Cameroon is on its way to becoming a central player in wheat production within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). This approach is part of a large-scale project led by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI). Eddy Ngankeu, Technical Advisor No. 2 of MINRESI, reaffirmed this ambition in a recent...
October 31, 2024 will remain a milestone for the Cameroonian financial sector. On that day, Prudential Beneficial Insurance and Africa Golden Bank sealed a strategic bancassurance partnership during a ceremony held at the insurer’s headquarters in Douala. The event brought together influential figures in the sector, reinforcing the importance of this collaboration. Africa Golden Bank...
Norwegian investment fund Norfund is showing growing interest in Cameroon to finance projects focused on the green economy. In its desire to strengthen its presence in Central Africa, Norfund is particularly targeting agro-industry and renewable energies, with the aim of promoting job creation and combating climate change. Norfund, the Norwegian investment fund, recently announced its...
Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Contracts is stepping up its fight against the abandonment of construction sites by service providers. A 21-day ultimatum has been given to 216 companies to resume abandoned work or justify their cessation, under penalty of suspension. The Ministry Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Public Procurement (Minmap), headed by Ibrahim...
Awarded each year during the Africa Tech Festival, the “CXO of the Year” is a prestigious award that celebrates a leader who has demonstrated in the field of ICT, “exceptional leadership in the management of organizations, strategic planning and the management of rapid change”. The current CEO of Orange Cameroon, Patrick BENON, has 17 consecutive years of...
The inspiring journey of Elon Musk, from his roots in South Africa to becoming the world’s wealthiest individual, reveals a remarkable tale of innovation and perseverance. Elon Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, has become one of the most influential and visionary entrepreneurs of our time. His journey from a young dreamer to...
Fifty stakeholders from the private and public sectors are taking part in a training workshop on November 12 and 13 in Brazzaville, focusing on opportunities for exporting products to the United States of America, through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The objective is to equip Congolese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the...
Starting November 15, Cameroonian citizens will be able to purchase their tax stamps via a digital platform. An innovative reform that promises to secure tax revenues, simplify administrative procedures and combat fraud. The Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, formalized, on November 1 , the implementation of the dematerialization of tax stamps in Cameroon. This measure, which...
Denzel Washington is set to star in the eagerly awaited sequel to the classic film “Gladiator,” directed by Ridley Scott. The upcoming movie, “Gladiator II,” promises to captivate audiences with its epic storyline and star-studded cast. Denzel Washington, a true icon of cinema, is gearing up for his latest project, “Gladiator II,” an eagerly anticipated...
After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Kamala Harris delivered a poignant concession speech at Howard University. She emphasized the importance of democracy, expressed gratitude to her supporters, and encouraged mobilization for a better future. On March 22, 2024, Kamala Harris took the stage at Howard University, her alma mater, to deliver a concession speech after...
The Minister of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Economic Diversification, Jean-Marc Thystère-Tchicaya, met with the Deputy General Manager of “Complant”, He Haishan, in the presence of members of the company Tinda Energy Congo SA, on November 4 in Brazzaville. This meeting allowed the Minister of SEZs to get an idea of the contribution of the...
Taking over from Cameroon, Congo will assume the rotating presidency of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) in 2025. The Congolese presidency is especially expected on the thorny issue of the African Energy Bank (AEB) and the choice of its operating model. Congolese Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, was appointed APPO President for...
With a decisive victory in Wisconsin, Donald Trump has secured the 270 electoral votes needed to win the U.S. presidential election on Wednesday, November 6. The former president, set to resume office in January, celebrates an unprecedented political victory marked by key wins in several swing states. Donald Trump has made his way back to the White House. By winning Wisconsin, the Republican candidate reached the threshold of 270 electoral votes, ensuring his victory in the U.S. presidential election on Wednesday, November 6. Upon the announcement of the results, Mr. Trump declared an “unprecedented political victory in our country,” even before...
The Ministry of Public Works of Cameroon is increasing the number of meetings to identify solutions to reduce the costs of road construction and maintenance. The most recent, on November 4 in Yaoundé, allowed stakeholders in the construction chain to reflect together on the optimization of techniques and the use of local resources. In Yaoundé,...
As of September 30, 2024, Cameroon’s outstanding balances (RAP) have reached an alarming level of 559 billion FCFA, representing 1.6% of GDP. Despite a loan contracted from Citi Group, the burden of domestic debt continues to weigh heavily on public finances, highlighting the persistent cash flow challenges of the Cameroonian State. According to the latest...
The world of music mourns the loss of Quincy Jones, who passed away at the age of 91. A true legend, Quincy Jones was a trailblazing producer, arranger, and composer whose influence extended far beyond the realm of music. His extraordinary career spanned over seven decades, and he worked with some of the most iconic artists in the history of music. Quincy Delight Jones Jr. was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. From an early age, he exhibited an exceptional talent for music, and by his teenage years, he was already an accomplished musician. His career took off in the 1950s when he began working as an arranger and conductor for major recording artists such as Count Basie, Dinah Washington, and Ray Charles. This period laid the foundation for what would become a storied career. Quincy-Jones As Jones’ career progressed, he became a prolific composer and producer, working on numerous albums, film scores, and television themes. One of his most notable achievements was his collaboration with Michael Jackson on the iconic album “Thriller,” which became the best-selling album of all time. This collaboration solidified Jones’ reputation as one of the greatest producers in the music industry. Throughout his career, Quincy Jones received numerous accolades for his work. He won 28 Grammy Awards and was nominated for 79 Grammy Awards in total. He also received the Grammy Legend Award in 1991 and the Grammy Trustees Award in 2010. In addition, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, an honor that recognized his immense contributions to the music industry. Jones’ impact on music extended beyond his work as a producer and composer. He played a crucial role in bridging the gap between different musical genres, blending elements of jazz, pop, soul, and hip-hop to create a unique and timeless sound. His innovative approach to music production influenced countless artists and producers, shaping the sound of modern music. As a mentor and “Godfather” of music, Quincy Jones played a pivotal role in the careers of many artists. Michael Jackson, who referred to Jones as a mentor and father figure, credited him with helping to transform him into the “King of Pop.” Jones also mentored and worked with artists such as Lionel Richie, Oprah Winfrey, and Will Smith, among others. His guidance and support helped these artists reach new heights in their careers. Quincy-Jones, John-Legend John Legend, a close friend and collaborator, remembered Jones as a mentor who gave him great advice and shared countless stories. Michael Caine, another longtime friend, described him as a unique human being and a titan in the musical world. Ice-T, who won his first Grammy thanks to Jones, called him a genius and a true legend. Will Smith, whose TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” was produced by Jones, referred to him as a mentor, father, and friend. Beyond his musical achievements, Jones was also a dedicated humanitarian. He used his platform to advocate for social justice and equality, supporting causes such as education and healthcare. His philanthropic efforts earned him the respect and admiration of people around the world. Quincy Jones’ legacy is one of innovation, creativity, and excellence. He leaves behind an indelible mark on the music industry, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and producers. As the world bids farewell to this musical giant, his influence and impact will be felt for years to come. Quincy Jones, thank you for the music, the mentorship, and the memories. Your spirit will live on through the melodies and harmonies you helped create. Rest in peace, legend. Quincy Family Quincy-Jones, Barack-Obama Quincy-Jones, John-Legend
The 2024 edition of the Africa Investment Summit (AFSIC) took place in London from October 7th to 9th, marking a significant moment for investment discussions focused on the African continent. Organized by Africa Events Limited (AEL), the event drew an impressive crowd of 1300 delegates, included 380 speakers, and was supported by 52 sponsors. Furthermore, the summit facilitated 4300 B2B meetings and saw the financing of 350 projects worth over 10 billion dollars in countries such as Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. The event also boasted over 27 media partners, 163 investors, and the participation of more than 30 countries, underscoring its global reach and impact. Notably, more than 55% of the delegates hailed from Africa, reflecting the summit’s critical importance for the continent’s investment landscape. Distinguished Speakers and Key Themes This year’s summit featured a lineup of influential personalities from various sectors who provided valuable insights into the investment opportunities and challenges in Africa. Notable speakers included: Shruti Chandrasekhar (IFC): Emphasized the necessity of supporting local entrepreneurs to foster sustainable economic growth. “Investment in Africa is crucial for sustainable economic development. We must continue to support local entrepreneurs and create job opportunities for the youth.” Olufunso Somorin (African Development Bank): Highlighted the essential collaboration between international investors and African businesses. “The collaboration between international investors and African businesses is key to success. Together, we can build a prosperous future for Africa.” Hossam Abou Moussa (Apis Partners): Focused on the social and environmental impact of investment projects. “Investment projects in Africa should be centered on social and environmental impact. We must invest in projects that benefit the community while being profitable.” Matt Robinson (British International Investment): Spoke about the pivotal role of innovation and technology in driving economic growth. “Innovation and technology are powerful drivers of economic growth in Africa. We need to encourage startups and small businesses to adopt advanced technological solutions.” Nashipae Leteipan (Mastercard Foundation): Stressed the importance of education and training. “Education and training are essential to prepare the African workforce for the challenges of the modern job market. We must invest in quality training programs.” Donald Kariuki (Norfund): Advocated for investments in renewable energy and agriculture. “Investments in renewable energy and agriculture are crucial for sustainable development in Africa. We must support projects that contribute to food security and carbon emission reduction.” Chris Wehbe (Lendable): Underlined the importance of transparency and good governance. “Transparency and good governance are key to attracting investors in Africa. We must work together to improve the business environment on the continent.” Randolph Oosthuizen (Old Mutual Investment Group): Discussed the necessity of public-private partnerships for infrastructure development. “Public-private partnerships are essential for the development of infrastructure in Africa. We must encourage governments to collaborate with the private sector to finance infrastructure projects.” John Mair (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development): Focused on the importance of investing in basic infrastructure. “Investment in basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and ports is crucial to stimulate economic growth in Africa. We must focus on projects that improve connectivity and competitiveness.” Michelle Patrick-Akinrinade (US International Development Finance Corporation): Stressed investments in health and education sectors. “Investments in health and education are essential to improve the well-being of African populations. We must support projects that bring tangible improvements in these areas.” Imran Patel (Verdant Capital): Highlighted the importance of diversifying investments. “Diversifying investments is important to reduce risks and maximize returns. We must explore new opportunities in various sectors and regions.” A Resounding Success AFSIC 2024 proved to be a resounding success, providing a dynamic platform for discussions, networking, and collaborations. The event strengthened the commitment towards economic development and sustainable growth in Africa, establishing robust connections between investors and entrepreneurs on the continent. The diverse range of topics discussed and the significant participation of key stakeholders underscored the summit’s vital role in shaping the future of African investment.
The Special Council Support Fund (Feicom) recorded an impressive balance sheet for the year 2023, with revenues reaching 293.4 billion FCFA. This figure marks a significant increase of 57.5 billion FCFA compared to 2022. This financial dynamism, supported by tax reforms and efficient management, bodes well for the financing of projects of decentralized local authorities...
