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In a significant move to fortify public health infrastructure, more than 80 specialists from 19 African nations have convened in Dakar this week. Their mission is to harmonize and elevate the quality of data used in polio surveillance and outbreak responses, a critical step in shielding children across the continent from the disease. This intensive workshop, running from June 8 to June 19, 2026, centers on evaluating data integrity and coordinating various workstreams dedicated to the Polio Eradication Programme. By bringing together health ministry officials, national laboratory experts, and regional coordinators, the initiative seeks to build more resilient information systems that drive evidence-based interventions. Strengthening surveillance and digital integration The working sessio...

Ivory Coast launches skills passport to bridge youth employment gap The National Agency for Vocational Training (AGEFOP) unveiled a groundbreaking skills-needs assessment report in Abidjan, outlining how Côte d'Ivoire is aligning youth competencies with real-world economic demands. The event marked a pivotal moment in the Passeport-Compétences program, a national initiative designed to transform the country's workforce landscape. The pilot phase of this study surveyed over 800 formal and informal enterprises across Sud-Comoé, Yopougon, and the Savanes District, identifying critical skills gaps for future workforce planning. Following the regional assessment, the program will expand nationwide, ensuring that training initiatives meet the evolving needs of both employers and job seekers. ...

Cameroon’s bold plan to transform waste management through circular economy By 2030, Cameroon aims to dedicate 2% of its national budget to circular economy initiatives, a significant leap from current spending levels. This target is outlined in the country’s National Circular Economy Roadmap 2025–2035, developed by the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Territorial Development. The strategy outlines sustainable resource management and waste valorization priorities for the coming decade. According to projections, circular economy expenditures will reach 62.8 billion FCFA in 2025, with waste management costs nearing 30 billion FCFA annually. Combined, these figures represent 1.27% of the state budget. The government plans to progressively increase this allocation to 2% by 2030—a move that...

EconomyWoleu-Ntem: Gabon’s Green Tourism ShowcaseReport by Staff June 22, 2026 184 No commentLibreville, June 22, 2026 — With the 2026 Tourism Caravan just weeks away, Gabon’s government is rolling out a bold strategy to highlight its natural heritage. The northern province of Woleu-Ntem has been selected as the focal point for this initiative, sending a clear message about the pivotal role tourism must play in reshaping the nation’s economic landscape.Between June 20 and 21, the Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Craftsmanship, Professor Marcelle Ibinga Itsitsa, embarked on a two-day tour of Woleu-Ntem. This province, rich in forests, cultural traditions, and artisanal craftsmanship, stands out as a key player in Gabon’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil and mining. The visit unde...

Logistics operators across the sub-region have finally seen a major administrative hurdle removed. The Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNCC) has issued a directive to halt the mandatory Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC) for goods transiting through the Douala-N’Djamena and Douala-Bangui corridors. This suspension, effective immediately following a circular signed on June 15, 2026, by Director General Auguste Mbappe Penda, applies to the entire supply chain, including shippers, licensed customs brokers, freight forwarders, and transporters handling cargo destined for Chad and the Central African Republic. Originally introduced in 2006, the BESC was designed to ensure cargo traceability, provide accurate transport cost data, and compile trade statistics. However, enforcing this requ...

The World Bank has greenlit a significant initiative in Chad, allocating $160 million to bolster water security and climate resilience in vulnerable regions. This funding targets one million people, with women making up over half of the beneficiaries, to address pressing environmental and humanitarian challenges. a strategic investment in water security and climate adaptation The funds, provided through the International Development Association (IDA), will support the Water Security and Resilience Support Project (PASER), a multi-faceted effort to enhance Chad’s ability to withstand climate shocks. The project focuses on strengthening water infrastructure, ensuring sustainable resource management, and empowering local communities to adapt to environmental changes. Chad’s eastern regions,...

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the États-Unis, Canada, and Mexique, continues to deliver drama as the second round of group matches clarifies the path to the knockout stages. Among the 48 competing nations, 16 represent Europe. This includes a resurgent Espagne, who dominated Arabie saoudite with a 4-0 victory following their initial struggles against Cap-Vert. Meanwhile, France, two-time champions and current vice-champions, prepare to face Iraq this Monday at 23:00 for their second group encounter. As the tournament progresses, we track the performances and significant developments of the continental selections. Here is the essential breakdown of day eleven for the European teams. The statistics 📊 27.2 This figure represents the average age of players across the sixteen Europea...

Niger sets conditions for Benin border reopening amid thawing tiesNiamey has outlined strict prerequisites for reopening its closed border with Benin, a crossing that has remained shut for nearly three years.The Nigerien government is demanding the establishment of two critical agreements: a defense pact and a security accord that explicitly prohibits either nation from using the other's territory for hostile actions. Additionally, Niamey insists on enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms to ensure transparent monitoring of cross-border military activities.The Nigerien Interior Minister, General Mohamed Toumba, engaged in high-level discussions in Cotonou last Saturday, June 20, with a Beninese expert committee tasked with resolving the border dispute.During the meeting, he emphasized two...

Maréchal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno reaffirms commitment to Chad’s horse-racing legacy The President of the Republic, Maréchal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for Chad’s equine sector by attending the Grand Prix de la République at the Afrouk racecourse, on the outskirts of N’Djamena. Before a packed crowd of enthusiasts, breeders, and riders, the Head of State watched the races unfold before unveiling a landmark financial pledge to strengthen this cherished sporting and cultural tradition. Speaking on behalf of the President, the Minister of State and Director of the Presidential Cabinet, Aziz Mahamat Saleh, declared a 50 million CFA franc investment aimed at modernizing horse racing and enhancing equine breeding standards across Chad. « The ...

Romelu Lukaku : "Tout le monde réalise qu’on a fait n’importe quoi, il est temps qu’on se réveille"Les Diables Rouges ont partagé l’enjeu face à l’Iran, 0-0. Un résultat décevant pour l’équipe nationale belge, qui espérait...il y a 2 heures•2 min By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Chad The legal proceedings involving General Abdoulaye Miskine, also known by his birth name Martin Koumtamadji, continue to face a judicial stalemate. His case, which had been listed on the general docket for the criminal chamber's itinerant session on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the N'Djamena Court of Appeal, was unexpectedly removed from the schedule. This postponement comes after years of anticipation, with Miskine remaining in custody without a verdict.Our review of the official document revealed the file was cataloged under reference number 093/2022. General Miskine was listed alongside co-accused individuals, including Adoum Rakhis, Ringo Djouma, and Abdoulaye Gros. The serious charges detailed in the dossier encompass criminal...

Sécurité  Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo—For nearly a week, violent confrontations have gripped the high plateaus of Fizi and Mwenga territories in South Kivu, pitting Twirwaneho fighters, allied with the AFC-M23 politico-military coalition, against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by the National Defense Force of Burundi (FDNB) and Kinshasa-backed Wazalendo militias. Following the intense engagements, Twirwaneho/M23 combatants assert they have successfully pushed back the government coalition from several s...