Trump to Host Five African Leaders in Targeted Summit, Signaling New Era of “America First” Diplomacy Focused on Trade, Minerals, and Geopolitical Competition
President Donald Trump is set to host a pivotal, closed-door summit with five West African heads of state—from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—in Washington from July 9-11, 2025. This surprise gathering, confirmed by White House officials marks the first major diplomatic outreach to Africa of Trump’s second term. It signals a clear recalibration of U.S. engagement on the continent, prioritizing commercial opportunities, access to critical minerals, and regional security over traditional aid models, against a backdrop of intensifying global competition. The upcoming summit represents a distinct shift in the U.S. approach to African diplomacy. Rather than a broad, continent-wide engagement, this meeting is highly focused, both in its participant list and its stated agenda. The high-level meeting is scheduled to take place from July 9-11, 2025, at the White House in Washington, D.C., with President Trump confirmed to attend. The invited heads of state include President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea- Bissau, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal. This gathering is being described as President Trump’s “first major diplomatic outreach to Africa since returning to the political spotlight”. The primary focus of the summit will revolve around “U.S. economic opportunities in West Africa’s critical minerals sector” and “regional security”. White House officials have underscored President Trump’s conviction that “African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners”. This targeted meeting aims to strengthen U.S.Africa relations through specific “economic and security partnerships”. This smaller, more concentrated gathering is particularly notable as it comes just weeks before plans were being finalized for a wider U.S.-Africa summit slated for September in New York, on the margins of the U.N. General Assembly. The timing of this earlier meeting appears designed to capitalize on a period of intense U.S.-Africa diplomacy, following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed just last week. The deliberate choice of a smaller, targeted summit ahead of a broader one indicates a strategic shift towards highly specific, transactional diplomacy. This approach allows the Trump administration to focus resources and political capital on countries deemed immediately crucial for its “America First” agenda, particularly regarding critical resources and regional stability.
Kenya’s Private Sector Activity Hits One-Year Low Amidst Protests and Weak Consumer Spending
Kenya’s private sector experienced its sharpest slowdown in nearly a year in June, with business conditions deteriorating for the second consecutive month. The latest Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, dropped to 48.6 in June from 49.6 in May, signaling a modest yet broad-based contraction. Readings below the 50.0 mark indicate a decline in business activity. The significant downturn has been primarily attributed to a solid contraction in both output and new orders, driven by a combination of lower consumer spending, challenging economic conditions, and renewed social protests that disrupted operations across various sectors. More than a third of surveyed businesses reported a drop in sales during June, while only a fifth saw an increase. Respondents consistently cited difficult conditions for clients as the main factor behind diminishing new business. This indicates a hesitant consumer base, grappling with economic uncertainties. “The dip in activity was due to output and new orders contracting because of weaker consumer spending, challenging economic conditions, and social protests reappearing in June,” stated Christopher Legilisho, an Economist at Stanbic Bank. The month of June saw significant public unrest, initially tied to the anniversary of anti-government protests from the previous year, and later amplified by public anger over the death of a blogger in police custody. These protests, which included youth-led demonstrations, looting, and arson in Nairobi and other cities, undoubtedly contributed to operational disruptions and dampened business sentiment. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen reported at least 10 deaths during one day’s unrest, while rights group Amnesty Kenya claimed at least 16 fatalities, all from gunshot wounds suspected to be inflicted by police. Despite the gloomy overall picture, there were some mixed signals. Confidence about future activity strengthened slightly, and headcounts increased, while delivery times improved at the sharpest rate in almost two years, likely due to intense competition and reduced road congestion. However, some firms still faced delays from port clearance issues and material shortages. Input prices also rose at their fastest pace since January, largely due to increasing wage costs. This suggests that while demand is weak, businesses are still contending with rising operational expenses. Interestingly, inventory levels rose sharply in June, reaching their highest growth rate since October 2022. This could be a result of strategic stockpiling by firms or an anticipation of future demand, despite the current slump. Conversely, actual purchasing activity saw its steepest drop since July 2024, as businesses adjusted their buying patterns in response to softer sales. The current economic outlook for Kenya remains subject to elevated uncertainty. While the country’s GDP grew by 4.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, and inflation has been declining (reaching 3.8% in May), concerns persist regarding private sector investment and overall economic resilience. The World Bank recently lowered Kenya’s 2025 economic growth projection to 4.5% from an earlier forecast of about 5%, citing higher debt risks and declining private sector credit. Structural reforms aimed at boosting private sector productivity, expanding access to skills and capital, and strengthening households’ resilience to external shocks are deemed crucial for ensuring inclusive growth and poverty reduction in the long term. The current slowdown in private sector activity in June underscores the immediate challenges facing the Kenyan economy as it navigates complex domestic and global headwinds.
IMF: Nigeria Financial Future Looks Brighter; Wale Edun welcomes Article IV Consultation
Results from the international monetary fund (IMF) assessment of Nigeria’s macroeconomic conditions says the country is firmly on the right path to successive economic growth and progress— citing the implementations of the Nigeria’s ‘bold economic reforms’ bearing good fruit. Mr. Wale Edun Honorable minister of finance and coordinating minister of the Nigerian economy who has been spearheading the country’s ‘bold economic reforms’—specifically, the fiscal policies hails the IMF for the strategic assessment. In April the IMF carried out extensive consultations to assess the macroeconomic conditions of Nigeria titled “Article IV”, since the implementation of the ‘bold economic reforms’ being carried out by the president Bola Tinubu led administration two years ago; few months after the economic consultations, IMF released the outcome of their assessment today–stating that Nigeria is currently on the right path to economic recovery and sustainability, attributing success to the ‘controversial’ bold economic policies. The IMF executive directors noted that these bold reforms which include: removal of the costly fuel subsidy, halting monetary financing of the fiscal deficit and the removal of subsidies for exchange rate, has significantly strengthened Investor confidence, helping Nigeria successfully tap the Eurobond market and leading to a resumption of portfolio inflows. At the same time, poverty and food insecurity have risen, and the government is now focused on raising growth. Also a fresh report from the federal ministry of finance, noted that the Honorable Minister, who has been tackling fiscal reforms head-on expressed appreciation to the IMF support for the ongoing economic reforms and the significant improvements achieved over the past two years. The economic reforms although controversial has given the nation a new face contributing significantly to the improvement of the country’s fiscal and external positions which were on the down side pre bold economic policies. However, the Executive directors noted that Nigeria growth accelerated to 3.4 percent in 2024, driven mainly by increased hydrocarbon output and vibrant services sector. Agriculture remained subdued, owing to security challenges and sliding productivity. Real GDP is expected to expand by 3.4 percent in 2025, supported by the new domestic refinery, higher oil production and robust services. Against a complex and uncertain external environment, medium-term growth is projected to hover around 3½ percent, supported by domestic reform gains. Gross and net international reserves increased in 2024, with a strong current account surplus and improved portfolio inflows. Reforms to the fx market and foreign exchange interventions have brought stability to the Naira. Furthermore, Naira stabilization and improvements in food production brought inflation to 23.7 percent year-on-year in April 2025 from 31 percent annual average in 2024. Inflation should decline further in the medium-term with continued tight macroeconomic policies and a projected easing of retail fuel prices. Mr. Wale Edun appreciated the IMF for recognizing the strategic advancement that has evolved in Nigeria agricultural sector; which has led to significant increase in food production beating down the country’s food inflation to 21.4% from 26.08% in the beginning of this year. Watch-out for downside risks However, while Nigeria’s macroeconomic conditions have significantly improved, there’re stumbling blocks to lookout for. The executive directors emphasized that a further decline in oil prices or increase in financing costs would adversely affect growth, fiscal and external positions, undermine financial stability and exacerbate exchange rate pressures and deterioration of security could impact growth and food insecurity. The IMF executives emphasized the importance of agile policy making to safeguard and enhance macroeconomic stability, creating enabling conditions to boost growth, and reducing poverty. Also applauds the Central Bank of Nigeria for appropriately maintaining a tight monetary policy stance, which should continue until disinflation becomes entrenched. They welcomed the discontinuation of deficit monetization and ongoing efforts to strengthen central bank governance to set the institutional foundation for inflation targeting while building reserves and supporting market confidence and praised reforms to the foreign exchange market that supported price discovery and liquidity. The directors called for implementation of a robust foreign exchange intervention framework focused on containing excess volatility, stressing that the exchange rate is an important shock absorber. IMF also called for a neutral fiscal stance to safeguard macroeconomic stabilization with priority given to investments that enhance growth while clamoring for acceleration in the delivery of cash transfers to assist the poor. They commended the authorities on advancing the tax reform bill, an important step towards enhancing revenue mobilization and creating fiscal space for development spending, while preserving debt sustainability. Lifting and sustaining Nigeria’s growth outlook, improving food security, and reducing fragility, IMF Directors highlighted the importance of tackling security, red tape, agricultural productivity, infrastructure gaps, including boosting electricity supply, as well as improved health and education spending, and making the economy more resilient to climate events. However in response to downside risks situation the finance minister noted that the implementation of the 2025 Budget is being carried out with a focus on safeguarding reform gains and ensuring economic stability. The ministry report pointed that the government will continue to monitor developments in the international oil market and global trade environment, and is currently taking responsive measures to mitigate potential risks, while maintaining momentum toward inclusive growth to benefit all Nigerians.
NNPC Achieves Major Milestone with AKK Pipeline Project
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) announces success with it’s ongoing Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, which has successfully crossed the river Niger. The project which has been experiencing significant challenges with river crossing, however, the barrier slowing down the construction has been lifted using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, minimizing environmental impact. Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline which was officially approved in December 2017, is a monumental infrastructure project in Nigeria, which is designed to transport natural gas from the southern part of the country to the northern states, fostering industrialization, power generation, and domestic gas utilization. Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, who announced the significant milestone while delivering a Keynote Address at the 24th NOG Energy Week (#NOGEnergyWeek) on Tuesday, said the feat was achieved through effective and innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration. He also disclosed that for the first time in a long while, the nation enjoyed 100% crude oil pipeline availability throughout June 2025. He said the feat, which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC Ltd., helped to boost crude oil production in the country. The AKK pipeline is a 40-inch by 614-kilometer linear pipeline system, originating in Ajaokuta (Kogi State) and extending through Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), Kaduna, and terminating in Kano (Kano State). It includes associated intermediate and terminal gas facilities. President Muhammadu Buhari virtually flagged off the construction of the $2.92 billion (later revised to $2.8 billion) AKK Gas Pipeline project in July 2020. marking the official commencement of physical work on the pipeline project. Initial completion target of the project has seen some adjustments due to various factors, including the technical challenges, COVID-19, global inflation, and extreme weather conditions. While there were earlier hopes for completion by end of 2023 or 2024, the current official target for mechanical completion and commissioning is the first quarter of 2025, with some contractors aiming for the end of 2025 for overall mechanical completion. However, the project is currently at 72% completion. The AKK pipeline is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy, promoting industrial growth in northern Nigeria by providing a reliable and affordable source of gas for power generation and industrial clusters.
MTN MIP: Effective use of Google Tools Will Help African Media Organizations Generate and scale-up Revenues
At the MTN media innovation program 2025 (MIP), the African telecom giant partnered with Google to deliver extensive trainings and insights to media organizations on how to effectively integrate Google tools such as: Gemini, Google trends, notebook LM in performing their daily work tasks and scaling up Google Ad revenues. The MTN MIP in partnership with pan Atlantic university is a part of the telecom company’s humanitarian initiative of giving back to the community. Across developing countries in Africa– particularly Nigeria the role of media is even more critical, for there’re larger audience to deliver information to-hence the need for the 6 month long innovative program which is designed to empower media practitioners and drive innovation that will potentially sustain the much needed sustainability in the media sector. Standing at the front edge of an auditorium–packed with representatives from prominent media organizations across Nigeria at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University; Mrs. Onyinyechi Eze, Google Strategic Partner Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa– recommended some Google tools that will help in scaling up revenue in their respective media organizations while speaking on the topic: ‘Revenue models: Building a tech stack and optimizing Ad revenue’. She explained that Google has made these innovations specifically to help media organizations carry out day-to-day cost effective operations. She emphasized that tools such as: pagespeed insights, meta data, Google trends, Gemini, notebook LM, pin point, Google Adsense, and Google Admob are software innovations created to help media organizations know the performances of their news website; know their audience; get to reach more audience; and also get to know audience choices, also highlighting that: deep understanding and usage of these user friendly Google innovations will guide media organizations to tailor contents to be much more appealing to the audience they serve and in turn generate higher traffic to their website–higher traffic equates higher revenues. While, also expressing that she highly hopes each representatives begins to implement and incorporate these user friendly tools in their respective media organization; Excitingly, Mrs. Onyinyechi applauded the MTN MIP programme in collaboration with the Pan Atlantic University stating she’s happy to support to the media organizations in Nigeria, to help drive-up media businesses and improve the people’s trust in the media. Evolve with Ai The Google representative emphasized the need for the media industry to evolve by leveraging advancement in AI to fully optimize its benefits alongside ad monetization as an additional revenue stream. She executive applauded the progress thus far with the recent development of some news organizations have made in recent times. “Active participation in these trainings are some of the ways the media sector can evolve.” She emphasized Mrs. Eze suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) should be incorporated in today’s media operations to help increase productivities. Further emphasizing the AI principles and how efficient it is to understand them in organizations. She noted AI has been a constant presence, only recently gaining widespread media attention due to its evolution and increasing user base. AI’s primary function is to support and enhance human endeavors, becoming more accessible and relevant to daily operations. Google tools for media organizations The following innovations were highlighted by the google representative. •Google PageSpeed Insights (PSI) a free online tool developed by Google that analyzes the performance of a web page and provides suggestions on how to improve its speed and user experience on both mobile and desktop devices. •Google Trends also a free tools that allows anyone to explore and analyze the popularity of search queries on Google Search across various regions and languages over a specified period of time. •Gemini is Google’s advanced family of multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) models. This means it’s designed to process and understand various types of data. •NotebookLM is a powerful, AI-powered research and note-taking tool developed by Google Labs. It leverages the capabilities of Google’s Gemini AI models to help users interact with and gain insights from their own documents and information. •Google AdSense a program allows website publishers (individuals or businesses who own websites, blogs, or other online content) to earn money by displaying advertisements on their digital properties. Similarly, Google admob helps app owners make money, by displaying advertisements on their software applications.
Climate Action: Building a Better Future, Through Strategic Investments in Renewable Energy — Platform Capital
Report from platform capital states that burning of fossil fuel is a key player largely contributing to high concentrations of greenhouse gases (water vapour (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and ozone (O₃) ) – in the atmosphere. Also highlighting that high concentrations of these gases has led to higher increase in the earth’s temperature– leading to most environmental challenges faced in recent years. However, strategic financing for renewable energy and rapid move-away from fossil fuel – is the right horse to bet on in saving the planet from environmental degradation. Naturally, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions play a significant role in making the earth warm and habitable for humans, plants and animals. Notwithstanding, a recent report from Platform Capital titled: “Engineering a Greener and Sustainable World”– by: Dr. Akintoye Akindele – argues extensively that the continuous increase in GHG concentrations in the atmosphere is directly correlated with rising global temperatures, leading to various “severe environmental impacts”– such as: heat-waves, droughts, floods, wildfires and sea-level rise threatening coastal and developing communities. The report argues that Global GHG emissions have shown a consistent upward trend since the Industrial Revolution, primarily driven by economic growth and population increase. However, global energy-related CO2 emissions, which constitute the largest share of total GHGs, reached a record high of over 36.8 gigatonnes, when all GHGs emissions are combined and measured, “total anthropogenic GHG emissions reached approximately 57.4”– which is higher than normal levels before 19th century industrial revolutions. The report however, pointed the energy sector as the largest contributor followed by industry, agriculture, forestry, and transportation. Platform Capital, the firm responsible for this report is an African firm that catalyzes for sustainable growth in the region; as a sector that specializes in sustainable growth and an investment advisory firm; they deploy strategic capital alongside international and local partners, supporting high potential business into industry Giants. They are clamoring for a rapid shift in Africa energy sources to renewable sources and calling for strategic investments in green energy projects in the region. Africa in the Global South. Africa belongs to the global south region–consisting of developing continents like: Asia and Latin America; these regions contribute minimal to historical air pollution compared to the global north region which consists of industrialized countries such as: United States, Canada, and much of European Union –which are responsible for the bulk of air and gas pollution globally. Global calculations of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions has revealed a significant disparity between the Global North and the Global South–one that has continued to shape international climate negotiations and debates on climate justice. Many environmental experts argued that Africa has little or no business with climate change and the shift to renewable energy– citing that the continent has not embarked on its own industrial revolution and has contributed very little to global environmental crises compared to countries in the global north – who have been burning coal and all sort of fossil fuel for their energy consumption to meet up with their industrialization. Even within the global south, Africa contributes less to GHG emissions compared to other continents in the region. “China and India alone accounted for nearly 60% of the South’s emissions.” The remaining over 120 countries in the south region in which Africa nations are part of accounts for just 22% of its total emissions. Underscoring Africa role in global GHG emissions and other environmental pollutions. While per capita emissions in countries like the U.S., Canada and Europe reached 16 tonnes in 2019, many nations in the Global South particularly Africa emit less than 2 tonnes per person, yet bear the brunt of climate impacts such as drought, flooding, and food insecurity. “This imbalance intensifies the demand from the Global South for climate finance and technology transfer from the North.” The report argued. Oil and Gas Contributions to Emissions in the Global South. The Capital Platform Energy report further argues that oil and gas industry, along with other extractive sectors, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Global South. These emissions arise from various phases of fossil fuel operations, including extraction, processing, transportation, and combustion. A lot of African countries are oil rich and operates an oil dependent economy; Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Algeria are largest economies in Africa and they mainly export oil. “The upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, which includes exploration, drilling, and production of crude oil and natural gas, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Global South. These emissions result from both direct operations and fugitive releases, significantly impacting local and global climate systems.” However, one of the primary sources of emissions in upstream operations is methane leakage during drilling and extraction. Methane (CH₄), which is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term, often escapes from wells, pipelines, and processing facilities. According to the International Energy Agency, methane emissions from upstream oil and gas activities in developing countries are significantly underreported and under-regulated. “The downstream sector of the oil and gas industry—which includes refining, distribution, and end-use of petroleum products—is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Global South.” The report further argues that this sector plays a critical role in the final stages of hydrocarbon processing and consumption, where significant emissions are generated both directly through industrial activity and indirectly through product use. Highlighting “petroleum refining” as one major source of emissions, describing the process as highly energy-intensive process that releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Refineries in the Global South often operate with older, less efficient technologies, resulting in higher emissions per barrel processed compared to counterparts in the Global North. In countries like Nigeria, Indonesia, and India, the absence of stringent environmental regulations exacerbates these problems. In Africa and parts of Asia, kerosene and diesel remain widely used for lighting and domestic energy, contributing to both CO₂ emissions and indoor air pollution. Dealing with GHG
CAPPA’s SSB Report – A Technically Weak Foundation for Sweeping Policy Change
Chidozie Nwali While public health concerns surrounding sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are legitimate, the latest report by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) falls significantly short in its technical and analytical rigor. The recommendations—most notably a call for a ₦130/litre SSB tax—are based on flawed assumptions, selective data use, and simulations that crumble under scrutiny. The report’s primary justification for the tax increase hinges on outdated and inconsistent data. It cites a study linking obesity to processed food and sedentary lifestyles, yet its own findings focus on young males with high SSB consumption—creating a disconnect between evidence and conclusion. Moreover, CAPPA attributes Nigeria’s rising non-communicable disease burden largely to SSBs, while ignoring a multitude of contributing factors including urbanization, income levels, and broader dietary shifts. Technically, CAPPA fails to assess the effectiveness of the current ₦10/litre tax. No evidence is presented to show a reduction in SSB consumption, nor is there data linking the tax to improved health outcomes. This absence of baseline evaluation makes their call for a drastic increase unscientific. Their simulation—a predicted 29% drop in consumption from a 39% price increase—offers no clarity on assumptions, elasticity metrics, or behavioural modelling. It reads more like advocacy than analysis. The least expected by the Nigerian public is some level of transparency that involves a disclosure of how much revenue has been generated or how these funds have been used to improve public health. In the absence of this data, any suggestion of raising the tax twelvefold is fiscally irresponsible. It would be akin to raising toll rates without knowing if the roads were even maintained with previous funds. The policy also has serious implications for low-income consumers, who will feel the brunt of rising beverage prices amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis. Without a clear and transparent plan to earmark and utilize SSB tax revenue for public health programs, this policy risks being seen as nothing more than a regressive revenue tool—one that punishes consumers while doing little to improve national well-being. Additionally, the report cherry-picks global evidence. It fails to mention that the World Health Organization has twice declined to label SSB taxes as “Best Buys” in public health policy, due to insufficient evidence on cost-effectiveness. It also overlooks critical economic variables, such as the fragmented structure of Nigeria’s beverage market and the impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are already grappling with high taxation and inflation. Policy must be grounded in comprehensive, transparent, and peer-reviewed evidence. CAPPA’s report, unfortunately, is not. It elevates rhetoric over rigour and ideology over insight. Nigeria deserves better than a health policy driven by technical shortcuts. We need rigorous dietary studies, economic modelling, and measured fiscal approaches—not reactionary interventions based on flawed analysis.
ECOWAS Chairmanship Handed over to Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone
The Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has handed over Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone president, after a two term tenure. Just few weeks ago ECOWAS celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 28, 2025, with loud celebrations and official ceremonies held at Ghana and Nigeria. Now, at the 67th ECOWAS Heads Of State and Government Summit in Nigeria’s capital city Abuja on Sunday June 22nd, 2025, the regional body takes a new face. 61 years old President Bio, in his inaugural speech, promised to prioritise four key areas, namely: restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalizing regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration and building institutional credibility. The former ECOWAS chairman president Tinubu was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023 and he was re-elected a year later in Abuja, following the decision of the leaders to ensure continuity and consistency in meeting targets on security, reconciliation, and development. Over the course of his two terms as Chairman ECOWAS, President Tinubu has gone to great lengths to promote peace in the sub-region. His efforts at facilitating peace talks in Sierra-Leone led to the signing of the crucial Unity Agreement between the major protagonists, following the post 2023 multi-tier election crisis in the country and enabling the exile of former President of Sierra – Leone Ernest Koroma to Nigeria to ease tensions in the country. Under his watch, the ECOWAS Standby Force to counter terrorism was activated and the ECOWAS military logistics depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone has been completed. However, in his handover speech president Tinubu expressed gratitude to the leaders for their confidence in him as two term chairman of the regional body citing the challenges encountered during his tenure. Under the leadership of President Tinubu three west African states (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso) left ECOWAS and went full blown military dictatorship ditching their sustained democratic institutions. “As we look forward to the future of West Africa, I remain positive, that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale over greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability and prosperity for our people and for our region.” Adding that “In the course of the past two years, we have faced complex regional challenges, political transition, and security trends. I thank everyone of you” Tinubu said. The new ECOWAS president in his acceptance speech also, expressed gratitude to the regional leaders for entrusting him with the leadership position, while expressing his zeal of achieving greater prosperity in the regional community. “I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow Heads of State and Government for entrusting me with the responsibility of chairing the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. I am eager to strengthen our collaboration and work together towards a prosperous and thriving sub-region that benefits us all.” President Bio said. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS. The beginning of Tinubu’s tenure as ECOWAS chairman coincided with incidences of coups and counter coups in the subregion, culminating with the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS to focus on a security partnership they established earlier called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The Sahelian bloc led by military regimes, whose existence is anti-thetical to ECOWAS democratic norms and rules, have also severed military ties with their former Western allies like the United States, United Kingdom and France, and now relying on Russia for military support. Notwithstanding, the Burkina Faso military head of state frequently receives loud applause, cheers from the people, signaling their support to his current military administration. However, tinubu’s tenure became a bulwark against the erosion of democratic values. Insisting, “We will not allow coup after coup in Africa”. ECOWAS under His watch imposed far reaching sanctions on Niger and almost at the point of using military force to get them to return to constitutional rule and deter coup d’etats in the sub-region. However, President Tinubu softened his earlier stance probably taking into consideration public sentiments such as those expressed by the only surviving founding Father of ECOWAS General Yakubu Gowon who called for the lifting of sanctions. On February 24, 2024, ECOWAS lifted most of the sanctions on Niger and President Tinubu urged the three countries to return to the community noting that ECOWAS must re-examine its current approach to the quest for constitutional order; although, the three nations who officially announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 28, 2024 are yet to rejoin the regional community–their withdrawal has since taken effect on the 29th of January 2025, and are seen focused on their new alliance called Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Africa Energy Forum: Unlocking Investments for Affordable Green Energy Initiatives
Octopus Energy group a global clean energy tech business–operating over £7 billion portfolio of projects launched its first African energy fund to turbo-charge green energy investments across sub-Saharan Africa. At the ongoing Africa Energy Forum – 2025, held in Cape Town, South Africa under the theme ‘Africa United’, energy stakeholders, experts and various speakers are gathered to deliberate and voice out concerns about the continents energy deficit, crisis and solutions. At the forum octopus energy group unveiled Octopus Energy Power Africa Fund (OEPA). The energy group said OEPA is designed to unlock funding to catalyze the continent’s huge clean energy potential. “bringing together forward-thinking investors to power communities and businesses with affordable, homegrown, green energy.” OEPA plans to invest in game-changing clean energy solutions – from rooftop solar and battery storage to electric vehicle charging infrastructure and grid upgrades across sub-Saharan region. OEPA was launched with an initial funding of $60 million; although, the energy giants plans to “mobilize $250 million over the next three years,” calling on “forward-thinking investors” to join the journey. Africa’s energy market is one of the fastest-growing globally, driven by an unmatched abundance of sunshine and wind. The continent is home to around 40% of the world’s renewable resources, yet receives just 2% of global clean energy investment. Ashleigh Gray, Director of the Octopus Energy Power Africa Fund, says OEPA will provide smart affordable energy solutions to help curb the increasing demand for electricity power across the region. “With the Octopus Energy Power Africa Fund, we’re offering a new gateway into a region where demand is soaring.” However, to show sustainable commitment–octopus energy group had invested in a Solar-powered battery rental startup MOPO to provide affordable rental power-banks to users across Africa. Pocket mini-grids MOPO runs a savvy, proven and scalable, pay-per-use system that lets customers rent portable, solar-charged batteries from local hubs. The company’s proprietary solar-powered batteries offer a sustainable, more affordable alternative to costly, polluting petrol generators. The MOPO solar-charged enterprise offers two models: a small 50Wh device that allows low-income customers to use power for tasks such as lighting and phone charging; and the 1kWh MOPOMax, which can be used to power various household and office appliances such as televisions, fans, printers, electric cookers– this model aims to end gasoline generators. In Ekiti state, southwest Nigeria, people depends heavily on the MOPO power-bank to run their businesses and keep their phones and rechargeable powered–this is because the state suffers from acute power shortages arising from traditional grid’s failure. Costumers are seen going to the local MOPO solar hubs to rent the solar-charged power-bank that would last 24hrs to run their business and power their rechargeable. However, the device must be returned to the local hub the next day or it would automatically stop working– due to a unique anti-theft system installed on it. MOPO believes leasing already charged batteries would be a smart solution to tackle power shortages in rural communities. However, Octopus Energy Group said it’s investment in MOPO marks the next step in its mission to expand renewable energy access globally, helping to deliver green energy to the 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa currently without reliable access to power. NWALI CHIDOZIE MICHAEL
East Africa: IMF backs Seychelles macroeconomic stability extends financial support
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Completes the Fourth Reviews Under the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements and Approves US$13.7 Million Disbursement for Seychelles republic. After a close review of Seychelles’ economic performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangements, allowed a US$13.7 million disbursement to the republic on upon the review completion. According to a very recent report from the IMF the funds will help strengthen the “macroeconomic stability, sustain growth, and reinforce fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, while also supporting efforts to strengthen resilience to climate change, exploit synergies with other sources of official financing, and catalyze financing for climate-related investments.” Recall, both the EFF and RSF are a three years agreement signed with the IMF in 2023, the arrangement came with financial backing of EFF US$56 million and RSF US$46 million. The three years period arrangement between IMF and Seychelles republic for the facility fund elapsed in 2025, upon which reviews were made by the IMF to determine how the resources where managed and utilized to back the republics macroeconomic stability. Seychelles an island republic with over 110000 populations, with tourism and fisheries as primary income sources and US$2.1billion GDP is faced with economic challenges arising from low tourism income. Europe the most important tourist market for the republic recorded slow economic growth, leading to Europeans traveling less for tourism into the African rich tourist destination. Economic growth for Seychelles in 2024 was estimated at 2.9 percent by IMF, slightly lower than earlier forecasts due to lower activity in the tourism sector. Year-on-year inflation reached 1.7 percent as of December, driven by an increase in utility prices and pass-through effects of currency depreciation. Fiscal performance was tighter than budgeted driven mainly by under-spending on capital expenditure, with a primary surplus equivalent to 3.2 percent of GDP in 2024. The Central Bank of Seychelles, however, maintained an accommodative monetary stance. The current account deficit widened to 7.9 percent of GDP in 2024, but gross international reserves increased to $774 million, equivalent to 3.8 months of imports. Extended Fund Facility (EFF) & All reform measures (RMs) review. IMF noted the three years arrangement has done extremely well and the resources were adequately utilized by the republic, for its economic growth–highlighting that “All quantitative program targets (QPCs) and structural benchmarks for end-December 2024 were met.” The IMF described the implementation of the RMs as “satisfactory” citing all RMs for march 2025 were successfully implemented– only energy pricing and the issuance of a new multi-year electricity tariff system in the arms was delayed till November. Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and acting Chair, praised the country’s macroeconomic progress highlighting the nation’s commitment to “structural reforms” “Good progress has been made on essential macro-structural reforms.” He said. He further expressed that findings from the fourth review shows “the authorities continue to implement an ambitious reform agenda and prudent fiscal and monetary policies in the face of an increasingly challenging external environment.” Citing targets of all economic reforms were met and measures successfully implemented. Mr. Bo li, however, advised the government to remain “vigilant” as outlook for medium-term risk remains “uncertain” pointing at the slowdown in tourist activity due to the slow growth project for Europe in 2025– the republic biggest tourist attraction. Moreover, he emphasized that the arrangement would still be in place to help the republic maneuver any economic challenges that could arise from global trade tensions– that can potentially lead to decrease in foreign direct investment FDI. “The EFF arrangement will continue to help protect macroeconomic stability and support stronger fiscal and external buffers, while advancing the authorities’ structural reform agenda.” He said. Seychelles macroeconomic reforms which are centered on climate-resilience of public investments, diversify financing, and strengthen assessment and disclosure of climate-related financial sector risk would enhance economic resilience and external financing risks when successful implemented. IMF noted the reforms would also help “diversifying Seychelles’ power generation capacity—reducing its dependence on imported energy.”