UEMOA

Ivory Coast
Lomé serves as low-key mediator in the UEMOA crisis

After three months of conflict between Abidjan and the AES countries, Burkinabe Minister of Finance Aboubakar Nacanabo was finally able to assume the chairmanship of the UEMOA Council of Ministers on 6 October.

Cameroon
How Vinka is taking over from PwC in French-speaking Africa

After breaking away from consulting giant PwC, the former partners of the French-speaking Africa branch are getting down to work to ensure the continuity of their contracts with their clients.

Senegal
From an ex-IMF boss to JP Morgan, Dakar looks to financiers to fill gap in cash resources

At a time when Senegal has urgent revenue issues, the government is working on raising funds at both a domestic and international level while also trying to obtain renewed support from the IMF.

Cape Verde
Ecobank puts pressure on Ponta Sino hotel complex

The British group Decameron New Horizons is scrambling to open a luxury hotel on the island of Sal. Meanwhile, the pan-African Ecobank, the project's main financier, is seeking to sell its debt to rival companies already well-established locally, without the developer's knowledge.

Ivory Coast
French bank Société Générale speeds up its Ivorian exit

MD Slawomir Krupa hopes the sale of its Ivorian subsidiary can be completed before the presidential election of October 2025.

Ivory Coast
Ouattara tasks Hamed Cissé with developing banking sector strategy

The employers' federation boss will be looking at ways of boosting the sector.

Ethiopia
Future stock exchange set to take crucial next step with securities platform

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), which tasked UK agency FSD Africa with choosing the company that will set up a securities exchange platform, is examining its proposal. This system is essential for the launch of the Ethiopian Stock Exchange, scheduled for next July.

Ivory Coast, Mali
Goïta calls on Ouattara to obtain financial support from BCEAO

Bamako is under economic pressure and is asking Abidjan for help in lifting certain measures imposed by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

The New Guard
Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Egypt, Nigeria

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

Ivory Coast Régis Bamba, the e-banking whizzkid with big plans

Tanzania Bravious Kahyoza, outspoken rising economist star

Egypt Ahmed Tantawi's bold but implausible presidential bid

Nigeria Rabiu Olowo, finance guru

Senegal
Customs service gets hundred new drones for border control

Senegalese customs have bought a batch of 100 French- and Chinese-made observation drones from the Dakar firm GSO Senegal. They will be deployed to monitor movements along the Malian border and to crack down on smuggling.

Mali
Ex-PM Ouane free to travel abroad again

Mali's former prime minister Moctar Ouane has regained some freedom after being placed under surveillance by the junta led by Colonel Assimi Goïta. He still refrains from commenting on Malian politics.

Ivory Coast, Mali
Confidential draft agreement on the 49 Ivorian soldiers rejected by Abidjan

The Malian junta sent a draft agreement to the Ivorian presidency at the end of October, which would have led to the release of 46 of the 49 Ivorian soldiers arrested in Bamako in July.

Burkina Faso, France
France to provide Burkina Faso with military and financial support

While France has just completed its withdrawal from Mali, Paris is preparing to provide nearly €15m in budgetary aid to Ouagadougou. It is also considering a military support programme to strengthen Burkina Faso's armed forces as they face increased threats from Islamist militant groups.

West Africa
ECOWAS leaders at loggerheads over successor to Akufo-Addo

The summit in Accra on 3 July should officialise the appointment of a new ECOWAS chairperson to succeed the Ghanaian Nana Akufo-Addo as well of new commissioners for the regional organisation. Two electric subjects that have greatly increased tensions between West Africa's leaders.

Guinea, West Africa
Doumbouya confident of facing down ECOWAS

ECOWAS leaders are making no secret of their irritation with the head of the Guinean transition Mamadi Doumbouya, who has disregarded their calls for a short transition period. He believes his country has sufficient cards in its hand to weather any potential sanctions.