Ivory Coast

Why the Ivorian president brought forward his eurobond issue

Anticipating a fundraising effort of more than $1.3bn on international markets, Alassane Ouattara has opted to secure financial flexibility before opening new discussions with the International Monetary Fund.

Djidji Ayokwe drum to be handed back this Friday

Also known as the “talking drum” or “Ebrié drum,” the Djidji Ayokwe will be officially handed over by the French authorities to the Ivorian government on 20 February in Paris.

Lomé secures future leadership of the West African Health Organization

Togo, which has long coveted the position, ultimately won the argument in the ECOWAS negotiations.

ECOWAS military chiefs heading to Freetown to debate future of standby force

The leaders of the region's armed forces will meet in the Sierra Leone capital in the coming weeks to launch the regional anti-terrorist force. The contingents made available to ECOWAS by each army will also be announced.

Africa Global Logistics and CMA CGM awaiting arbitration on barge project in Abidjan port

Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé will have to decide between Africa Global Logistics and the group led by Rodolphe Saadé for the award of the barge freight transport project at the economic capital's port authority.

ECOWAS 50th birthday bash cancelled in Lomé

The regional organisation's anniversary summit, scheduled to take place in the Togolese capital in 2026, had sparked intense debate from the outset. It will not take place after all.

Ivorian banker Abdourahmane Cissé leaves Lazard Frères

Recruited in early 2025 to revive the African operations of Lazard Frères bank, founded in 1848, Abdourahmane Cissé has stepped down from his post.

Abidjan prepares a hike in gold royalties

The minister of mines and petroleum wants the state to benefit more from the almost exponential rise in the price of gold in recent months.

Société de Transport Lagunaire in the sights of tax authorities

Founded by Adama Bictogo, STL was subject to a tax inspection at the end of 2025. The company, which operates in the river mobility sector in Abidjan, was briefly suspended before resuming its activities following negotiations with the authorities.

Ouattara irked by Sandaogo Damiba's extradition to Ouagadougou

President Ouattara was far from happy with the extradition of former Burkinabé transitional leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba from Lomé to Ouagadougou.

FBI sends mission to Abidjan to look into Hezbollah networks

Washington is stepping up its efforts with the national authorities to accelerate investigations into alleged Hezbollah financing channels operating out of the Ivorian economic capital.

Palace Intrigues
William Ruto, Florentino Pérez, Ibrahim Magassa

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

KenyaWilliam Ruto's two-pronged crusade against alcohol and drugs

Ivory CoastIvorian banker Ibrahim Magassa teams up with Real Madrid's Florentino Pérez

KenyaKikuyu Elders' particularly political New Year's Eve

Société Générale's former executives set up own consulting bank

A handful of former senior African executives from the banking institution are preparing to officially launch a new structure called Tomasteed Alternative Credit Advisors.

Defence services supplier Sincerus sets up in the north

A Virginia-based service provider is strengthening its presence in Ivory Coast after being awarded a drone supply contract funded by the US State Department.

Téné Birahima Ouattara on his way to becoming National Assembly speaker

Alassane Ouattara's younger brother is expected to succeed Adama Bictogo as leader of the lower house at the end of this month. This promotion is part of his rise to power, closely endorsed by the president himself.

Transcao comes to the rescue of struggling cocoa traders

At the risk of undermining its own stability, the Conseil Café-Cacao trading subsidiary has had to step up to the plate to absorb the volumes dropped by a number of local operators facing financial difficulties.