Category: Economy

### Lesotho: a crucial economic turning point

The Lesotho, a small, landlocked kingdom of southern Africa, is found at an economic crossroads in the face of a heavy threat to its textile industry, formerly flourishing. With the taxation by the Trump administration of a customs rate of 50 % on imports, nearly 12,000 jobs and 75 % of exports to the American market are in danger. This situation reveals an alarming dependence on the economy Basotho, subject to the whims of an unstable international market.

The consequences of such dependence are not limited to the economy, but also affect the lives of thousands of workers, plunged into the fear of early employment losses. PALESA MAKAE, a local entrepreneur, underlines the risk of a return to already endemic poverty. However, faced with these challenges, the Minister of Commerce, Mokhethi Shelile, breathes a glimmer of hope by calling for the diversification and exploration of new markets, in particular within the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

Lesotho has the opportunity to reinvent itself, inspired by other African successes such as that of Rwanda, by investing in various sectors such as sustainable agriculture and digital technologies. By adopting a vision collectively committed to the future, the kingdom could turn this challenge into a real story of sustainable economic success.

### Egyptian economy changing: a glimmer of hope?

In February 2023, the Egyptian banking system recorded a significant increase in its net foreign assets, reaching $ 10.17 billion, an increase of more than 17 % compared to the previous month. This positive dynamic, accompanied by a contraction of liabilities, could serve as a springboard towards more sustainable economic stability for Egypt. In a context of inflation and geopolitical tensions, this strengthening of the country’s external position highlights the importance of capital flows such as those generated by tourism and foreign direct investments.

For this embellish to be sustainable, it is crucial that political decision -makers will adopt proactive economic strategies, promoting the diversification of external income. While Egypt aspires to take a place of choice in the global economy, the future will depend on rigorous macroeconomic management and transparent communication with the public. Current encouraging figures are only the first step in an ambitious transformation to an economic horizon.

### Egypt in the face of an economic turning point: the support of the IMF as a transformation lever

Egypt has just received $ 1.2 billion from the IMF, aid that could not only be a lifeline in the face of rampant inflation and currency shortages, but also an opportunity to reinvent its economic model. While the country is fighting to stabilize its economy in an uncertain global context, with reforms focused on liberalization and austerity, recent financial injections must serve as a springboard for sustainable and inclusive initiatives. Inspired by examples like Bangladesh, Egypt has the chance to position itself as a leader in sustainable development and innovation. The key will reside in the transparency and effective allocation of funds to ensure that these reforms really benefit citizens, thus transforming challenges into real growth opportunities.

### A digital momentum in Brazzaville: young entrepreneurs in action

The 9th Osiane 2025 International Show, which will take place in Brazzaville from May 13 to 16, presents itself as a launch scene for innovation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through the “Challenge Startups of the Congo Basin”, the Agency for Digital Development (DNA) and the Special Fund for Promotion, Entrepreneurship and Youth Employment (FSPEEJ) aim to catalyze a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, by offering opportunities for financing and visibility to young business creators. This initiative is part of an expanding entrepreneurial landscape, where the DRC saw the birth of more than 5,500 startups in 2023, despite the disparities in terms of access to technologies.

With awards reaching 15,000 USD and a participation in the Vivatech fair in Paris, this approach seeks to break with the high unemployment rate among young people, while promoting digital inclusion. The “DRC-Day” day will illustrate the country’s commitment to digital development, combining discussions, sharing of experiences and promotion of local knowledge.

This challenge is not limited to a simple competition, it could well be the springboard towards an economic transformation, allowing young Congolese entrepreneurs to reclaim their future and integrate the global digital landscape. An invitation to act, innovate and build a future that resembles them.

### Kalemie: a port, promises

The modernization of the port of Kalemie, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, opens an unprecedented window of opportunity for the province of Tanganyika. With an investment of more than $ 70 million, this ambitious project aims to transform this essential infrastructure into a real engine of economic growth. Not only does it promise to increase transit capacity to more than 2 million tonnes of goods, but it could also relaunch key sectors such as agriculture, mining and tourism.

However, the success of this initiative will depend on its ability to integrate into a broader regional development. Connected roads and railways are essential to ensure that economic benefits are reaching their destinations. At the same time, it is crucial to consider the social and environmental impacts of this modernization. Implicating local communities and adopting sustainable practices will be essential to avoid pitfalls of poorly planned infrastructure projects.

With current economic instability, in particular the customs duties imposed by the United States, the DRC must navigate skillfully to maximize the benefits of this modernization. The road to development is complex, but if all stakeholders collaborate, the port of Kalemie could become a key player in the economic renaissance of the region, bringing prosperity and opportunities to the inhabitants of Tanganyika.

### The challenges of economic patriotism in France in the face of American customs

While France is preparing to sail tumultuous waters of commercial tension, the call to economic patriotism resonates as a response to customs duties of 20 % imposed by the United States on certain European products, including the precious Cognac. This complex context raises essential questions on the economic identity of France and the positioning of its companies on the international scene. If the idea of ​​favoring local investments may seem beneficial, it involves significant risks, in particular the loss of market share for the benefit of foreign competitors. Cognac producers, already affected by a drop in sales, see this escalation a threat to their crafts. Rather than yielding to strategic withdrawal, French companies could explore innovative and diverse solutions, while calling for reinforced commercial diplomacy. This critical situation could ultimately pave the way for a collective reflection on how to build a more resilient French economy adapted to global challenges.

** Economic resilience of the DRC: a glimmer of hope in wartime **

While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sails through the tumults of conflicts in the east of the country, the Minister of Finance, Doudou Fwamba Likunde, highlighted, at a conference at the University of Kinshasa, surprising economic improvements. With a confidence renovated in the public securities market, emission rates have dropped, and 93% of recent titles are long maturity, a reflection of a restored faith in the solvency of the state. In addition, with a modest interior debt of 18% of GDP, the DRC is distinguished from other nations in crisis.

However, this resilience is not without challenges. The country remains exposed to the dangers of the curse of natural resources and the need for rigorous financial governance. The Minister called for better collaboration between the government and the academic environment to stimulate innovative solutions.

The conclusion is clear: beyond the difficulties, the DRC has precious assets and an opportunity for economic renaissance. A call for collective action and creativity is essential to transform current crises into levers of sustainable development.

### an ongoing revolution: Africa at the dawn of a new development

Africa is held at a decisive crossroads, where crucial issues such as access to reliable data, food self -sufficiency, and economic security meet. With less than 30 % of SMEs with access to market data, as Bernard Laurendeau from Enkopa Lab indicates, there is an unprecedented opportunity for technological start-ups to innovate and energize the local economic fabric. In the Republic of Congo, the Protected Agricultural Zones (ZAP) project illustrates a new approach to strengthen food sovereignty, inspired by the successes of other nations such as Kenya.

However, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), undermined by insecurity, underlines the importance of a collective response. Resilience initiatives and partnerships between the private and public sector are essential to rebuild the economy and offer a solid investment climate.

In short, by embracing technology, cooperation and an integrated development vision, Africa could transform its challenges into opportunities, thus propelling the continent on the world scene.

### Pay delays in the DRC: a system to reform to avoid chaos

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the delay in pays for public officials, now set at 14 days, highlights a multidimensional financial crisis with disturbing consequences. This phenomenon, amplified by security tensions in the Kivu region and excessive dependence on mining revenues, generates increasing dissatisfaction within the population. Payment delays, far from being a simple logistical problem, could catalyze demonstrations and social radicalization, as shown in urban violence during the 2018 elections.

While the State projects an increase in military spending without correlation with revenue, the need for revision of budgetary priorities is essential. The DRC must consider daring solutions to modernize its perception of governance, turn to sustainable economic models and strengthen citizens’ confidence by restoring an inclusive dialogue around public finances. The path to sustainable and inclusive stability seems sown with pitfalls, but a significant change in cap is essential to avoid an infernal cycle of frustrations and conflicts within the nation.

### BGFIBANK: flourishing growth at the heart of uncertainty

On April 2, 2024, BGFIBANK announced an impressive Netle result of 198 million USD, marking an increase of 27 % compared to the previous year. With a total assessment of USD 9.39 billion, the bank demonstrates prudent management and strong geographic diversification. However, the challenges persist: a cost of risk in sharp increase of 133 % recalls the vulnerability of the sector in the face of economic turbulence.

Although the group’s solvency remains robust, with a 20 %ratio, this stability is threatened by an unstable world economy. Its expansion strategy, although encouraging, asks questions about risk management and compliance in a complex landscape. The “Dynamics 2025” project aims to strengthen equity, but the distribution of dividends could divert the investments necessary for innovation.

For BGFIBANK, the road to success requires strategic agility and commitment to innovation, essential to navigate in an environment constantly evolving. The promise of growth must be accompanied by a lasting vision to guarantee its sustainability on the African market and beyond.