West Africa

On June 17, 2025, a significant message was delivered from Tete, the current chair of the African Union (AU), during his visit to Ouagadougou, the heart of Burkina Faso. His presence in the capital spoke volumes, symbolizing a renewed commitment to addressing urgent security challenges looming over the Sahel region. The essence of António's visit was clear: to bolster continental unity amidst escalating security threats in Burkina Faso and its neighbors. The challenge is sizeable, yet so is the opportunity to…

As we navigate through an increasingly digital world, Africa finds itself at the forefront of a remarkable transformation within the iGaming sector. Currently recognized as one of the fastest-growing frontiers in this industry, projections suggest an annual growth rate of approximately 5–6% through the remainder of the decade. The surge in connectivity, coupled with the widespread adoption of fintech solutions, has enabled online gambling platforms to engage a continually expanding audience. A fascinating trend…

This recent development underscores a significant uptick in investor confidence regarding Ghana's economic recovery, strongly driven by the efforts of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. It's remarkable how resilient economies can be, and Ghana's journey serves as a poignant reminder of this resilience. Eurobond Restructuring and External Debt Talks Drive Upgrade Fitch’s optimistic assessment stems from Ghana's noteworthy strides in debt restructuring. A prime example is the successful negotiation of $13.1 billion in…

In a recent address, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and also Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed deep concern regarding the potential implementation of a visa ban policy. He characterized this proposal as a significant setback for not just regional integration, but also trade and diplomatic relationships. This raises a crucial question: how can nations foster cooperation when faced with barriers that impede collaboration? Speaking at the inauguration of…

Leadership Transitions at Continental Reinsurance Holdings: A New Era Begins In an exciting turn of events, Mr. Lawrence Nazare has been appointed as the Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, situated in Botswana. This marks a pivotal moment in his career following the completion of his role as Managing Director and CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, which he concluded in December 2024. Within this new position, Mr. Nazare is set to steer the Group’s pan-African operations and provide…

The military government of Mali is embarking on an ambitious campaign to consolidate control over its gold industry, a sector long dominated by foreign enterprises. Recent developments suggest a significant shift, characterized by a decisive push to reclaim authority from multinational operators, particularly in light of support from Russia. The junta's actions signal a broader intent to stimulate local processing capabilities, moving away from reliance on foreign entities. In a striking move, a Malian court recently…

The anticipated meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump was not just a diplomatic formality; it was a significant moment laden with implications for bilateral relations. As the world watches with bated breath, the backdrop of recent tensions adds layers of complexity to the situation. Issues such as the shifting U.S. foreign policy, South Africa’s position within global arenas like BRICS, trade negotiations, and mounting international conflicts are among the many factors…

Expanding Horizons: The Impact of Dangote Refinery on Global Fuel Markets The Dangote Refinery is making headlines with its ambitious move to export 90,000 metric tons of gasoline to Asia. This shipment signifies a pivotal moment, as it will be the refinery's first gasoline venture beyond the confines of West Africa. A source familiar with the transaction outlined that the trading firm Mercuria is set to load this significant cargo on June 22, 2023, which will undoubtedly set the stage for a new chapter in the refinery's…

The latest reports from Nigeria reveal a concerning uptick in Lassa fever cases. In week 23 of 2025 alone, health officials documented 11 new infections, pushing the grim tally of fatalities to 143 this year. These figures starkly illustrate the persistent threat posed by this viral infection. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has observed a significant rise in the case fatality rate (CFR) among those afflicted by confirmed Lassa fever cases; alarmingly, this rate has surpassed that of the same…

Urgent Call to Somali Nationals in Iran Amid Rising Tensions Ankara (AX) – Amid growing hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Somali Embassy in Turkey has made an important announcement: it is urging Somali nationals currently residing in Iran to reach out. This outreach is especially critical for those who may wish to leave the country during these uncertain times. In a recent statement shared on their official Facebook page, the Somali Embassy expressed, “The Embassy of the Federal…