Nigeria Extends Raw Shea Nut Export Ban to Boost Local Processing and Value Capture

Nigeria has extended by one year its ban on the export of raw shea nuts, a measure aimed at boosting local processing and increasing the share of value captured within the domestic economy.

According to government officials, the extension forms part of a broader economic diversification strategy designed to promote the local production o...

Nigeria Secures $1.3 Billion Deal with Africa Finance Corporation to Build Alumina Refinery

Nigeria has signed a $1.3 billion agreement with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to support the construction of an alumina refinery aimed at processing bauxite locally. The announcement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the AFC and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), the government agency responsible for...

Ghana Accelerates Agricultural Transformation with Support from Chinese Investors

Ghana is undertaking an ambitious transformation of its agricultural sector by inviting Chinese investors to support partnerships and joint ventures across the industry. This initiative is part of the country's efforts to modernize production, strengthen industrialization, and increase competitiveness in the regional market.

The Integrat...

SECORCI2 Project: Strengthening Field Capacities to Structure Artisanal Mining in Côte d’Ivoire

As part of the SECORCI2 project funded by the European Union, Coginta organized three training sessions aimed at reinforcing the capacities of artisanal miners and internal security forces. The initiative seeks to structure artisanal gold mining, impro...

Vaalco Energy Becomes Majority Operator of Kossipo Offshore Oil Field in Côte d’Ivoire

The American company Vaalco Energy has strengthened its presence in Côte d’Ivoire by becoming the majority operator with a 60 percent stake in the Kossipo offshore oil field, alongside PETROCI, which retains 40 percent. This move highlights the growing interest of international investors in the country’s energy sector.

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Ghana’s Cocoa Buyers Face Up to $750 Million in Bank Debt Amid Liquidity Crisis

Licensed cocoa buyers in Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, are facing severe liquidity pressures, with debts owed to commercial banks estimated between 650 million and 750 million US dollars (7–8 billion Ghanaian cedis). This significant debt burden is adding strain to Ghana’s fin...

Nigeria: Court Orders Oriental Energy to Pay $43.51 Million to Founder’s Daughters

A Nigerian federal court has ordered the oil company Oriental Energy Resources to pay $43.51 million to Ameena and Zara Indimi, twin daughters of Nigerian businessman Muhammadu Indimi, the company’s founder.

The ruling, reported by several African and Nigerian economic news outlets including Business Insider Africa and Published on Feb 25, 2026

Zimbabwe Rejects U.S. Health Funding, Citing Sovereignty Concerns

The government of Zimbabwe has terminated negotiations over a proposed 350 million dollar health financing agreement offered by the United States, arguing that the conditions attached to the deal were inconsistent with national interests and could undermine the country’s sovereignty.

The discussions, which had been ongoing for seve...

Nigerian Students with Valid F-1 and J-1 Visas Not Affected by New US Restrictions

The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that the visa restrictions scheduled for January 2026 will not affect Nigerian students who already hold valid F-1 or J-1 visas.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over Presidential Proclamation 10998 and its potential impact on international mobility for Nigerians. According t...

Heirs Energies Becomes Largest Shareholder in Seplat Energy in $496 Million Deal

Shares of Seplat Energy, a Nigerian oil and gas company, surged 57% following the acquisition of a strategic $496 million stake by Heirs Energies, a subsidiary of Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu.

The transaction makes Heirs Energies the largest single shareholder in Seplat Energy, marking a significant change in the company’s own...

US Recommends Strengthening Security Cooperation with Nigeria

Members of the US Congress have recommended that Nigeria prioritize the purchase of American defense systems over Russian ones to enhance its counter-terrorism capabilities. The proposal was included in a congressional statement addressing Nigeria’s security situation and violence affecting certain religious communities, particularly Chris...

Ghana: Moving Toward Local Mineral Processing and Cocoa Self-Sufficiency by 2030

The Ghanaian government has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening local processing of natural resources and supporting cocoa producers. By 2030, the export of raw minerals will be prohibited, requiring companies to process these resources domestically. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create jobs and stimulate ind...