Month: July 2026

economyGabon's aviation authority weathers scrutiny amid reform driveBy Editor-in-chief 14 July 2026 178 No commentsLibreville, 14 July 2026 — In every nation, pivotal institutions inevitably face periods of turbulence. Yet when controversy dominates public discourse to the point of overshadowing substantive reforms, one critical question emerges: Is the public debate truly advancing governance, or does it inadvertently undermine the very structures essential to state functionality?In Gabon, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) now finds itself at the heart of this dilemma. For months, its Director-General has been the target of repeated allegations, social media commentary and online publications, fueling a persistent debate about the institution’s management. While transparency has ...

Key factsProvisional toll: 24 fatalities and 36 injured out of 69 passengers and crewLocation: Touba-Biankouma route, near Bafingdala village, Bafing region (northwest)Time: Monday, July 13, 2026, around 11:30 AMInvestigation: Accident Analysis and Investigation Bureau (BEA) deployed by the Ministry of Transport A catastrophic bus accident struck northern Côte d'Ivoire on Monday morning, when a Diarra Transport coach veered off the Touba-Biankouma highway and plunged into the Bafing River near the village of Bafingdala. The vehicle was operating its regular route between Odienné and Yamoussoukro. The Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs confirmed the grim toll in an official statement: 24 people perished while 36 others sustained injuries. All casualties and survivors were among th...

Gabon is set to launch a new investment portal called the Baie des Rois Zone of Special Economic Interest (ZIS), which aims to attract foreign capital and promote economic growth in the country. The ZIS will offer a streamlined process for investors to navigate, with a single window for all necessary permits and approvals. This is expected to reduce administrative hurdles and make it easier for businesses to operate in Gabon. According to officials, the new investment portal is part of a broader strategy to diversify Gabon's economy beyond its traditional reliance on oil exports. The Baie des Rois ZIS will also provide support services for investors, including assistance with setting up businesses and accessing financing options. Experts say that this move could make Gabon an attractive de...

The economic landscape of Africa is evolving, and Bénin is positioning itself as a key player. On a pivotal day, President Romuald Wadagni of the Republic of Bénin embarked on an intensive working visit to Addis-Abeba, the diplomatic heart of Africa. The agenda was packed: high-level bilateral diplomacy, strategic discussions with Afreximbank, and a clear message about Africa’s industrial future. Diplomatic momentum: A strategic partnership takes shape Touching down at Bole International Airport, President Wadagni was greeted with full honors by Ethiopia’s Vice-Premier Minister, Tiruneh Temesgen. The warm welcome set the tone for a day of intense dialogue and cooperation. His first meeting was with Dr. George Elombi, President and CEO of Afreximbank, a critical institution in Africa’s tra...

The Moroccan government has forged a groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to propel the nation’s next growth phase by prioritizing inclusive development. Speaking on the initiative, Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance, underscored the urgent need to generate job opportunities for both youth and women across urban and rural landscapes. «This landmark agreement represents a pivotal milestone for Morocco,» Fettah noted. «Its defining feature lies in its structured approach, harmonizing public and private investments, expertise, and reforms under a unified vision for the Kingdom’s future.» The collaboration is meticulously aligned with Morocco’s New Development Model, a strategic roadmap designed to foster a more dynamic, equitable, and resilient economy. With youth and w...

La coopération sécuritaire entre le Maroc et l'Espagne a été cruciale dans la prévention de sévères attaques terroristes à Sébta, selon un rapport récent publié par les services de renseignement espagnols.Selon cette étude, la vigilance des forces de sécurité marocaines a permis à Sébta d'éviter de devenir le théâtre de plusieurs attaques planifiées par les réseaux terroristes.Le rapport précise que le recrutement de dizaines de Marocains, en majorité originaires de la ville, a été facilité grâce à l'argent sale provenant de la contrebande et de la drogue liés au terrorisme.Cette coopération a également permis à Sébta de devenir un foyer important de lutte contre le terrorisme international, en particulier celui affilié aux thèses jihadistes.Les forces de sécurité espagnoles ont déclaré qu...