World Bank

DRC
World Bank puts pressure on Kinshasa

Three projects funded by the World Bank to the tune of a billion dollars face possible interruption. The international institution is unhappy with DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi's decision to dissolve the country's social fund and replace it with a new entity.

Niger
Niamey in talks with French events agency Viparis for its international conferences

Niger is holding talks with French events operator Viparis over a partnership deal for the organisation of conferences and forums in France and internationally, which Niamey counts on to attract investors.

Mauritania, Tunisia
Jordan enters race for top Union for the Mediterranean seat

Jordan is entering the race for the Union for the Mediterranean secretary general seat in 2024, for which Tunisia and Mauritania have already submitted candidates.

Madagascar
State coffers almost empty in run-up to presidential election

During a confidential meeting with business leaders, Andry Rajoelina admitted that he would be unable to finance a number of public subsidies or to settle state arrears before June. An announcement that has gone down badly with the business community.

Tanzania
Samia breaks up vast Bagamoyo project to attract more investment

To avoid being overly dependent on a single partner, the Tanzanian president has decided to divide the scheme to build a major port in Bagamoyo into different tranches.

Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea
CEMAC weakened by hiatus at top of commission

The executive organ of the Central African bloc is being lead ad interim by Gabon's Daniel Ona Ondo, even though Baltasar Engonga Edjo of Equatorial Guinea was appointed to the post over a month ago.

Cameroon, France
Gill Dingome and Thomas Clay cross swords again on Chad-Cameroon pipeline

The arbitration procedure launched by Petronas and ExxonMobil against Cameroon has been suspended for two months after Yaoundé's lawyer, Gill Dingome, sought the recusal of the oil firm's chosen arbitrator Thomas Clay.

The New Guard
Tanzania, Egypt, Ethiopia, Senegal

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

TanzaniaJoel Nanauka, the influencers' influencer

EgyptOmar Shoukry, head of start-up Nawah Scientific

EthiopiaLelise Neme, the government's investment champion

SenegalBabacar Ka, fund DPI's deal-maker

Central Africa
Kinshasa awaiting $400m World Bank disbursement for road works

The World Bank is delaying its disbursement of some $400m for major road works projects in the DR Congo until Kinshasa files a "resettlement action plan" for the population that the construction works will impact.

East Africa
East African Community struggles to fulfill its potential

The East African Community is currently considering Somalia's application to join the regional bloc, even though it has yet to finalise DR Congo and South Sudan's membership. The regional mechanisms already in place are showing the limits of their effectiveness.

North Africa
Union for the Mediterranean members jostle for top post

Egyptian diplomat Nasser Kamel's term as secretary-general of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), which he has led since 2018, ends next year. Behind the scenes, negotiations are already underway between member states to appoint his successor.

Benin, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Togo
World Bank to appoint new country director for Abidjan office

The World Bank's country director in Abidjan Coralie Gevers's successor will come from the institution's Madagascar office and be appointed in June.

DRC
Kinshasa keeps Fortescue on edge with delay on Grand Inga deal

The Australian mining giant, after lengthy negotiations last year with the Congolese state, is waiting impatiently for the signature of a rider to a 2020 convention for the development of the Grand Inga dam. Africa Intelligence can now reveal the details of that document.

Ethiopia
World Bank releases additional $250m for national grid

Ethiopia not only wants to achieve energy self-sufficiency, but also to become an electricity exporter. To achieve this, it needs electricity facilities that match its ambitions.

Kenya
World Bank rubber stamps $390m loan for optic fibre

The World Bank has approved the release of a $390m line of credit to finance upgrades to Kenya's digital infrastructure.