馃嚞馃嚘GabonCentral Africa
Madigipaie QR code payment system to be deployed in Libreville shops
via Gabon Review5 min read
Libreville Mayor Eug猫ne Mba met with Minister of Digital Economy Marck Alexandre Ndoumba on July 3 to discuss the deployment of Madigipaie, a national QR code payment platform, to merchants in the capital. The initiative aims to integrate Libreville's merchants into this digital payment ecosystem, which the ministry projects could eventually handle over 60% of urban proximity transactions. The minister sought the Libreville city hall's support for awareness campaigns, identification, and mobilization of merchants, emphasizing that the municipality's involvement is crucial for the platform's adoption by economic operators. Both officials agreed to continue discussions to define practical collaboration methods, including merchant support and widespread promotion of the solution across the municipal territory. Mayor Mba welcomed the initiative as part of Gabon's digital transformation, noting that Libreville already has its own municipal revenue digitalization system. He clarified that while the municipal system secures and modernizes local government revenues, Madigipaie is designed to facilitate digital payments for merchants, users, and consumers through an interoperable infrastructure. Launched with support from the Bank of Central African States BEAC and the Gimacpay system, Madigipaie aims to accelerate financial inclusion and reduce cash payments in Gabon. It allows money transfers, purchases, and administrative fee payments via mobile phone, regardless of the mobile mone
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
The Contemporary Art Days, initiated by the Spanish Embassy in Gabon, opened on July 4 at the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Libreville. The event aims to explore African creativity, its challenges, and its position within the continent's cultural dynamics. The opening ceremony was attended by diplomatic, cultural, and academic figures, including the Brazilian Ambassador to Gabon, Miguel Griesbach de Pereira Franco. A key highlight was the address by Elvira Dyangani Ose, exhibition curator and artistic director of the 2nd Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial, who shared her perspective on contemporary African art and its future. Rafael Chaves Beardo emphasized the diplomatic and symbolic significance of these days as a platform for reflection on contemporary artistic practices, highlighting art's role in fostering connections between people, intercultural dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. Elvira Dyangani Ose advocated for an open interpretation of contemporary African art, defining it as "everything produced within the continent, but also outside, by artists from the continent." She stressed that this art draws from African societies' history, cultural heritage, diasporic realities, and future imaginaries. Dyangani Ose also addressed the structural challenges hindering the cultural sector's development in Africa, calling for stronger government commitment to sustainable cultural policies that support artists, structure industries, and strengthen institutions. She urged for incre
A "UK-Gabon Trade & Investment Summit" is scheduled for October 6-7, 2026, in London. Organized by the Gabon Business Alliance Network UK GBAN-UK, an initiative of the diaspora supported by the British African Business Alliance, the event aims to strengthen economic cooperation between the United Kingdom and Gabon. Former Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima is among the confirmed participants. The summit intends to bring together government representatives, international investors, development finance institutions, and business leaders in the British capital. It is designed as an "investment platform" to facilitate concrete announcements, including memoranda of understanding, public-private partnerships, and financing negotiations. Jasmine Mengue Bekale, director of GBAN-UK, leads the summit, describing it as "a catalyst for long-term economic partnership" between London and Libreville. The initiative has received "in principle support" from the Ministry of Economy, which views it as an opportunity to engage British institutional investors with projects aligned with the National Growth and Development Plan PNCD. Delegates will have access to a portfolio of "bankable" projects spanning agriculture, mining, infrastructure, energy, water, housing, health, education, tourism, digital technology, and manufacturing. The summit will also feature a forum dedicated to women's and youth entrepreneurship, B2B and B2G networking sessions, and sectoral presentations. This event follows an i
Must ReadThe 2026 World Cup, despite projections of 48 teams, 104 matches, and $13 billion in revenue, is facing scrutiny over several issues. The Palestinian Football Federation reports that 567 Palestinian footballers, including goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar and "Palestinian Pel茅" Suleiman Al-Obeid, have been killed since October 2023. Additionally, 265 sports facilities have been destroyed. FIFA has not sanctioned Israel, despite Israeli clubs playing in West Bank settlements, a violation of FIFA rules. Palestinians have filed a complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the International Criminal Court for alleged "complicity in war crimes." African fans from about 50 countries faced a requirement to pay a visa bond of $5,000 to $15,000 to enter the United States. Although this bond was lifted in May for the five qualified African nations, it was too late for many, as tickets needed to be purchased by April 15. Other African nationals still face this requirement. "Gold" tickets for the event are reportedly selling for up to $5,000. The Iranian team was forced to stay in Mexico, traveling to the U.S. only for matches and returning the same day, with some staff members denied visas. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the 2025 African Referee of the Year, was detained for eleven hours at Miami airport and deported, despite being slated to be the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match. FIFA stated it does not intervene in visa matters. Gianni Infantino, whose salary has quadrupled to