Beekeeping, a key resource for the forests of the Congo Basin

Beekeeping in the Congo Basin offers ecological, economic, and therapeutic benefits, contributing to the preservation of forests. Beekeepers face challenges such as fires set by farmers during the dry season. Bees are essential pollinators for food security and indicators of environmental quality. The income from bee products like honey, royal jelly, and wax can surpass that from oil, yet these benefits are often overlooked by locals. Authorities and citizens are challenged to promote beekeeping to reduce forest exploitation and preserve the Congo Basin forests.

Congo: Oil and Tears in Hinda

In Hinda, located 25 km east of Pointe-Noire, oil companies boast about establishing basic social infrastructures as part of their corporate social responsibility. However, locals argue that this is insufficient, citing issues such as outdated compensation rates, water and crop pollution, and lack of consultation with residents before implementing oil projects. This situation is seen as a living example of the 'resource curse' as described by NGOs.

Africa convergence summit ends in Dakar

The third Africa Convergence Summit concluded in Dakar, focusing on accelerating development across the continent. Themed 'Challenges of Strategic Execution in Africa,' the summit gathered industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs to address obstacles hindering strategic plans for achieving emergence by 2025. Abdelmalek Alaoui, CEO of Tribune d’Afrique and summit initiator, emphasized the need for inclusive global development. Discussions included integrating technological revolution, digital transformation, and financing.

Utilizing natural resources in Africa

The Democratic Republic of Congo implemented a new mining code on March 9 to increase revenue from its natural resources and improve the lives of its citizens. Since then, relations with multinational mining companies have deteriorated. Algeria and Gabon are considering similar measures to raise taxes on mineral exploration. The analysis suggests that adding value to mineral resources could significantly benefit the continent.

Accessing free-trade zones in Africa

The establishment of industrial free trade zones in Africa, initiated in response to the fall in raw material prices in the 1980s, has provided various benefits to investors, including preferential taxation and cheap labor. Analysts believe the African Free Trade Zone agreement will enhance intra-regional trade and economic growth. The article questions whether the expected job creation and export targets have been met.

Improving the business climate in Africa

The detention and questioning of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré over his operations in Africa highlight concerns about the business climate on the continent. Bolloré was interrogated by French investigators regarding the acquisition of container terminals in Togo and Guinea, with state prosecutors suspecting he used his Havas communications agency to influence African heads of state in exchange for business concessions. The article examines the implications for the business environment in Africa and the role of state institutions in serving public interests.

Fiscal vampirism threatens Africa

The Panama Papers and Paradise Papers have highlighted the extent of illicit financial flows and their harmful impact on Africa's economic development. These illicit financial activities are supported by an infrastructure that includes tax havens and an army of mercenaries made up of tax firms, law firms, and certain banks.

Congo Basin: Reflection in Brazzaville on Financing Pathways

The Congo Basin, home to 10% of global biodiversity and the world's second-largest carbon reserve after the Amazon, is the focus of a conference in Brazzaville discussing the operationalization of the Blue Fund. This initiative aims to preserve the basin and promote economic development. Experts, including Congolese Minister of Tourism and Environment Arlette Soudan Nonault, emphasize the urgency of action. The fund is seen as a catalyst for development, with calls for regional cooperation. The conference set a six-month goal to activate the fund, and Congo Basin states plan to present a united front at the upcoming Cop 23 in Bonn, Germany.

Central Africa: Securing the maritime space underway

Central African countries are uniting to secure their maritime space, with the center of gravity for maritime piracy shifting from the Gulf of Aden to the Gulf of Guinea. Regular training is being conducted for national navies and administrations involved in sea management. An operation named 'MERGALOPS II' took place in Pointe-Noire, Congo, from June 19 to 22, 2017. Captain Sosthène Loulla-Mabicka, director of CRESMAC, highlighted numerous threats including drug trafficking, small arms trafficking, human trafficking, protected animal trafficking, and illegal fishing. The challenges are so numerous that no single country can combat them alone, necessitating joint efforts. The exercise aims to harmonize efforts to contain various threats, recognizing the sea's key role in the economic life of states, with 90% of exchanges conducted by sea. The long-term goal is to establish a robust maritime security architecture to make the Gulf of Guinea safe for navigation.

The ravages of 'breast ironing' in Cameroon

Breast ironing, a practice where heated objects are used to massage young girls' breasts to prevent growth, persists in Cameroon despite civil society campaigns. A 2013 study by IRESCO for GIZ found that 12% of girls and women are affected, with the 11-14 age group being the most victimized. The practice is believed to protect girls from male attention and early pregnancy but has severe health consequences, including breast anomalies, pain, and psychological trauma. Organizations like RENATA are fighting against it through education and sexual health awareness. The prevalence has decreased from 25% to 12% between 2006 and 2013, and the Cameroonian penal code may soon criminalize the practice.