
The International University of Rabat UIR and BCP International BCPI, a subsidiary of the BCP Group focused on sub-Saharan African development, announced a strategic partnership on April 15, 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance access to quality higher education in Morocco for sub-Saharan students. The initiative seeks to expand opportunities for advanced studies and foster a new generation of African talent dedicated to the continent's development. The agreement was signed by Noureddine MOUADDIB, President of UIR, and Othmane TAJEDDINE, Managing Director of the International Bank and Specialized Subsidiaries of the BCP Group and BCP International, during their participation in GITEX Africa Morocco 2026. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation in training and skills development across Africa. Initially, the program will target several countries in the UEMOA and CEMAC zones, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, C么te d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Togo, where the BCP Group has a significant presence. UIR aims to increase the proportion of international African students to 20% by 2040, reinforcing Morocco's role as a pan-African academic hub. BCP International will support access to higher education by offering tailored financing solutions for educational pathways, addressing a major barrier to international mobility. This joint effort by BCP International and UIR reflects a shared ambition to create more accessible A
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Must ReadArgentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, earning their place in the final against Spain. England initially took the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Anthony Gordon after a goalless first half. The Three Lions maintained their defensive strength, appearing poised for qualification until the final minutes. However, Argentina, the reigning world champions, demonstrated resilience. Enzo Fern谩ndez equalized for Argentina in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Mart铆nez scored the winning goal in stoppage time 90th+2 with a decisive strike. This spectacular win means Argentina will face Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in their semi-final, in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday. England will play France for third place on Saturday.
Must ReadThe Ivorian National Monitoring Committee for Actions Against Trafficking, Exploitation, and Child Labor CNS launched a capacity-building workshop for Social Traceability Operations Agents AOTS in Yamoussoukro from July 12 to 16, 2026. These agents, deployed in production zones in partnership with the Coffee-Cocoa Council, monitor social practices, verify the absence of child labor in plantations, and educate producers on human rights. The workshop, following an evaluation by the Public-Private Partnership Platform's technical secretariat that identified operational difficulties, includes two phases: validating AOTS tools and activities, and training on the social aspects of cocoa production. Dr. GBONGUE Mamadou, Deputy Director for Projects and Monitoring-Evaluation at the Coffee-Cocoa Council, emphasized the need to equip this surveillance brigade to ensure optimal social traceability and eradicate child labor. Mr. Amani KONAN, national consultant to the Office of the First Lady, highlighted the Ivorian authorities' commitment to this fight, led by Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, and presented CNS initiatives. Mrs. AIPO Melissa Djama, Technical Secretary of the Public-Private Partnership Platform, stated the workshop aims to define a clear roadmap and strengthen coordination, commending the CNS, ILO, and ICI Foundation's involvement. Social traceability in the coffee-cocoa sector encompasses mechanisms to monitor producers' living and working conditions throughout the supply chain

The French National Day, Bastille Day, was celebrated on July 14, 2026, at the Residence of France in Abidjan, C么te d'Ivoire. The event was attended by the Vice-President of the Republic, Prime Minister Robert Beugr茅 Mamb茅, and numerous political, diplomatic, cultural, and media figures. Key speeches were delivered by the Ambassador of France to C么te d'Ivoire, Jean-Christophe Belliard, and the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Diaspora, Kaba Nial茅. Ambassador Belliard highlighted the "exceptional" quality of relations between France and C么te d'Ivoire, emphasizing the values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, and their relevance to the cooperation between the two nations. He also noted the dynamic nature of the Franco-Ivorian partnership, which includes diversified cooperation in economic, educational, security, and environmental sectors. Belliard reaffirmed France's commitment to supporting C么te d'Ivoire's development priorities through a balanced and sustainable partnership. Minister of State Kaba Nial茅 conveyed greetings from the Head of State, Alassane Ouattara, to the French Republic. She praised the strong historical ties and progress in bilateral cooperation, advocating for increased economic exchanges and investments, and reiterating France's role as a key strategic partner for C么te d'Ivoire. The ceremony concluded with the national anthems of both countries, performed with Afro-jazz influences, followed by informal exchanges a