financial institutions, while expanding the reporting requisites for atypical transactions. The measures also introduce harsher penalties for non-compliance, reflecting a robust crackdown on financial malpractice. Digitalizing Government Procurement Processes Come July 1, 2025, Kenya will embark on a…

Reconfiguring the Euro-Africa Partnership: An Ambitious Plan Italy and the European Union have launched a comprehensive investment strategy, totaling €1.2 billion, as part of their broader geopolitical aspirations in Africa. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, unveiled this investment as a strategic cornerstone, intending to redefine Europe’s role amidst mounting global competition and escalating migration pressures. Central to this initiative is the bolstering of vital sectors such as railway infrastructure, digital connectivity, and sustainable agriculture. A highlighted project is the Lobito corridor, an extensive 800-kilometer railway linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of the…

Geographic and Political Context The Republic of the Congo, strategically positioned along the Equator in west-central Africa, is often informally referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, a moniker that distinguishes it from the larger Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Congo-Kinshasa. This nuanced nomenclature reflects not only geographical realities but also complex colonial and post-colonial histories that continue to shape regional identities. Population Distribution and Urban Centers Congo-Brazzaville experiences a significant concentration of its population in urban areas, primarily driven by the attraction of economic opportunities and better living conditions in cities. More than half of the nation’s population resides in urban…

Morocco’s Infrastructure Ambitions Morocco is forging ahead with its ambitious plans to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN), and pivotal to this endeavor is the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums across the nation. Fouzi Lekjaa, the head of Morocco’s football federation (FRMF), has robustly assured stakeholders that the construction of key venues is progressing according to schedule. During a recent press briefing, he affirmed that the prestigious Complexe Moulay Abdellah in Rabat and the Grand Stade de Tanger will be ready by September 2025. Simultaneously, the Al Barid and Moulay El Hassan stadiums, also situated in Rabat, are anticipated…

A Gathering for Governance The recent forum held in Brazzaville, officially termed the ‘National Multi-Actor Forum on Climate Initiatives and Sustainable Forest Management,’ aimed to confront the challenges of illegal activities that continue to undermine forest governance in Congo-Brazzaville. Despite the existence of well-crafted policies aligning with international mechanisms, these illegalities remain a significant hurdle. Representatives from local communities, logging companies, government institutions, civil society organizations, and the press gathered to address these issues over the course of two days. Challenges on the Ground Despite the comprehensive legislative framework, the implementation of forest governance policies is inconsistent at best. Reports…