Vodacom Congo, a subsidiary of the South African group Vodacom, is nominated for the Forbes Best of Africa award, highlighting its commitment to development, excellence and innovation in telecommunications in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With more than 21 million subscribers and almost total coverage of the Congolese territory, Vodacom Congo offers cutting-edge services, even in the most remote regions. In addition, the company implements social responsibility initiatives and adopts a customer-centric approach, ensuring a leading position in the Congolese market. It is considered a driving force for innovation and excellence in the telecommunications sector in Africa.
In this article, we explore Togo’s pacifist stance towards regional conflicts in West Africa. The country positioned itself as a neutral mediator and favored the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Recently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs clearly expressed Togo’s opposition to any foreign military intervention. This position received mixed reactions, with some welcoming the country’s pacifist commitment while others criticizing internal problems in terms of democratization. Togo must reconcile its pacifist foreign policy with democratization efforts to be a true player in regional stability.
Norway and the United States announced the creation of a $70 million agricultural finance fund to support the agricultural sector in Africa. This initiative aims to fill the financing gap faced by agri-SMEs and small farmers. In addition to financially supporting these key players, the fund also aims to strengthen financial institutions and reduce investment risks. This initiative comes at a time when the food situation in Africa is worrying, with a growing number of undernourished people. Thanks to this fund, development and job creation opportunities are emerging for the agricultural sector in Africa, with the aim of strengthening food security and promoting the sustainable development of the continent.
Devastating floods in Derna in Libya have caused more than 3,300 deaths and massive destruction of the city. The damage is comparable to that caused by a tsunami. The Libyan army closed the city center to ensure security and facilitate search operations for the missing. Despite the tragedy, some families found shelter in a school, but most were welcomed by relatives in neighboring towns. The victims are desperately waiting for the bodies to be found. These floods highlight the importance of effective preparation and coordination in the event of a natural disaster. It is crucial to support the people of Derna and prevent such tragedies in the future.
Cargill, one of the world’s largest agricultural traders, reported a nearly 43% drop in net profit despite a 7% increase in revenue. Results were impacted by lower margins in the beef processing business and an oversupply of chicken. The company’s expenses also increased, including financial interest and restructuring costs. Some experts attribute this drop in profits to a return to a calmer price situation on agricultural commodity markets. Despite these lower results, Cargill remains a major player in the sector and is focused on finding new strategies to maintain its leadership position.
In her debut novel, “His Only Wife,” Peace Adzo Medie explores the struggles and frustrations of African women in the face of patriarchy. Through the story of Afi, a young woman confronted with an arranged marriage and polygamy, the author deconstructs traditional expectations linked to marriage and exposes the weaknesses of men. With poignant and realistic writing, Medie offers a unique perspective on the condition of women in Africa, sparking discussions on gender and social issues.
The publication of the results of an inspection in the subcontracting sector in Kinshasa led to the deregistration of 1,200 subcontracting companies deemed illegal by the ARSP. These companies were responsible for losses estimated at 8 billion US dollars per year for the Congolese state. The irregularities noted included foreign shareholders holding more than 51% of shares, in violation of current regulations, as well as cases of fraud. The ARSP plans to notify the main companies working with these deregistered companies, in order to sanction them as well. This measure is in line with President Felix Tshisekedi’s policy of allowing Congolese access to subcontracting markets. The ARSP also plans to extend its controls to provinces with high economic activity. By encouraging compliance with the law and eliminating non-compliant businesses, ARSP aims to promote a transparent and equitable economy, conducive to investment and sustainable development in the DRC.
The town of Derna in Libya is recovering from the devastation of flooding caused by Storm Daniel last September. Modern and rapid reconstruction projects are presented at an international conference scheduled for October 10. However, this initiative faces diplomatic challenges due to the continuing political division in Libya. This article analyzes reconstruction efforts and highlights the difficulties encountered in mobilizing international support. Priority is given to restoring infrastructure, supporting affected families and putting in place measures to prevent future climate disasters. Joining forces of local authorities and the international community is necessary to rebuild Derna and provide a better future for its residents.
The EITI-DRC organized a workshop on the application of the Mining Code regarding the allocation of 0.3% of the turnover of mining companies in the DRC. This workshop aimed to resolve problems related to the implementation of this regulation. The discussions made it possible to share experiences and find solutions to overcome obstacles. Representatives of impacted communities and mining companies were present to take ownership of the legal provisions and implement them effectively. This workshop promotes transparency and good governance in the mining sector in the DRC.
Democracy in Africa is a hotly debated topic, with differing opinions on its applicability in the region. Some argue that the Western democratic model does not suit African traditions, while others emphasize its importance in ensuring stability and development. Despite criticism, African countries like Botswana and Cape Verde have managed to establish stable democratic regimes. However, reforms are needed to resolve recurring problems such as the concentration of power, corruption and the lack of independence of institutions. Promoting strong democracy in Africa requires pragmatic measures such as limiting power, collegiality in decision-making and civic education. It is also crucial to promote the cultural and ethnic diversity of the continent. In conclusion, democracy in Africa requires ambitious reforms adapted to local realities to ensure stability and development.