Helene Lindbergh

Botswana, set to become the second G7 diamond certification center by 2025, protested the “unfair” single-site system in Antwerp. Newly elected President Duma Boko aims to boost transparency in diamond trade and diversify Botswana’s economy, heavily reliant on diamonds. Amid slowing growth, plans include exploring medical cannabis and solar energy markets. 0 SHARES

The PGPC/REDD+ project’s approval committee meets December 4, 2024, to review 499 sub-projects worth 2.39 billion FCFA, with 500 million FCFA from promoters. Targeting value chains like shea and moringa, 250 business plans and 249 small units will launch in January 2025. The initiative spans 96 municipalities, fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental safeguards. 0 SHARES

Bank Al-Maghrib continues reducing the banking liquidity deficit, which dropped 7.79% to 140 billion dirhams, stabilizing interbank rates. The Treasury conducted moderate fundraising, raising 500 million dirhams, reflecting low financing needs. Long-term rates on the secondary market rose, signaling investor interest. BKGR anticipates favorable monetary decisions on December 17, supporting domestic market conditions.

Agadir’s tourism is thriving, with 1.27 million tourists and 5.47 million overnight stays by November 2024—up 15% from 2019. British tourists lead in overnight stays, surpassing the French market. The year may close with a record 1.5 million tourists and over 6 million stays, as average hotel occupancy rises to 62% with longer stays.

Burkina Faso is boosting agriculture with training for young entrepreneurs, supported by AGRA. Workshops in Bobo-Dioulasso and Bama highlight opportunities in agro-pastoral and fisheries sectors. Participants gain knowledge on business prospects, state support, and innovative techniques, fostering job creation and productivity. This initiative aligns with national efforts to empower youth and enhance agricultural value chains. 0 SHARES

Morocco’s National Motorway Company (ADM) announced a 4.1 billion dirham investment for 2025 to modernize its network, enhance road safety, and support a projected 5.5% traffic growth. Key projects include the Berrechid-Tit Mellil highway and Rabat-Casablanca link, along with digital toll innovations and maintenance investments, reflecting ADM’s commitment to improved mobility and infrastructure quality.

Morocco’s trade deficit widened by 6.5% to 275.74 billion dirhams in November 2024, driven by rising imports (+5.7%) outpacing exports (+5.2%).

On December 20th, 2024, WAEMU Finance Ministers adopted Regulation No. 06/2024 to modernize external financial relations, replacing R09 (2010). It balances global investment openness with protecting the FCFA’s value via centralized foreign exchange reserves. Strengthened compliance rules, stricter banking oversight, and new non-resident investment opportunities aim to enhance transparency and secure capital flows across borders. 0 SHARES

Agadir’s tourism in 2024 saw 1.377 million arrivals and 5.914 million overnight stays, driven by a 17.79% rise in stays from 2023. The British market led with 1.561 million overnight stays, surpassing French and national markets. Despite local economic challenges and hotel renovations, strong air connectivity boosted performance, reaching record occupancy and longer stays.

Fitch Ratings expects Moroccan banks to sustain high profitability through 2025-2026, driven by credit growth of 6-7% fuelled by infrastructure and industrial projects. Challenges include rising bad debts, now 8.6% of loans. GDP growth of 3.8% and structural reforms may enhance credit. A 20% bad debt reduction could boost bank capitalization significantly. 0 SHARES