News
-
Ivory Coast Loses 1.300 Billion FCFA Annually to Corruption, Says PDCI Executive
Abidjan, Ivory Coast – In a stark revelation, PDCI executive and former Minister of Commerce Jean-Louis Billon has highlighted that Ivory Coast loses an estimated 1.300 billion FCFA each year due to corruption – an amount representing roughly 4% of the nation’s GDP. Billon emphasized that corruption remains a pervasive challenge, impacting public affairs, administration, and the private sector. In what appears to be a turning point, recent efforts in the fight against corruption are beginning to show results. The country’s performance in the Corruption Perceptions Index improved significantly in 2024, with a score of 45 out of 100 –…
-
President Doanld Trump makes English the official language of the USA
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, designating English as the official language of the United States, marking the first federal recognition of an official language in the nation’s history. The order revokes a 2000 Clinton-era mandate requiring federal agencies and recipients of federal funds to provide language assistance to non-English speakers but allows agencies to maintain existing multilingual services. Key Provisions of the Executive Order Revocation of Clinton-Era Policy: Eliminates the requirement for federal agencies to offer translated materials or language support unless they choose to do so. Flexibility for Agencies: Permits agencies to continue providing…
-
Climate Change and Conflict Could Displace 113 Million Africans by 2050, ISS Africa Warns
A new report released yesterday by the South African think tank Institute for Security Studies (ISS Africa) has sounded the alarm over the compounded effects of conflict and climate change on the continent. The study, titled Turning Africa’s Legal Advantages into Benefits for Climate Refugees, projects that by 2050 nearly 113 million Africans – or roughly 5% of the continent’s population – may be forced to leave their homes due to extreme weather events. According to the report, while most climate migrants are expected to relocate within national borders, an increase in cross-border movements is also anticipated. Yet many vulnerable…
-
Fight against poverty: Ivory Coast Sets Sights on Upper-Middle Income Status by 2030
The Ivory Coast is fighting poverty through its National Development Plan, which includes social protection, financial education, and improved access to services. The government’s 2026-2030 plan aims to reduce poverty to less than 20%. The plan also aims to increase the average income per capita and includes improving access to education, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, social protection, and employment. In a bid to combat poverty and stimulate inclusive economic growth, Ivory Coast is steering toward a future where its citizens enjoy a significantly higher standard of living. Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé outlined the nation’s ambitious vision during the launch seminar…
-
UNICEF Invests Over $142 Million to Boost Education in Niger
Niamey, Niger – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced an investment of more than 92 billion CFA francs (approximately $142 million) to support the education sector in Niger. The news was confirmed by an official source in Niamey on Monday. During a recent meeting with Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, UNICEF Representative Djanabou Mahondé revealed that the substantial investment is aimed at strengthening the country’s education system. “This funding will enhance access to education and improve the quality of school infrastructures,” Mahondé stated. The UNICEF representative emphasized that the initiative is a significant opportunity for Niger,…
-
Benin’s Public Enterprises Accumulate CFA 1.31673 Billion in Bank Debt (2018–2024)
Cotonou, Benin – A recent report from the national debt management service has revealed that Benin’s public enterprises have accumulated approximately CFA 1.31673 billion in bank debt over the seven-year period from 2018 to 2024. Notably, this debt was raised by only six of the nine state-owned companies currently in operation, following a series of governmental reforms. Entities that have been dissolved in recent years—such as the Beninese Port Handling Company (Sobemap) and the National Council of Benin Shippers (CNCB), which have been debt-free since 2022—are not included in the latest ranking. Instead, the spotlight falls on the Société des…
-
Benin’s Money Supply Contracts by 2.9% as Fiat Currency Falls Sharply
Benin’s Money Supply Contracts by 2.9% as Fiat Currency Falls Sharply. The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has reported a significant contraction in Benin’s M2 money supply at the end of May 2024. The overall money supply decreased by 2.9% compared to May 2023, with the volume of physical currency falling by 6.8% – from 840.1 billion FCFA last year to 783 billion FCFA this year. The decline in fiat currency, which represents a reduction of over 57 billion FCFA, has been identified as a key factor behind the overall monetary contraction. In addition to the decrease in…
-
New AES Passport Faces Hurdles as Holders Struggle to Secure European Visas
Since January 29, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso introduced a new common passport (New AES Passport) following their departure from the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS), citizens have encountered unexpected difficulties when applying for European visas. A Bold Geopolitical Shift In a decisive move, the three nations—each under military regimes and grappling with jihadist threats—severed ties with ECOWAS on January 28, 2024. Accusing the organization of undue French influence, these countries have pivoted towards new international partners, including Russia. The launch of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) passport symbolizes this newfound independence and a reorientation of geopolitical alliances. Visa…
-
Nachtigal Dam: A Key Step Towards Solving Cameroon’s Energy Crisis
Douala, Cameroon Faces Power Challenges as Nachtigal Dam Nears Full Capacity. The Nachtigal hydroelectric dam, with a production capacity of 420 MW, is set to supply energy to Cameroon’s power grid. However, transmitting this electricity efficiently to Douala requires significant upgrades to the country’s existing infrastructure. A joint delegation from the Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE) and the World Bank recently inspected the ongoing work to assess progress. With 300 MW already integrated into the grid, the initiative aims to reduce the energy deficit and meet rising demands. Inspection of Power Transmission Infrastructure On February 18, 2025, a joint…
-
idcam.cm – Cameroon’s Official Online ID Card pre-enrollment platform! Get your ID Card in 48 hours!
There is good news for Cameroonians as the govenment in partnership with AUGENTIC — the mastermind behind the PASSSCAM platform have launched on online platform idcam.cm for National ID Card pre-enrollment. Based on the information from the Cameroon’s DGSN, Citizens will be able to obtain their news Mational ID Card in only 48 Hours with this news system. The website idcam.cm serves as the official portal for the online pre-registration system for obtaining the Carte Nationale d’Identité (CNI) in Cameroon. This new system was launched on February 17, 2025, allowing citizens to fill out an electronic form, submit necessary information, and schedule appointments for biometric…