Heritage

Ethiopia
French Development Agency calls for the National Palace to be fully opened to visitors

A year after its inauguration, Emperor Haïlé Sélassié's former residence has only been partially opened, due to a growing number of official visits. The AFD, which financed its restoration, is in negotiations with the prime minister's office.

Madagascar
Businessman Daya Koufali rises from the shadows of the junta

Koufali, also known as "Paul Sylvestra", who is a relative of junta head Michaël Randrianirina, is the focus of much speculation due to his alleged influence and increasing exposure on the political scene.

Congo
Brazzaville misses out on joining the UNESCO World Heritage Committee

After Firmin Edouard Matoko's defeat for the director-general role at the UN institution, Congo suffers another setback in not being elected to the heritage committee.

Mauritius
French president steps up cultural heritage cooperation

During his visit to Mauritius, the French president will discuss the long-term loan of around 50 19th-century plaster busts depicting slaves from East Africa.

The New Guard
Benin, Mozambique, Cameroon

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

BeninMylène Flicka, a rising star of digital strategy

MozambiqueRassina Farassi, leading primatologist

CameroonKimberley Ntsimi, discreet presidential adviser

Cameroon
Palm oil refinery rush threatens sector balance

With nearly fifteen factories in operation or under construction, Cameroon is stepping up growth in the refined oil sector. This momentum however contrasts with the frailty of national production and the absence of an integrated supply strategy.

Zambia
Hichilema bets on mines to rekindle ties with Washington

On good terms with the Biden administration, the Zambian president recently sent a series of envoys to the US, mainly to California, Texas and Washington DC. The aim was to promote investment possibilities in critical minerals to companies and the Trump administration.

South Africa
Conservative US think tank Hudson Institute extends an ambivalent hand to Ramaphosa

The South African president has received an invitation to speak at the Hudson Institute during his upcoming visit to the United States. However, given that the organisation has become a hub for anti-ANC propagandists in recent months, he has not accepted the offer.

Algeria, Morocco
Algiers and Rabat out to strengthen their influence via UNESCO

Algeria and Morocco could soon bring their cultural identity disputes to the UN agency, as both countries are candidates for its Executive Board, which will be decided in November.

Madagascar
Royal relics restitution ceremony to take place in Paris

After being postponed in April, the ceremony for the restitution of Saklava King Toera's sacred remains will in the end take place in the French capital, at the Ministry of Culture, with Rachida Dati and Volamiranty Donna Mara in attendance.

Congo, Gabon
Denis Sassou-Nguesso reunites the Gabonese Democratic Party in Brazzaville

The Congolese head of state has brought together the two opposing camps vying for control of the PDG, the party founded by Omar Bongo and led by Ali Bongo. His grandson, and son of Omar Bongo, could eventually take control, preserving the family heritage.

Morocco
Credit-free neobank Charifintech soon on the market

After raising $100m in 2022, start-up Chari plans to officially launch its payment subsidiary by the end of the year.

Nigeria
Kano throne turns into poisoned chalice for Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi returned to the head of the northern Nigerian emirate last May, four years after being dethroned, but now once again finds himself in the crosshairs of the central government.

Guinea
Guinea wants Fouta Djallon highlands added to UNESCO heritage list

The ministries of culture and the environment are taking the lead on having this area, which stretches from the city of Kindia to the Senegalese border, listed by UNESCO.