A crucial issue for the protection of heritage and an incomparable tool for economic development: the designation of origin is making headway in Africa. The African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI) is a regional office covering 17 countries in West and Central Africa.
Millions of South Africans went to the polls at the end of the month. It was a big turnout and this general election in one of Africa’s largest economies was labelled historic for what was at stake: the possibility that the ANC, Nelson Mandela's Party, would lose the majority and be forced into a coalition government. To talk about the election results and their consequences, Professor Sam Koma, Director of school of Economics and Management, Limpopo University joined us from South Africa.
The impact of climate change on agricultural production is becoming increasingly apparent, affecting almost all commodities. Rice is no exception, facing export restrictions from India and drought fears linked to El Niño in East Asia, leading to record-high prices. Despite this inflation, countries like Cameroon are still compelled to import rice to satisfy growing demand. Recently, local producers have started to develop a domestic industry.
To explore the connections between food shortages and socio-political unrest, as well as strategies for increasing production, our journalist Alexandra Vépierre interviewed Coumba Dieng Sow, a Senegalese agro-economist and the FAO Representative and Country Director in Rwanda, in Kigali. *FAO : Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
Since 2019, several ECOWAS countries have adopted an interconnected system, SIGMAT, aiming to facilitate goods transportation while combating fraud. Last year, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and Mali joined, following Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, and Togo. The main challenge now is to raise awareness in other African regions. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), authorities are actively fighting fraud. Daniel Michombero, our correspondent, visited North Kivu, a key contributor to the state budget, to interview economic stakeholders.
Abderrahmane Berthé, Secretary General of AFRAA (the Association of African Airlines), provided insights into the state of the African airline sector. He emphasized the ambitious goal of establishing a unified African air transport market (SAATM) and highlighted the significant challenges facing the industry. What advantages will this unified market offer to airlines and, crucially, to their passengers?
The international cocoa conference in Brussels from April 21 to 24, 2024, occurred in a complex context marked by a significant production deficit caused by unfavourable weather conditions and the spread of cocoa tree brown rot. The strong demand from chocolate manufacturers has led to an increase in future prices. This situation presents challenges and opportunities for Africa, which accounts for 50% of the global market thanks to key producers such as Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Saibu Olufemi Muibi, Professor of Economics at the University of Lagos talks about the economy and how Nigeria persists in its reforms.
Inspired by his father's lessons and challenges in the business world, Mossadeck Bally forged his own path to entrepreneurship. With a bold vision and unwavering determination, he founded the Azalaï Hôtel Group, building a hotel empire that now stretches across West Africa.
