Proparco

Morocco
Tycoon Chakib Alj broadens reach in grains market

The recent buyer of Moroccan miller Forafric, Cap Holding has quietly launched into developing its trading business, supplying products for both human and animal consumption.

Morocco
Farid Bennis tightens grip on Laprophan after buying out family heirs

Farid Bennis, CEO of pharmaceutical group Laprophan, has consolidated his control over one of the kingdom's largest drugmakers. He previously acquired the stakes held by other heirs of founder Abderrahim Bennis, paving the way for a new phase of investment.

Morocco
The quiet rise of Africa Feed and Food, agro-industry heavyweight

Having opened up its share capital in March, the parent company of popular pasta and couscous brand Kayna is now aiming for an initial public offering. Leading players in the financial sector are supporting the company in its ambitions.

Cameroon
Lenders vie to finance Kribi's industrial zone

With a total estimated cost of €795m, the development project for the port of Kribi's industrial zone has already attracted several multilateral institutions in addition to the African Development Bank.

Madagascar
French company Proparco in talks to join Volobe hydroelectric dam financing

The Agence Française de Développement subsidiary that's dedicated to private sector financing is discussing its involvement in the new shareholders' agreement of the Compagnie Générale d'Hydroélectricité de Volobe.

Cameroon
French Development Agency loan to Sodecoton paused

The AFD is considering cancelling the €30m loan, which has not been paid out, that it granted to the national cotton producer in 2023. Originally delayed by disputes between shareholders, the issue is now being undermined by several government operations, which are causing concern in Paris.

Morocco
AFD backs alliance between OCP and Engie

Announced with great fanfare at the beginning of May, the agreement between Agence Française de Développement and the phosphate giant OCP Group should also benefit French group Engie.

Ivory Coast
Abidjan's new archbishop reconsiders predecessor's projects

Appointed last year by the pope, Ignace Bessi Dogbo intends to put on hold the construction of a vast real estate complex worth a total of €60m, in partnership with the French Duval group.

The New Guard
Ivory Coast, Africa, Gabon

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

Ivory CoastHimra, a rapper courted by Ivorian elite

AfricaSandra Kassab, the new AFD head who's hit the ground running

GabonRose Ougoumeboué, discreet face of Nguema's election campaign

Cameroon
European officials expected at Nachtigal dam inauguration

The dam on the Sanaga River will be inaugurated on 3 April.

Ghana, Ivory Coast
International Finance Corporation mulls major loan to Swiss cocoa trader Ecom

The sum in question is $230m.