Guinea's economic growth projected to surpass West African peers by 2026
via SeneNews2 min read
Guinea is projected to achieve an economic growth rate of 8.7% in 2026, positioning it as one of Africa's most dynamic economies and the leader among ECOWAS nations in projected economic growth. This forecast, from the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook published in April 2026, indicates Guinea would outpace Benin 7.0%, Niger 6.7%, and C么te d'Ivoire 6.2%, as well as Senegal. The primary driver of this anticipated growth is the development of the Simandou iron ore project, considered one of the world's most valuable. The gradual commencement of production from this mining complex, coupled with investments in rail and port infrastructure, is expected to boost economic activity and exports. Guinea, already the world's leading bauxite exporter, plans to leverage Simandou's benefits to accelerate its economic transformation through the "Simandou 2040" strategy. This strategy aims to channel mining revenues into investments across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, agriculture, and industry, to reduce the economy's reliance on raw materials. While these projections highlight significant growth potential, their realization depends on continued economic reforms, macroeconomic stability, and the authorities' ability to translate this growth into job creation and improved living conditions for the population.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadSenegal is currently experiencing a deficit of approximately 50,000 blood bags, according to Dr. Daouda Seck, director of the National Blood Transfusion Center CNTS. Dr. Seck stated in an interview with Sant茅 en Ch艙ur magazine that the country requires 186,000 blood bags annually to adequately meet the needs of health establishments, in line with World Health Organization WHO recommendations. In 2024, 136,347 blood bags were collected, covering nearly 73% of national requirements. While vital emergencies are being managed, Dr. Seck emphasized that the safety margin remains narrow. He called for increased mobilization of voluntary and regular donors to strengthen the country's blood reserves. He also highlighted that blood groups, particularly O and especially O negative, are highly sought after in emergencies, despite being among the rarest. Currently, Senegal has about 24,500 regular donors who make at least two donations per year, accounting for only 18% of total collections. Health authorities aim to increase this number to better secure national blood stocks.
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Ahead of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Lionel Messi commented on a widely circulated photo of him with Lamine Yamal as a baby. The 2007 picture, taken during a FC Barcelona charity event, shows a young Messi holding Yamal, who is now a star for the Spanish national team. Messi expressed surprise at their current encounter on football's biggest stage, stating, "This photo is crazy. I took a photo with him when he was still a baby, and here we are today face to face in the World Cup." The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner praised Yamal, calling him "one of the best players in the world right now, without a doubt." This iconic image has gained symbolic significance as the anticipated final approaches, featuring two generations of talent: a global football legend and a promising successor.