Category: Economy

The new European Union regulations on Malagasy vanilla, which set maximum limits for nicotine residues, represent a major challenge for Madagascar’s economy. About 80% of batches of Madagascan vanilla are at risk of exceeding these limits, which could lead to the rejection of many batches by Europe. Vanilla is the country’s main agricultural product, generating foreign exchange and playing an important role in exports to the United States. The causes of the presence of nicotine residues in Malagasy vanilla are still unknown, but the Malagasy authorities have set up a team to negotiate with the EU to request a temporary non-application of this regulation. It is essential to understand the origin of these residues in order to find appropriate solutions to preserve this sector and the income it generates.

Tunisia’s bread crisis is raising concerns as the government tries to make subsidized bread available to everyone. Some modern bakeries are accused of inflating prices and mixing flour to circumvent the rules. Queues for bread are increasing and consumers are complaining about poor product quality and price variations. The government is getting tough on unclassified bakeries, but it raises concerns about the sustainability of the flour supply. The crisis highlights Tunisia’s difficulties in ensuring a regular supply of subsidized bread. Durable solutions are needed to restore trust in the subsidy system.

The suspension of financial aid from France to Burkina Faso following the Burkinabé government’s alleged support for the military coup in Niger has major economic consequences for the country. Burkina Faso depends heavily on this aid to finance development projects, which will lead to delays or even cancellations of projects. Diplomatic relations between France and Burkina Faso are also tense, and this suspension further aggravates tensions. In the short term, the situation is worrying, but Burkina Faso has the opportunity to rethink its policy of dependence on international aid and to find other sources of financing for its development projects. It is crucial that the Burkinabe government diversify its economy and seek strong partnerships to ensure its long-term economic development.

The closure of airspace in Niger will have a regional economic impact. Although the direct consequences for the country are limited, the limitation of regional connectivity could lead to higher costs in the air transport sector. Airlines will have to find longer routes, which will increase their operational costs. In addition, overflight restrictions could affect the tourism sector and trade. It will be important to monitor the evolution of the situation and the measures taken to mitigate these economic consequences.

During the first half of 2023, Africa’s exports to China fell by 12.4%. This trend is explained by the decline in commodity prices and the slowdown in the real estate market in China. Despite this decline, trade between the two regions continues to grow. The ambitious targets set by the Chinese government for imports from Africa offer promising prospects for African countries and testify to China’s growing interest in economic cooperation with the African continent.

Investing in infrastructure development in Africa is an urgent necessity to ensure sustainable and equitable economic growth. Air infrastructure, interregional transport and energy infrastructure are key elements to be developed to promote trade and economic development. Africa needs to invest around $100 billion a year in its infrastructure, with a long-term vision to attract foreign investment. It is also important to prioritize access to electricity and invest in renewable energies to improve the living conditions of populations. By implementing an effective strategy, Africa can meet the challenges of its development and offer a better future to its inhabitants.

The Voice of the Voiceless for Human Rights (VSV) welcomes the measures taken by the Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST) in preparation for the start of the school year in the DRC. Among these measures, it is now compulsory to pay school fees in Franc Congolais (FC) and schools can no longer require advances or registration fees for new students, nor confirmation fees for old ones. The VSV also encourages the government to cover teachers’ salaries and the running costs of schools on a regular and adequate basis. The VSV welcomes these initiatives as a positive step towards improving education in the DRC, hoping that they will contribute to making access to education more equitable and affordable for all parents and students in the country.

The public-private partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an essential tool to promote the economic development of the country. The Congolese government, aware of its potential, has adopted a draft decree aimed at finalizing the legal and regulatory framework of this partnership. This decree will allow a better understanding of the steps to follow for private sector actors and will promote investor confidence. This mode of collaboration offers many advantages, such as the mobilization of private financing, management expertise and the acceleration of projects. The public-private partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo helps attract investment, stimulate the development of infrastructure and services, create jobs and foster the country’s economic growth.

The article informs that Angola has decided to end the gasoline subsidy from June 5, 2023, after having liberalized prices in 2021. This measure aims to reduce the loss of tax revenue linked to smuggling and stimulate the economic development of the country. Economists believe that this decision should have long-term positive effects on the government’s social and fiscal policies. The end of the gasoline subsidy in Angola is also a positive message of economic stability in a region plagued by conflict and insecurity.

The government of the Republic of Angola has ended the gasoline subsidy, leading to mixed reactions from neighboring countries. Although some fear a rise in prices, others hope for a decrease in the trafficking of contraband gasoline. This decision was made due to the need to take into account economic realities, after the oil shock of 2014-2015. This measure could make it possible to finance social policies while encouraging a more responsible and sustainable economy.