Economy

The Beninese Treasury raised 22 billion FCFA in Treasury bonds on the regional UMOA market, exceeding the initially sought amount. The operation, which was significantly oversubscribed with a coverage rate of 234%, confirms investors’ interest in the Beninese signature for short maturities. The Beninese state raised 22 billion FCFA, approximately 33.5 million euros, in Treasury […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

The African Development Bank raised €1.25 billion through a seven-year social bond, its first euro issuance of 2026. Driven by strong demand from institutional investors, this operation will finance social projects in African member countries, particularly in infrastructure, health, education, and social inclusion. The African Development Bank (AfDB) raised €1.25 billion in international capital markets […]

The union of agents at the Autonomous Port of Lomé has filed a three-day strike notice, scheduled from June 25 to June 27, 2026, to protest against the non-fulfillment of its social demands. If this action proceeds, it could disrupt the operations of a strategic port for Togo and several landlocked countries in the sub-region. […]

The Beninese customs administration is embarking on a major strategic turning point. Appointed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in a Council of Ministers by President Romuald Wadagni, Colonel Raouf Malèhossou Aboudou officially took up his duties on Monday, June 8, 2026. The handover ceremony took place at the headquarters of the General Directorate of Customs […]

Senegal has redeemed two sovereign bonds denominated in euros and dollars ahead of schedule, just days before a technical mission from the IMF is expected in Dakar in mid-June. This financial gesture occurs in a context of debt under scrutiny, following the revelation of undeclared commitments inherited from the previous administration and the suspension of […]

Appointed head of the customs administration, Raouf Malèhossou delivered his first official reaction regarding the trust placed in him by the head of state. In a post on his Facebook page, Raouf Malèhossou spoke about his appointment as Director General of Customs during the council of ministers meeting. For the new Director General, “a high-performing […]

Benin confirms its rise in power regarding public finance governance. According to the results of the Open Budget Survey (OBS), reported by several media outlets including Peace FM, the country ranks first in Africa and second globally in terms of citizen budget governance. This international ranking acknowledges the reforms undertaken over several years to strengthen […]

Niger and Algeria strengthen their cooperation in the oil sector. Three memorandums of understanding were signed in Algiers between Sonatrach and Sonidep, covering exploration, drilling, and distribution of petroleum products, at a time when Niamey seeks to diversify its energy partnerships and better capitalize on its hydrocarbon potential. Niger and Algeria signed three memorandums of […]

The restructuring of the governmental apparatus following the inauguration of the new President of the Republic, along with the consideration of his priority orientations, necessitates a profound adjustment of the state’s budgetary architecture. These substantial adjustments compared to the initial objectives led the government to submit a supplemental finance bill to Parliament for study and […]

At the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, President Romuald Wadagni and his government made several appointments. At the end of today’s cabinet meeting, Albert Montcho was appointed as the Director General of the Budget. He thus assumes responsibility for the state’s budget programming, monitoring the execution of public finances, and budget sustainability, in […]

Benin ranks 24th among African countries in the 2025 Industrialization Index published by the African Development Bank, with a score of 0.5519 out of 1. But beyond this ranking, the country stands out particularly for one of the most significant progressions recorded between 2010 and 2024 within the WAEMU. Driven by the Glo-Djigbé Special Economic […]

Ivory Coast confirms its rising industrial power on the African continent. According to the 2025 edition of the Industrialization Index in Africa published by the African Development Bank, the country ranks 10th in Africa for the period 2010-2024, with a score of 0.6173 out of 1. Abidjan thus outperforms Nigeria and Ghana, two economic heavyweights […]

With a nominal GDP expected to exceed 100 billion dollars by 2026, Côte d’Ivoire is confirming its status as the leading economic power in UEMOA. Driven by cocoa processing, the rise of hydrocarbons, port infrastructure, and steady growth, it is establishing itself as the industrial locomotive of French-speaking West Africa. However, behind this spectacular trajectory […]

A significant reform of monetary law was recently adopted by Beninese lawmakers, strengthening penalties against the refusal to accept banknotes and coins issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). This vote comes in a context where the practice of rejecting worn, crumpled, or smooth currency was disrupting daily exchanges and undermining confidence […]