
The Ivorian government and ABD Group, a US company specializing in infrastructure development and investment, signed an agreement on April 16 in Washington D.C. This agreement aims to support the development and financing of a new portfolio of priority infrastructure projects valued at over 330 billion FCFA. The signing took place during the 2026 Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, at a Corporate Council on Africa roundtable. Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget, and John Nevergole, CEO of ABD Group, initialed the memorandum of understanding. High-ranking officials from both governments, including US Under Secretary of Commerce David Fogel and C么te d'Ivoire's Minister of Planning and Development Souleymane Diarrassouba, were present. Charg茅 d'Affaires Junaid Munir stated that the agreement demonstrates how US companies achieve concrete results by creating opportunities for American businesses while supporting C么te d'Ivoire's development. This memorandum builds on two bilateral frameworks: the Commercial and Investment Partnership CIP, launched in 2024, and the Technical Assistance for Bankable Infrastructure TABI initiative, in which C么te d'Ivoire is a partner country. ABD Group, present in C么te d'Ivoire for over 15 years, has developed, financed, and executed projects worth over 560 billion FCFA in sectors like health and education. With this new initiative, its total portfolio is expected to exceed 920 billion FCFA, supporting over 1,000 jobs
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The Central Bank of West African States BCEAO commenced a two-day regional seminar on Monday, July 20, 2026, at its headquarters in Dakar. The seminar is designed for economic journalists from member countries of the West African Monetary Union UEMOA. Presided over by Mr. Habib Thiam, the institution's Secretary General, on behalf of Governor Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, this event is the second of its kind, following a previous one in May 2013. It reflects the BCEAO's commitment to establishing a continuous and structured dialogue with the Union's media. The Secretary General highlighted that the Central Bank operates amidst numerous geopolitical, economic, financial, and security challenges, compounded by accelerating digitalization and technological advancements. In response to these changes, the BCEAO has reaffirmed its strategic goal to be "an innovative and resilient Central Bank, serving the populations and sustainable development of the Union's economies." This vision is supported by a renewed communication policy, emphasizing proactivity and proximity, to better explain monetary decisions and financial issues that affect citizens' daily lives. Economic journalists are considered "privileged relays" crucial for deciphering and popularizing complex financial topics for the general public. Over the two days, institutional experts will lead interactive sessions on key UEMOA priorities, including monetary policy and financial stability, economic financing and inclusion, and di
Must ReadSenegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has been appointed the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government. He takes over from Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, whose one-year term leading the sub-regional organization concluded. President Bio officially handed over the leadership to the Senegalese head of state during a transition ceremony. On his social media, Julius Maada Bio acknowledged the transition, referring to President Faye as his "younger brother" and extending his best wishes for success in this strategic mission leading the West African community.

The 3rd edition of the Mobile Phones and Applications Exhibition STAM officially opened on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Sofitel Abidjan H么tel Ivoire. The event, themed "Africa, a laboratory of innovation: challenges and perspectives," aims to promote African expertise in mobile technology and foster a competitive digital ecosystem. Kodioro Fofana, STAM 3 General Commissioner, stated that the exhibition seeks to highlight African know-how in mobile phone design and manufacturing, serving as a platform for smartphone manufacturers to sell their products. Organizers also intend to connect application developers, smartphone manufacturers, and startups to increase their visibility and access to investors. Arriko Bienvenue, representing Dosso Mebeti, Director General of the Information and Biotechnology Village VITIB, emphasized the Ivorian state's efforts to accelerate digital development, noting VITIB's role in leveraging digital technology for transformation. Fabiola Bernard, representing event patron Fabrice Sawegnon, discussed STAM's evolution, highlighting a shift from merely consuming technology to aspiring to design and produce it on the continent. The event included a high-level panel on "From import to manufacturing: building a sustainable value chain for components in Africa," featuring Etty Claude, Mohamed Tour茅, and Alice Ni茅, alongside various conferences on technological innovation in Africa.