Mali

Discover the latest updates from the Central Bank of Egypt as reported by Africazine on December 30, 2025. Stay informed about key financial developments and insights impacting the economy.

The 2026 edition of African Mining Week (AMW) – officially launched last week – will bring together global mining companies, investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders to explore emerging opportunities across Africa's minerals sector. The event will examine how Africa – the world's largest producer of key energy-transition metals including platinum group metals, cobalt, chromium and manganese – is shaping global supply chains and attracting increasing investment from markets such as the U.S., China and Europe.

AMW 2026 will take place under the theme, “Mining the Future: Critical Resources, Sustainability, and Community Development,” aiming to showcase Africa's strategic role in the global critical minerals market, highlight innovative approaches to sustainable and responsible mining and foster collaboration between governments and industry. Building on the success of the 2025 edition, the event will provide a platform to discuss sustainable market growth, environmental stewardship and socioeconomic development across the continent.

Panels and discussions will highlight Africa's role as a global hub for critical energy-transition minerals, with countries such as Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia and Malawi advancing local value-addition mandates and strategically managing raw mineral exports to maximize domestic economic benefits. AMW 2026 will explore opportunities across the continent's critical minerals sector, from mining and exploration to processing and industrialization, providing insights into how investors and governments can collaborate to strengthen supply chains and unlock the full potential of Africa's mineral wealth.

Environmental stewardship and responsible mining practices will also be a core focus. Financiers including the Africa Finance Corporation, World Bank, IFC and Afreximbank increasingly tie funding to ESG performance, and panels will examine how renewable energy solutions – from Power Purchase Agreements and Independent Power Producer arrangements to energy wheeling and onsite generation – can reduce emissions, improve energy security and enhance project bankability. The event will also highlight innovative strategies for sustainable resource development that balance commercial returns with ecological and social responsibility.

Community engagement, local content, skills transfer and shared infrastructure remain central to Africa's mining policies. AMW 2026 will showcase projects that deliver tangible socioeconomic benefits, from job creation and supplier development to gender empowerment and improved community infrastructure. Discussions will also unpack tax regimes, community-benefit frameworks and ESG obligations that shape project implementation, emphasizing how mining can serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth across the continent.

"African Mining Week 2026 will be a showcase of Africa's potential to power the future," states Rachelle Kasongo, Events & Project Director at Energy Capital & Power. "The event will highlight how the continent's critical resources can be responsibly developed, how innovative practices are shaping a more sustainable mining sector and how investments can create meaningful benefits for local communities. It's a space for leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and explore solutions that drive long-term impact for both industry and society."

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 conference from October 12-16 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) (https://Orange.com) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announce the signing of a landmark agreement granting mobile-only broadcasting rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, that will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

A new mobile-first coverage of African football

Under this agreement, active users of the Max it super app will be able to watch live a curated selection of 35 matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, across 13 Sub-Saharan African countries: Burkina Faso, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau.

The broadcast package includes all group-stage matches of the national teams from qualified Orange affiliates, as well as a selection of fixtures from the knockout stages including the round of 16, quarter-finals and one semi-final, rounded out by the third-place play-off and the final. This offering ensures balanced and representative coverage of African football, fully aligned with mobile usage patterns and the expectations of a new generation of connected fans across the continent.

Max it TV: African sport at the heart of Orange's super app

The Max it super app brings together telecommunications, financial services, entertainment and digital content within a single platform. Through the Max it TV universe, OMEA delivers a viewing experience that is simple, seamless and fully adapted to the realities of African markets.

Beyond broadcasting matches, OMEA enriches the experience through live programs broadcast before and after games, designed and produced with the support of a team of specialists. These programs combine editorial expertise and production skills to offer in-depth content that is carefully crafted in both substance and form.

This experience is supported by an end-to-end low-latency broadcast channel, designed to guarantee ultra-fast, smooth, and stable broadcasting, and to offer end customers an optimal viewing experience, as close to live as possible.

This initiative illustrates OMEA's mobile-first strategy and its ambition to make Max it the pan-African benchmark for digital content, promoting inclusion, innovation, and the development of talent on the continent.

Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, comments: “We are proud of our partnership with CAF, because football is more than just a sport. It's a shared passion that unites and empowers communities across Africa. This year, with Max it, we are bringing our digital vision to life by delivering a fully integrated experience. Our customers can now immerse themselves in the excitement of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 fan zone and experience, closer than ever the action. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to supporting our customers' love for football and creating unforgettable moments that inspire and bring together millions across the continent. Together, we celebrate the spirit of football: a symbol of hope, unity, and shared dreams.”

With this agreement, OMEA reaffirms its leading role in the digitization of the continent and the promotion of premium African content. By broadcasting the best of African football via Max it, OMEA is turning digital technology into a space for emotion, sharing, and inclusion, serving a connected Africa that is united and proud of its talents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Press Contacts:
Stella Fumey
stella.fumey@orange.com

About Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA):
Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has more than 173 million customers at 30 November 2025. With 7.7 billion euros of revenues in 2024, Orange MEA is the first growth area in the Orange group. Orange Money, its flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has more than 100 million customers. Orange, multi-services operator, key partner of the digital transformation provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.

TECNO Glory Night Awards (www.TECNO-Mobile.in), jointly organized with TikTok Live and CAF, celebrated the creativity of pan-African KOLs powered by TECNO AI. With the launch of TECNO's "Power Your Moment" campaign during AFCON, this theme has been widely recognized by KOLs, stimulating the creation of a large amount of creative content and fully showcasing their power moments in everyone's lives.

As TECNO elevates its long-standing relationship with AFCON into its new title as the Official Global Partner, the brand gathered Africa's leading digital voices for a landmark celebration in Morocco. This signature event spotlighted the influencers whose creativity, authenticity, and cultural impact embody the spirit of "Power Your Moment."

The ceremony was conceived as a tribute to the individuals who, through their creativity, narrative power, and cultural impact, are shaping the future of digital expression across Africa. Influencers from more than twenty countries attended the evening, joined by AFCON football legends, media partners, and TECNO executives. Together, they formed a rare cross-section of talent, influence, and creative leadership.

Throughout the evening, TECNO presented five major awards, each recognizing a unique dimension of creative excellence. The award winners are as follows:

The Moment Excellence Award

Presented to influencers who best captured the emotional soul of "Power Your Moment," delivering stories filled with depth, authenticity, and resonance. These winners stood out through their compelling narratives that deeply resonated with audiences across Africa. Their content showcased authentic moments of triumph and emotion, creating powerful connections that exemplified what it means to truly "Power Your Moment." Through their creative storytelling and genuine engagement, they captured hearts and inspired communities, earning recognition for their ability to transform everyday experiences into memorable digital moments.

Winners:

Nigeria: @ ultimatekombo2

Tanzania: @ eng_makelele

Morocco: @ hajar_arssalanee

"This award represents every creator across Africa who believes their story matters," said @ ultimatekombo2 from Nigeria. "TECNO has given us the tools and platform to turn our everyday moments into something powerful. This recognition inspires me to continue creating content that resonates with our communities and showcases the beauty of our shared experiences."

The Moment King/Queen Award

Celebrating the influencers whose outstanding data performance, interactions, views, and follower growth, redefined true influence during the campaign. These creators dominated the digital landscape with content that not only captured attention but sustained engagement at remarkable levels. Their ability to consistently connect with massive audiences while driving meaningful interactions demonstrated their mastery of the platform and their genuine influence within their communities.

Winners:

Nigeria: @ liquorose_

Ivory Coast: @ MIMImimitiktok0101

Senegal: @ fallu_etsesvideos

The Creative Spark Award

Recognizing influencers who consistently push the boundaries of creativity, finding novelty in the ordinary and presenting imaginative, breakthrough content. These winners transformed simple concepts into extraordinary experiences through innovative approaches and fresh perspectives. Their work challenged conventions and inspired others to see familiar moments through new creative lenses, proving that innovation thrives when imagination meets authentic expression.

Winners:

Mali: @ sagaba1

Kenya: @ therealchiche

Morocco: @ brahimlogia

@ therealchiche from Kenya expressed her excitement: "Winning the Creative Spark Award pushes me to keep innovating and breaking boundaries. The #MyPowerMoment campaign challenged us to see creativity in new ways, and I'm honored that my vision connected with audiences across the continent. This is just the beginning of what African creators can achieve."

The Visual Master Award

Awarded to influencers whose works demonstrated exceptional visual artistry, mastery of composition, color, and light, turning every frame into an aesthetic experience. These creators elevated mobile photography and videography to an art form, crafting visually stunning content that captivated audiences. Their technical excellence combined with artistic vision resulted in content that didn't just tell stories but created immersive visual journeys.

Winners:

Egypt: @ ali_hustler

Nigeria: @ jennifrank29

Cameroon: @ mayole_francine

The TECNO Partner Award

A tribute to long-term creator partners who deeply align with TECNO's brand philosophy and especially contribute to the communication of TECNO AI. They are the true companions of the brand, resonating with TECNO's vision of blending technology with human inspiration. These partners have consistently demonstrated their commitment to showcasing how TECNO's innovative AI technology empowers creators to unlock their full potential and share their unique moments with the world.

Winners:

Uganda: @ solo . md

Senegal: @ cheikhetaltesse

Nigeria: @ izziboye

"Being recognized as a TECNO Partner means everything to me," shared @ solo . md from Uganda. "TECNO AI has transformed how I create content and connect with my audience. This partnership goes beyond technology, it's about believing in African voices and giving us the resources to amplify our messages. I'm proud to represent this vision and excited for what we'll build together."

The winners were selected through the #MyPowerMoment campaign, a continent-wide call for entries that invited creators to submit original photo or video content inspired by one of four themes: Power your Glory, Power your Rise, Power your Joy and Power your Creativity. Submissions captured moments of personal transformation, pure happiness, or imagination-driven expression, reflecting the diversity of stories that define African digital culture today.

The TECNO Glory Night Awards not only celebrated achievement, they reaffirmed the brand's commitment to empowering Africa's creative ecosystem. By bringing together influencers from across the continent at AFCON, TECNO strengthens the bridge between sport, technology, and culture.

The brand's investment in the creator community aligns with its ambition to foster deeper integration between its technology offerings and the cultural forces shaping African markets. This celebration is part of a wider effort to strengthen TECNO's association with AFCON, engage creators, and elevate KOL-driven campaigns through emotionally resonant content.

As the evening concluded, the atmosphere reflected a sense of collective pride, not only for the winners but for the continent's creative momentum. The Glory Night Awards marked a defining moment for Africa's next generation of storytellers, who now carry their trophies as symbols of recognition, visibility, and their rising role in shaping Africa's digital narrative.

The night may have ended, but the moments created will continue to shine, because with TECNO, every moment has the power to become extraordinary.

Along with KOL Night Awards, TECNO curated an exclusive product experience zone: brand guides walked Joeboy through its latest devices, spotlighting AI-driven photography features tailored for content creators—aligning with the "Power Your Moment" ethos. The demo let the artist test real-time editing tools, streamlining on-the-go creative workflows.

A highlight was the 3D photo station with TECNO AI : KOLs posed with the device, which offers boosted low-light performance and portrait optimization—key capabilities to elevate their visual content. Many snapped behind-the-scenes shots instantly, turning the experience into shareable moments that mirrored the event's festive energy.

At the TECNO AI Ecosystem showcase, KOLs engaged with interactive demos: trying VR gear linked to the smart ecosystem, or testing AI translation/summarization tools on the MEGAPAD. These hands-on sessions highlighted how TECNO's interconnected tech empowers creators to expand their creative reach and efficiency.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

About TECNO:
TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand operating in more than 70 countries across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in emerging markets, the brand combines contemporary design, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive AI-powered ecosystem, including smartphones, wearables, laptops, tablets, intelligent gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home solutions. Guided by its “Stop At Nothing” philosophy, TECNO continues to lead the adoption of advanced technologies and encourages individuals to relentlessly pursue the best version of themselves.

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Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) has appointed four distinguished professionals to its board of directors, strengthening the organisation's commitment to rigorous research, youth leadership, and citizen-centred evidence.

The new board members bring expertise spanning governance, elections, youth empowerment, technology, and finance. The appointees are:

• Bupe Lughano Kabaghe (https://apo-opa.co/4aqwCho), a governance and development professional specialising in policy research, stakeholder engagement, and youth empowerment. With experience across Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, she designs and delivers initiatives that promote inclusion and sustainable development. She holds a master's degree in global governance and diplomacy from the University of Oxford and is the founder of the Abana Afrika Foundation, which has empowered more than 450 young people through leadership and advocacy programmes.
• Mathias Hounkpe (https://apo-opa.co/4aZ4dPA), a Beninese elections and governance expert with more than 20 years of experience promoting democratic processes in West Africa. He currently serves as country representative of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Gabon and previously led IFES programmes in Mali and Chad. A former head of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa's Political Governance and Democratic Consolidation programme, he is also a lecturer on elections and governance and co-author of a comparative study on electoral-management bodies in West Africa.
• Rita Sraha (https://apo-opa.co/4rXu68u), a chartered accountant and business consultant with extensive experience in finance, corporate governance, and strategic management. She currently serves as acting managing director and board member of Ghana Post Company Ltd. Over a career spanning nearly three decades, she has held senior leadership roles at Kwame Asante & Associates and worked across both private and public sectors in Ghana and internationally.
• Sherif Helal (https://apo-opa.co/4arafbx), an Egyptian electrical engineer focused on applying technology and artificial intelligence to social and economic development. With a background in engineering and innovation, he works at the intersection of technology, business, and the public good and is developing the Social Knowledge Engine, an AI-powered concept designed to foster accountability, data sharing, and inclusive growth.

Afrobarometer Board Chair Amina Oyagbola said the new members reflect the organisation's strategic focus on youth leadership, accountable governance, and technological transformation.

“Africa's future will be shaped by a new generation of leaders and by how effectively we harness technology for the public good,” Oyagbola said. “Our new members bring strong credentials in youth leadership, governance, and digital innovation, reinforcing Afrobarometer's capacity to generate citizen-centred data that speaks to the aspirations of young Africans and supports evidence-based decision making across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Maame Akua Amoah Twum
Afrobarometer communications manager
Email: maameakua@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +233208326343

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About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 430,000+ interviews in 45 countries, representing the views of more than three-fourths of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent's data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the AB website and may be analysed free of charge using AB's online data analysis tool.

Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund approved additional financing of $25.79 million for Guinea for the 225 kV Guinea-Mali electricity interconnection project.

The financing, agreed in Abidjan on 10 December 2025, from the African Development Bank Group's concessional window includes a loan of approximately $22 million and a grant of $3.79 million to Guinea.

The project will contribute to the socioeconomic development of Guinea and Mali by providing inhabitants with better access to high-quality, low-cost energy.

The additional financing will support the continued implementation of the project, initially funded with approximately $41 million from the African Development Fund in December 2017. It will raise the total project cost in Guinea from $346 million to $372 million. Alongside the Fund's contribution, the project is co-financed by the European Union, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). The implementation period will run from January 2026 to December 2028.

The new resources will enable the installation of 37,500 additional electricity connections. The project also includes the development of medium-voltage feeders at HV/LV substations to support rural electrification, as well as institutional assistance for key national bodies, including Électricité de Guinée (EDG) and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Authority (AREE). It will also cover the operating costs of the Management Unit and the consulting engineer. This intervention will help strengthen governance and increase electricity access—two persistent challenges for the sector. In 2024, national access stood at just 52 percent, with stark differences between urban areas (89 percent) and rural areas (21 percent).

The project will directly benefit households by improving living conditions, as well as essential socio-economic infrastructure such as schools, health centres, artisanal workshops and women's groups. Productive users will gain access to reliable electricity to expand their activities. Strengthening these structures will boost employment, reduce poverty and enhance social cohesion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Aissatou Diallo
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with a field office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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On Sunday, 30 November 2025, the City of Dakar, host of the event, welcomed the official launch of the first edition of the West African Festival of Arts and Culture. The opening ceremony was held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Ousmane Sonko. Jointly organized by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal, the initiative gives concrete expression to a project conceived nearly thirty-eight years ago, aimed at strengthening regional integration through arts and culture.

In his address, the Mayor of Dakar, Abass Fall, recalled Senegal's legendary hospitality, described as the “Land of Arts and Culture,” and highlighted Dakar's plural identity as a “cosmopolitan, lively and vibrant city.” He underscored ECOFEST's vocation as a bridge between West African peoples and as a platform dedicated to the promotion of talents that shape the cultural vitality of the region.

For his part, Prime Minister H.E. Ousmane Sonko recalled that the Festival seeks to promote integration, social cohesion, peace and development through culture. This ambition is fully aligned with the resolve of the Government of Senegal to make culture a pillar of economic and social development, as well as an essential vector of sovereignty.

Delivering her message on behalf of Dr. Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr commended the leadership of the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for his commitment to culture and sub-regional integration. She also extended her gratitude to the President of the UEMOA Commission, Abdoulaye Diop, for his decisive role in the realization of ECOFEST. She further paid glowing tribute to the artists, creators, religious and traditional leaders who embody the living memory of the peoples of West Africa.

Anchored in ECOWAS Vision 2050 – “An ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All” – the Festival highlights culture as a key lever for social cohesion, lasting peace and inclusive development. In a regional context marked by political and security crises, the chosen theme, “Political Mutations and Crises in West Africa: What Can Culture Do?” invites reflection on the role of the arts as spaces for expression, resilience and the reconstruction of social bonds. ECOWAS recalled that culture has always been at the heart of the dynamics of resistance and renewal, from the great West African empires to the present day.

The ceremony was enhanced by performances from renowned artists: Sidiki Diabaté (Mali), Ismaël Lô (Senegal), Solange Cesarovna (Cabo Verde) and Gyakie (Ghana). Through the subtle notes of the kora, traditional dances and powerful voices that resonated within the Grand Théâtre Doudou N'Diaye Coumba Rose, the audience and officials shared a moment of deep emotion and artistic communion.

ECOFEST 2025 will run until 6 December, featuring a rich programme of exhibitions, concerts, performances, professional meetings, workshops and cultural exchanges. This first edition seeks to showcase the diversity of artistic expressions from a region of multiple identities, united by a shared cultural heritage.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).