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Benin’s merchandise exports saw a significant increase in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 223.96 billion FCFA according to INStaD. This rise, primarily driven by cotton, soy, and oilseeds, contrasts with a continuing large trade deficit, with imports nearly twice the value of exports. Benin’s merchandise exports amounted to 223.96 billion FCFA, approximately 341 million […]
Before the Court of Abomey-Calavi, a former student of the higher education institution Le Faucon is on trial for alleged embezzlement of tuition fees and forgery of documents. The institution estimates its losses at over 24 million CFA francs. A case involving several students and concerning tens of millions of CFA francs captured the attention […]
The Autonomous Port of Cotonou welcomed, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the inaugural stop of the cruise ship Oceania Regatta. With 575 passengers on board and 389 crew members, this arrival marks a significant step in the gradual integration of Benin into the major routes of international maritime tourism. Belonging to Oceania Cruises, the ship, […]
Niger has adopted a new penal code that criminalizes same-sex relations for the first time, with penalties of up to twenty years in prison for certain offenses related to same-sex associations or marriages. This reform, enacted under military authorities, represents a significant tightening in a regional context where several West African countries have recently strengthened […]
Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P, has called on his fans to stop the ongoing comparisons with his twin brother Rudeboy, his former partner in P-Square. The Nigerian artist believes that these comparisons undermine his solo career and demands more recognition for what he sees as an exemplary path. The Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, […]
The ban on exporting raw cashew nuts has not yet produced the expected industrial effects in Benin, according to expert Jim Fitzpatrick. Despite the aim to stimulate local processing, a large portion of the harvest continues to leave through neighboring countries, revealing the limitations of a policy still facing smuggling, insufficient funding of factories, and […]
Following a real estate seizure procedure initiated by a local bank, a building in Akpakpa will be sold at public auction on June 22, 2026, in front of the Commercial Court of Cotonou. This operation takes place as part of the recovery of an unpaid debt. On Monday, June 22, 2026, at precisely 11 a.m., […]
The BRVM has listed four sovereign bond issuances from Senegal totaling 627.91 billion FCFA. Presented as the largest mobilization achieved by a state in the financial market of the UEMOA, this operation takes place amid significant pressure on Senegal’s debt and an increased reliance on regional financing. The Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) on Wednesday, June […]
Two demolition operations carried out in early June 2026 in Abidjan have reignited the controversy over evictions in the Ivorian economic capital. In Vridi 3, the Autonomous District invokes urban sanitation and risk prevention. In Koumassi, a private operation conducted in the name of Alloui Brou Jacques triggered a strong reaction from the public prosecutor, […]
Burkina Faso wants to make entrepreneurship a mandatory discipline in both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. This reform, part of the presidential initiative for quality education for all, aims to better prepare students for self-employment in a country where the labor market remains dominated by the informal sector. Burkina […]
Following the official resignation of Paul Hounkpè, former National Executive Secretary and unsuccessful candidate in the presidential election of April 12, 2026, the leadership of the Force Cauris for an Emerging Benin (FCBE) has changed hands. Through a letter made public on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, former minister Paul Hounkpè formally passed the baton to […]
The Beninese legal arsenal is enriched by a major text aimed at clarifying daily transactions and restoring public trust in their currency. Speaking on the show La Matinale on e-Télé, the president of the Finance and Trade Commission of the National Assembly, Gérard Gbénonchi, provided in-depth insights into the new monetary law. Passed by the […]
In a statement from its political office published this Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Force Cauris for an Emerging Benin (FCBE) expressed its strong satisfaction with the initial orientations and decisions taken by President Romuald Wadagni, sworn in as head of Benin on May 24, 2026. Through this official declaration, the political formation extends its […]
Romuald Wadagni received the President of the African Development Bank Group, Sidi Ould Tah, in Cotonou. The discussions focused on the macroeconomic situation of Benin, development prospects, and the reforms considered by the new head of state, in a context where the AfDB remains a strategic financial partner for the country. The Beninese President Romuald […]
The Mayor of Cotonou, Luc Gnacadja, participated in the 107th meeting of the Bureau of the International Association of Francophone Mayors in Namur, Belgium. As Vice-President of the AIMF, he advocated for closer international cooperation with local communities to address challenges related to climate, social inclusion, mobility, digitalization, and youth employment. The Mayor of Cotonou, […]
President Romuald Wadagni received a delegation from the West African Development Bank at the Marina Palace led by its President, Serge Ekué. This meeting allowed the regional financial institution to reaffirm its commitment alongside Benin, in a context where the new government aims to accelerate structural investments and consolidate economic reforms. The President of the […]
The Togolese National Assembly adopted four bills related to nuclear and radiological safety on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. These texts, unanimously voted, aim to strengthen the national legal framework, improve risk prevention, and align Togo with the international standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in a context where Lomé intends to develop peaceful uses […]
Nigeria’s gasoline import bill dropped by 96.15% in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Long dependent on refined fuels from abroad despite being a major oil producer, the country is seeing its energy balance transformed by the rise of local refining, particularly from the Dangote refinery. However, […]
Pascal Todjinou, former general secretary of the General Confederation of Workers of Benin, reacted to the first steps of President Romuald Wadagni at the head of the state. In an interview with journalist Samuel Houndjo, the former union leader praised the first social decisions made by the head of state, while distancing himself from the […]
Addressing the role of public figures in light of the difficulties Nigeria is facing, Nigerian singer Mr P called for a collective mobilization. The former member of the duo P-Square believes that change cannot rely solely on celebrities. Peter Okoye, better known by his stage name Mr P, responded to the increasing expectations placed on […]
In a statement released this Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Force Cauris for an Emerging Benin (FCBE) party expressed its satisfaction with the first decisions of President Romuald Wadagni. The political formation particularly praised his diplomatic offensive in the sub-region and the initial social measures initiated by his government. The Force Cauris for an Emerging […]
By multiplying visits to Niamey, Ouagadougou, Bamako, and Bissau in the first weeks of his term, Romuald Wadagni introduces a clear shift in Beninese diplomacy. Far from the confrontational stance seen under Patrice Talon, the new president places Cotonou in a dialogue position with the West African military regimes, in the name of economic, security, […]
On the eve of the friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal, Wilfred Ndidi displayed the confidence of the Super Eagles. The Nigerian captain assured that his team will approach this match without any complexes against one of the great nations of football. Nigeria is not looking to play a minor role against Portugal. Just hours […]
The appeals chamber of the Court for the repression of economic crimes and terrorism has issued its ruling in the banking fraud case involving former deputy Désiré Vodonou and businessman Wilfried Ayatodé. The court confirmed the majority of the sentences pronounced in the first instance.In its decision, the Court sentenced Wilfried Ayatodé to 20 years […]
