🇨🇮Côte d'IvoireWest Africa
Fally Ipupa states Congo is the source of musical inspiration for the world
via Abidjan.net7 min read
In an interview published on April 16, 2026, by AFPTV via Abidjan.net, artist Fally Ipupa declared that "It is Congo that feeds the musical world." This statement highlights his belief in the Democratic Republic of Congo's significant influence and contribution to global music. The article, found in the Showbizz section, features this quote as its central theme, emphasizing the country's rich musical heritage through the perspective of one of its prominent figures.
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Must ReadPope Leo XIV celebrated a large-scale mass in Douala on Friday, April 17, 2026. The event was covered by AFPTV and published on Abidjan.net.
Société Générale Côte d’Ivoire SGCI announced a significant dividend distribution of 81.081 billion FCFA for the 2025 financial year, a substantial increase from 57.9 billion FCFA the previous year. This announcement was made by SGCI Director General Patrick Blas during the presentation of the bank's 2025 financial results and 2026 outlook in Abidjan-Plateau on April 17, 2026. The dividends represent 80% of the net profit, which exceeded 101 billion FCFA, with a total of 31 million shares. Blas highlighted a 40% increase in share value compared to the previous year, attributing the strong performance to the bank's robust economic model and confidence in its future prospects. The bank's total balance sheet reached 3,769 billion FCFA, up 4.3% from 2024, and credit outstanding grew by 2.9% to 2,546 billion FCFA, despite a slowdown in economic activity in late 2025. Deposits rose by 5.8% to 2,908 billion FCFA, improving the credit-to-deposit ratio to 87.6%. While general expenses increased by 7.3% due to exceptional costs like headquarters renovation, the operating ratio remained controlled at 38.8%. The net cost of risk also rose by 29.2%, reflecting prudent portfolio management. The non-performing loan rate stood at 8% with an 82% coverage rate, indicating solid asset quality. The net profit of 101.352 billion FCFA remained stable compared to 2024, confirming the bank's resilience in a challenging environment. For 2026, SGCI plans to strengthen its market position by focusing o
Must ReadOn April 16, 2026, the Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, and the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget, Adama COULIBALY, participated in a forum in Washington to promote Côte d'Ivoire's National Development Plan PND 2026-2030. The event, organized in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa, Miller & Chevalier, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, brought together American and international investors. Dr. DIARRASSOUBA presented President Alassane Ouattara's vision for a stable, ambitious, and unified nation, with the PND 2026-2030 outlining 810 projects across seven priority industrial clusters: agro-industry, energy, digital technology, health, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and textiles. The plan, with a total budget of 114,838.5 billion FCFA over five years, relies on 70.2% private sector financing. Macroeconomic projections include an annual growth rate of 7.2%, a reduction in poverty to 20%, and the creation of over three million jobs by 2030, all within an economy characterized by contained inflation around 1% and strong international ratings. American investors showed significant interest in digital opportunities data centers, artificial intelligence, 4G/5G corridors, agricultural modernization, energy, mining, and health. The forum culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with ABD Group for 500 million euros approximately 327.98 billion FCFA for projects in health, water management, and education,
Environmental project developer Forest Calling and the Ivorian Soundélé Konan Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Paris on April 7, 2026. This strategic partnership aims to implement a new generation of large-scale reforestation and agroforestry projects in Côte d'Ivoire and across the African continent. Addressing the rapid degradation of West African forest ecosystems, the organizations will combine their expertise to offer solutions that balance economic viability and ecological impact. Forest Calling will serve as the technical and strategic partner, handling feasibility studies, carbon sequestration model design, and access to international financing. The Soundélé Konan Foundation, known for its work in wildlife and flora protection, will act as the on-the-ground operator and institutional liaison with Ivorian authorities. The initial three-year agreement prioritizes restoring public lands through forest concessions and national reforestation programs in Côte d'Ivoire, developing agroforestry on private lands including medicinal plants and high-value forest resources, and regional expansion through joint responses to pan-African multi-country project calls. The partnership includes flexible financing mechanisms, such as revenue sharing from carbon credits and the creation of co-investments or joint ventures. The next steps involve identifying priority pilot projects and engaging with relevant authorities. The protocol was signed by John Galloula, President