Author: Emmanuel Mbemba

Morocco’s Strategic Engagement in Africa In a resounding testament to Morocco’s burgeoning role in African economic integration, Laâyoune has recently hosted a landmark gathering of business leaders from across the continent. This significant event was underscored by the signing of a pivotal cooperation agreement between the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and several African member states’ business federations from the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). Laâyoune and Dakhla: Hubs of Investment and Innovation The initiative held in the Sahara’s largest city mirrors Morocco’s strategic vision of transforming Laâyoune and Dakhla into robust centers for investment, innovation,…

Luanda Takes Center Stage for the 17th US-Africa Business Summit From June 22 to June 25, Luanda will serve as a pivotal meeting ground for the 17th edition of the US-Africa Business Summit. The event, spearheaded by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in conjunction with the Angolan government, sets a progressive theme of ‘Paths to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for US-Africa Partnership.’ This prestigious summit is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including influential political leaders, ministers, and enterprise leaders from both continents. The focus will be laid on nurturing mutual trade and investment, aiming to open new frontiers…

The Urgent Financial Gap As the international financing landscape tightens and trade policies grow increasingly protectionist, Africa is at a crucial juncture in its pursuit of sustainable development. Experts assert that the continent’s progress hinges on a structural transformation towards self-sufficiency, the strategic exploitation of its abundant natural resources, and the establishment of resilient partnerships. The African financial framework traces its challenges back to historically imposed global financial structures, such as the Bretton Woods agreements, which many deem outdated and misaligned with Africa’s aspirations. Quantifying the Investment Requirement The United Nations’ 2024 report emphasizes Africa’s need for between $1.3 to…

A Record Surge in Investments In 2024, Africa witnessed a historic surge in foreign direct investments (FDI), amounting to $97 billion, as noted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This represents a 75% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a broader trend of investment facilitation and liberalization across the continent. Egypt’s Prominent Role Egypt stands out as the primary beneficiary, driven by a significant international agreement focused on urban development projects. Emirati investments, particularly in tourism and the construction of a new city near Cairo, further solidified its position. Excluding Egypt’s contribution, Africa…

Recognizing Indigenous Excellence in Impfondo In a laudable acknowledgment of indigenous entrepreneurship, the Forum Horizon Initiative and Creativity (Fhic) held its annual gathering in Impfondo, located in the Likouala department of the Congo. During this event, key members of indigenous communities were celebrated for their contributions to local economic development, particularly in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors. Awards and Recognition for Community Leaders The forum awarded its prestigious ‘prince’ prize to Roland Bakéké, an indigenous fisherman, in recognition of his dedication to agriculture. In addition, individuals such as Guillaume Matala and Alida received bronze and silver awards, highlighting their impactful…

Les ambitions économiques du Sénégal En juin 2025, lors des assemblées générales de l’African Trade and Investment Development Initiative (ATIDI) à Luanda, le Sénégal a dévoilé un ambitieux plan de développement économique. Ce plan étend sa vision économique jusqu’en 2050, soulignant le rôle central de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière dans cette stratégie. L’exploitation des ressources naturelles est positionnée comme un catalyseur vital pour propulser le Sénégal vers une économie diversifiée et moderne. La production énergétique comme levier de croissance Le début de la production pétrolière en 2024 et le démarrage de l’exploitation gazière en 2025 sont des jalons clés que…

Access Bank’s Strategic Leap In a significant strategic maneuver, The Access Bank UK Limited has acquired a majority stake in Afrasia Bank Limited, the fourth-largest bank in Mauritius, known for its expansive financial reach with over $5.7 billion in assets. The acquisition was formally announced on June 21, 2025, and marks a pivotal expansion phase for Access Bank, aligning with its broad international aspirations. Mauritian Assets and Global Reach Mauritius, with its strategic positioning as a financial hub connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe, plays a crucial role in Access Bank’s international strategy. This acquisition not only enhances Access Bank’s capabilities…

The Strategic Vision Unveiled On June 18, 2025, the bustling city of Dakar served as the backdrop for a pivotal event organized by Senegal’s Banque Nationale pour le Développement Économique (BNDE). The bank underscored its commitment to bolstering local enterprises operating within the lucrative mines and hydrocarbons sector. This commitment is further cemented by the recent agreement with the Comité national de suivi du contenu local (CNSCL), initiated in August 2024. Navigating Financial and Strategic Challenges The session, a confluence of public and private stakeholders, reiterated the financial and strategic challenges inherent in the extractive sector. Dr. Mor Bakhoum, the…

The Soaring Popularity of Online Gambling in Nigeria In recent years, online gambling in Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented growth. Once viewed with skepticism, this activity has become increasingly popular, notably amidst a backdrop of significant economic challenges. Unemployment rates and economic instability have driven many Nigerians to seek alternative sources of income or entertainment. As a result, online gambling platforms have seen a surge in user engagement and participation. The Role of Influencers in Promoting Gambling The burgeoning growth of online gambling in Nigeria has been substantially fueled by the influence of social media personalities and celebrities. These individuals, leveraging…

BRVM’s Market Capitalization Hits New Heights On June 20, 2025, the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) proudly announced a staggering achievement in its journey. The stock market capitalization soared to an unprecedented 12,070 billion FCFA, equivalent to over 21 billion dollars. This record marks an astounding 2,000 billion FCFA increase within a mere six months, reflecting a remarkable growth rate of 19.76% since December 31, 2024. A Robust Five-Year Growth Trajectory The past five years have been transformative for the BRVM, boasting a cumulative growth of 176%. Key annual performances include a 39.33% rise in 2021, followed by 24.23%…