Côte d’Ivoire: 200 School Kits Given To The Children Of Ecoburnie And Ecoti Sa Agents

by with No Comment Business and EconomyTodays Headlines

Two hundred (200) school kits were given to the children of the staff of the National Waste Management Agency (Anaged) and those of the sanitation operators of the Ecoburnie and Ecoti Sa companies.

This kit distribution ceremony, an initiative of the Augustin Foundation and Anaged, took place on September 20, 2023, in Abidjan-Cocody.

Anaged’s director of communications and external relations, Oumar Diaby, congratulated the foundation for its commitment to the social development of African youth through education and health. He urged the beneficiaries to achieve good academic results at the end of the year.

The general director of Anaged, Sarrahn Ouattara, revealed that parents during this back-to-school period are facing enormous difficulties. Some students do not know if they will be in school.

For her, this delivery of school kits addresses all these concerns. Like her predecessor, the general director of Anaged provided advice to children, inviting them to remain disciplined and obedient to their parents and educators. “Be the pride of your parents and your nation,” she advised.

FRATERNITE MATIN

Côte d’Ivoire: Bingerville Municipality Begins Second Phase Of Road Asphalting Project To Enhance Infrastructure And Economic Development

by with No Comment Business and EconomyTodays Headlines

The groundbreaking for the work on the second phase of asphalting in the municipality of Bingerville was given mid-morning on Monday September 25, 2023.

This work, according to Issouf Doumbia, mayor of the commune, aims to considerably improve local road infrastructure, thus meeting the growing needs of the population.

He stressed that this work to modernize certain roads in Bingerville is important for the economic development of the town. “They will promote mobility, stimulate local investment and improve connectivity with neighboring areas,” he argued.

According to him, the project also creates numerous jobs for the inhabitants of Bingerville, thus contributing to the economic growth of the town.

The mayor insisted on the importance of transparency in the effective management of resources allocated to this major infrastructure project. He promised to report regularly on the progress of the work to the population and to guarantee that every cent invested will benefit the community.

The work will last between 18 and 24 months due to the continuing rainy season, he suggested. The bitumen work will cover 12 km of track.

FRATERNITE MATIN

IFC Commits $3.4 Million Equity Investment in Côte d’Ivoire’s ANKA E-Commerce Platform

by with No Comment Business and EconomyTodays Headlines

IFC Invests $3.4 Million in ANKA, Boosting African E-commerce Platform’s Expansion

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a substantial equity investment of $3.4 million in ANKA, a leading African e-commerce platform. This funding injection is set to facilitate ANKA’s expansion efforts, aiming to onboard approximately 100,000 additional artisans from across Africa by 2030.

ANKA operates as an online sales platform specifically designed for African creators and merchants, offering a one-stop solution for artists creating and selling clothing, jewelry, and accessories. The platform assists these artisans in connecting with new markets by streamlining sales, shipping, and payment processing.

Currently, ANKA boasts more than 22,000 sellers, with a strong presence in Africa, as well as North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Many of these sellers feature their products on the online marketplace Afrikrea, which is powered by ANKA.

Moulaye Tabouré, CEO of ANKA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with IFC, particularly at this pivotal stage of growth. He stated, “This investment will support our expansion drive as we continue to connect Africa’s creative entrepreneurs to a global market.”

Makhtar Diop, IFC Managing Director, emphasized the importance of empowering African artisans, especially women, and facilitating access to broader markets. He noted that this is crucial for enhancing economic inclusion and fostering sustainable growth. ANKA’s strategy aligns with IFC’s vision of supporting Africa’s creative industry to unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth.

IFC’s support extends beyond financing, as the organization will provide financial literacy training and other forms of education for women retailers on the ANKA platform to strengthen their businesses. Additionally, IFC will offer advisory support directly to ANKA to enhance its corporate governance framework.

According to the World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys data, Africa’s creative entrepreneurs face significant challenges in accessing global markets, with only 12 percent of small businesses directly exporting their products. Furthermore, Africa’s e-commerce market for creative products constitutes less than 10 percent of its overall retail market.

However, IFC’s recent report titled “Women and E-commerce in Africa” suggests that Africa’s e-commerce market could experience substantial growth, potentially exceeding $14.5 billion between 2025-2030.

This growth could invigorate the African creative sector, support micro-entrepreneurs, and generate job opportunities. Bridging the earnings gap between men and women on e-commerce platforms could contribute nearly $15 billion to the overall value of the African e-commerce market.

IFC’s investment in ANKA was made through its new Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan Venture Capital Platform, which focuses on backing early-stage tech startups across various sectors, including education, healthcare, climate, agriculture, and more. This investment is supported by the International Development Association’s Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility.

Côte d’Ivoire: The State In Partnership With AFRICOM Host 13 African Countries At Defence Logistics Conference

by with No Comment Politics and SecurityTodays Headlines

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) in partnership with the Côte d’Ivoire Armed Forces organized the West Africa Logistics Conference in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, which took place from 19 to 20 September. Both organizers have characterized it as a significant gathering that brought together 50 prominent military logistics leaders from West African nations and the United States.

The conference was held over two days under the theme “Addressing Regional Logistic Challenges: Collaboration and Solutions.” It provided a platform for West African participants to exchange their unique experiences and perspectives.

The primary objective of the collaborative forum was to kickstart the development of tailored solutions for common logistics and coordination challenges.

“Regional military forces have an important role in working together to create logistics solutions that are durable, impactful, and lasting. The West Africa Logistics Conference offers an opportunity for logisticians from 13 West African nations, as well as the African Union and ECOWAS, to discuss shared challenges, collaborate, and work toward solutions together, and I look forward to continuing our partnerships,” said AFRICOM’s Director for Logistics, George Bresnihan. The rear admiral added, “I want to thank our partners in the Ivoirian military who have worked with US Command over the past year to help make this important conference happen.”

The start of the event featured introductory speeches from notable figures including Mr Bresnihan, who serves as the US Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire; Jessica Ba; Jean Malan, who holds the position of director of Cabinet for Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Defense; and Kirouin Bernabet, the logistics director for Côte d’Ivoire’s Armed Forces.

Over the two-day conference, the meeting’s programme had a lineup of panel discussions and dialogues led by collaborating organizations. These discussions covered a range of topics, including the enhancement of institutional capabilities, the proactive utilization of logistical data to anticipate potential challenges and enhance operational readiness, the optimization of resource allocation, and the effective communication of logistical shortcomings and their potential implications to senior decision-makers. Furthermore, the conference placed a special emphasis on the intricacies of being prepared for and responding to crises, encompassing situations involving internally displaced populations, food shortages, natural disasters, and pandemics.

The event drew several African countries and organizations, with participants representing a diverse array of States including Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Cameroon, Chad, alongside the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.

A few months prior, US Marine Corps General, Michael Langley, at the helm of the US Africa Command, and a US Marine Corps Sergeant Major, Michael Woods, holding the position of senior enlisted leader at AFRICOM, embarked on a visit to Côte d’Ivoire from 24 July to 27 July. Their principal aim during this visit was to fortify collaboration between the two nations. Mr Langley had placed paramount importance on traversing the African continent and engaging in dialogues with leaders of partner countries, as detailed by the AFRICOM Public Affairs department.

Pearl Matibe is a Washington DC-based White House Correspondent, and media commentator with expertise in U.S. foreign policy, and international security.

PREMIUM TIMES

Côte d’Ivoire: Tecno Becomes The Official Sponsor Of The 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup Of Nations

by with No Comment SportsTodays Headlines

Global innovative technology brand, TECNO, announced its official partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the exclusive smartphone sponsor for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. The partnership between TECNO

and CAF was officially sealed on Thursday September 21, 2023 during a memorable ceremony held in Singapore, in the presence of distinguished guests, including the Director General of TECNO, Jack Guo, and the Secretary General of CAF, Véron Mosengo-Omba. This collaboration marks the start of an exciting new chapter for both parties.

“This collaboration represents a major milestone for TECNO as we partner with one of the most prestigious sporting events on the continent. TECNO has always been deeply committed to Africa. We look forward to building a dynamic partnership that not only highlights highlights our brand commitment, but also highlights the value and appeal of African football to a wide range of global partners. Together with the African Football Family, we are confident that we will achieve great success and create memories lasting benefits for football and TECNO fans around the world.” said Mr. Jack Guo, Managing Director of TECNO.

Guided by its brand essence “Don’t Stop Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and latest technologies for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best self and their best future .

The brand essence aligns perfectly with TECNO’s commitment to CAN. The CAN is much more than a football tournament; it is a celebration of unity, passion and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Véron Mosengo-Omba, Secretary General of CAF, on behalf of President Patrice Motsepe, demonstrated TECNO’s confidence in CAF and expressed his satisfaction in welcoming this signing of the agreement. ”We are pleased to welcome our new partners, TECNO, to the African Football Family as a partner of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. The CAN is a global event that attracts hundreds of millions of viewers. The partnership with TECNO is significant, as it diversifies our commercial partner base and demonstrates the viability of African football as an attractive and valuable product to a wide range of global partners. TECNO has a strong presence and a strong commercial anchor on the African continent,

The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, the most anticipated sporting spectacle in Africa, will begin on January 13, 2024 in Abidjan. TECNO will bring sports spirit and excellent products to TECNO and football fans through a variety of brand experience activities, allowing them to physically and virtually immerse themselves in the excitement of the football match.

TECNO is an innovative technology brand, present in more than 70 countries and regions across five continents. Since its inception, TECNO has transformed the digital experience in developing countries by tenaciously pursuing the ideal fusion between cutting-edge technologies and aesthetically pleasing contemporary design. TECNO has established itself as a market leader in its target segments, delivering cutting-edge innovation across a variety of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, HiOS operating systems and home devices intelligent. Guided by its brand essence “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and most contemporary technologies for progressive-minded individuals. By creating chic and intelligent products,

A BANGUI

Côte d’Ivoire: EBID Grants A Loan Of 5 billion CFA Francs For The Construction Of A Modern Market In The Country

by with No Comment Business and EconomyTodays Headlines

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has granted a loan amounting to 5 billion CFA francs to KOIRA BTP for the construction of an ultra-modern market in the commune of Adjamé-Habitat, in the Republic from Ivory Coast.

In his speech, Mr. George Agyekum Donkor (PhD), President of the EBID and its Board of Directors, underlined that this agreement is part of the strategic vision of the Bank which aims to promote a sub -inclusive, sustainable and resilient region through the financing of growth poles of ECOWAS Member States.

The project will significantly contribute to improving conditions for commercial activities in Adjamé, the traditional business center, with over 80% of the local population involved in small businesses such as trading in fabrics, foodstuffs and Appliances. This new credit facility brings the total commitments of the EBID in Côte d’Ivoire to 375 billion CFA francs for the private and public sectors.

Cesse Kome, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KOIRA BTP SA, expressed his gratitude, recognition and commitment to maintaining this lasting partnership with the EBID. He assured the Bank of judicious use of the facility to boost sustainable growth and strengthen trade.

The project, which is expected to create a total of 3,275 direct and indirect jobs, is further proof of the EBID’s commitment to promoting youth employment while creating wealth to reduce poverty in the sub-region.

AFRICA BUSINESS COMMUNITIES

Côte d’Ivoire: Fight Against The Cost Of Living: Rice Exports Suspended Until December 31

by with No Comment Business and EconomyTodays Headlines

Rice can no longer be exported until December 31, 2023.

This measure announced on September 18 in a joint press release from three ministries (Commerce, Industry and Promotion of SMEs; Budget and State Portfolio; Agriculture and Rural Development) came into force as soon as it was announced and is taken “within the framework of of the fight against the cost of living and with a view to ensuring regular supply of the national market .

The government intends to give itself the means to enforce this measure, which comes in a rather specific context in which the country’s supply raises some concerns following the limitation or even suspension of the export of this commodity by large producers. Asian countries which supply, notably Ivory Coast.

Therefore, “any failure to comply with this provision of exporting local rice in all its forms as well as sugar is liable to sanctions provided for by the law relating to competition,” specifies the press release produced for this purpose.

FRATERNITE MATIN

Côte d’Ivoire: Sports doctors and physiotherapists “sell” themselves to sports associations

by with No Comment SportsTodays Headlines

The Ivorian-Korean Center (Cscticao) located on the slope of the Cocody technical high school is fully playing its role. On September 15, 2023, he organized a conference on sports medicine.

The meeting, which is part of the activities of this center offered to Ivory Coast by the Republic of Korea, saw the participation of several national sports stakeholders (athletes, sports managers, coaches, etc.).

Through the theme “Sports medicine, medicine for healthy people in motion”, doctors Jean-Serge Koffi, interim president of the national anti-doping committee and member of the executive committee of the African Union of Sports Medicine, Brou Kouassi, sports doctor, physiotherapist and physiotherapist masseur, Arsène Angaman, well known in the field, reminded everyone of the urgent need to include medicine in their habits.

“Since 2014, there has been a law that governs the practice of sport in Ivory Coast. This means that there are constraints, and often medico-legal consequences. This is why we invite those responsible for sports federations, clubs and other gym owners to take this aspect into account,” indicated Dr Serge Koffi.

He invited sports leaders to read the law, especially with regard to articles related to the exercise of sport, sports medicine and the relationship between the doctor and the athlete.

According to the speakers, the sports doctor supports athletes. It is he who evaluates the elements of physical fitness specific to each sporting discipline, etc. Contrary to popular belief, sports medicine is not reserved for practitioners.

In Ivory Coast, there is an association of sports doctors and within it there are sworn physiotherapists.

Indeed, according to Arsène Angaman, the sports doctor and the physiotherapist work closely together to allow injured athletes to return to their training and competitions as quickly as possible. Because most athletes’ injuries, and in particular overload injuries, are non-surgical.

A meeting that the participants found very enriching. “As sports leaders and hall masters, we need training of this type to better manage our athletes and our competitions. Thank you to those responsible for Csctico for this opportunity. We hope there will be others,” wishes Adama Coulibaly, martial arts master.

Since the opening of the center a little over a year ago, the general director, Angelot Kognot and his colleagues have regularly organized sporting activities and training sessions for sports players.

FRATERNITE MATIN

Côte d’Ivoire: The IsDB Lends $800 Million To Finance The SDGs In The Republic And Other African Countries

by with No Comment Business and EconomyTodays Headlines

Ivory Coast, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, Togo and Sudan are benefiting from an $800 million loan. It was approved by the Board of Executive Directors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), who met recently in Saudi Arabia to assess the state of sustainable development in these member states.

With 2030 fast approaching, a number of countries, particularly in Africa, are not yet up to date with the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is the case of Mauritania, Mozambique and five other countries on the continent to which the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has just granted 800 million dollars. The loan will be used to build a number of infrastructure projects designed to improve the living conditions of their populations.

The projects will focus on energy (SDG7), education (SDG4), agri-food (SDG2), water and sanitation (SDG6) and energy (SDG7), among others. In Sudan, the IsDB’s support of $1.5 million should benefit 125,000 people “affected by the conflict”, particularly those living in rural areas who have lost their means of subsistence. Food security (SDG2) is weakened by ongoing clashes between paramilitaries and the regular army in Darfur. The United Nations predicts that “the number of Sudanese suffering from acute malnutrition will reach 19 million in six months (November 2023, editor’s note) if nothing is done”.

In Ivory Coast and Senegal, the IsDB will provide 194 and 44.9 million dollars respectively to finance the development of sustainable mobility and transport in order to counter the pollution peaks recorded in recent years in major cities such as Dakar and Abidjan. Nigeria, for its part, will receive 66 million dollars “to stimulate electricity transmission and innovation in the energy and information technology sectors”, according to the bank based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Guinea and Togo are also involved in the IsDB’s initiative, which aims to help its member states become more resilient to climate change. A total of $136.5 million has been earmarked to combat coastal erosion in Togo, while the Guinean government has received $40 million to implement two water and sanitation projects. These new investments reinforce those already underway in these beneficiary countries with the support of other development partners.

AFRIK 21

Côte d’Ivoire: The Economy 6.7% Growth In 2022 Despite Challenges, 7% Projected For 2023-2025, Says President Ouattara

by with No Comment Business and EconomyPolitics and SecurityTodays Headlines

President Alassane Ouattara indicated, on Sunday August 06, 2023, during his speech to the nation, on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the independence of Côte d’Ivoire, that the Ivorian economy, despite COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, continues its growth dynamic with a rate of 6.7% in 2022 and a projection of more than 7% for the period 2023-2025.

He added that inflation has been brought under control thanks to the policy pursued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and the decisions taken by the government, in particular, to subsidize petroleum products and to cap the prices of consumer goods.

“The major macro-economic balances are therefore maintained. Good governance and the fight against corruption are getting stronger every day thanks to the action of the government and the competent institutions,” he said.

The Head of State underlined that, to consolidate the good prospects of the Ivorian economy and accelerate its structural transformation, “a latest generation economic and financial program” has been concluded with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The reforms identified in this framework, which the government of Prime Minister Patrick Achi is implementing with vigor, give a central place to the private sector and to the establishment of a tax system better suited to the structure of our economy”, a- he concluded.

The festivities of the commemoration of independence, it is recalled, were canceled due to the death, on August 1, of former President Henri Konan Bédié. It is planned, this Monday, August 7, a ceremony of taking up arms at the Palace of the Presidency in Plateau, instead of the military parade, which was to be held in Grand-Bassam.

AGENCE IVOIRIENNE DE PRESSE