Tuesday, 22 September 2026

GUINEA FACES TRANSPORT AND TRADE PRESSURES AS GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO UNLOCK MINING AND AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

GUINEA FACES TRANSPORT AND TRADE PRESSURES AS GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO UNLOCK MINING AND AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL

GIONEA - Guinea remains one of West Africa's most resource-rich countries, yet transport infrastructure, agricultural development and the cost of doing business continue to influence the country's economic future.

Recent reports from Conakry have highlighted concerns from transport operators about repeated roadblocks, checks and other delays along the Labé-Conakry corridor.

For businesses, transport efficiency is not a minor issue.

It directly affects the price of food, fuel and manufactured goods.

A Mining Powerhouse

Guinea possesses some of the world's largest bauxite reserves.

Bauxite is the principal ore used to produce aluminium.

The country's mining sector therefore has enormous strategic importance.

Guinea also possesses iron ore, gold and other minerals.

Simandou

The Simandou iron-ore project is one of Africa's most significant mining developments.

The project has the potential to transform Guinea's economy through exports, infrastructure and employment.

But large mining projects require extensive railways, ports and power infrastructure.

Infrastructure

Transport remains one of Guinea's biggest development challenges.

Roads connecting rural communities to cities and ports are essential.

Poor roads increase the cost of moving agricultural products.

Improved transport could therefore help both mining and farming.

Fisheries

Guinea's coastline supports a substantial fishing industry.

Recent reporting has highlighted government attention to artisanal fishing communities around Conakry.

Fisheries provide food and employment.

Sustainable management is essential to prevent depletion.

Agriculture

Agriculture employs a large proportion of the population.

Rice, coffee, fruits and other crops contribute to the economy.

The country could expand agricultural processing and reduce dependence on imported food.

Mining Revenues

The central question is how mining wealth is distributed.

Resource-rich countries can experience strong export growth without achieving broad improvements in living standards.

Guinea therefore needs investment in education, healthcare, roads and electricity.

Youth

Young Guineans need jobs and skills.

Mining alone cannot employ the entire population.

Construction, agriculture, manufacturing and technology must also grow.

Regional Trade

Guinea's position on the Atlantic coast gives it access to international markets.

It also participates in the wider West African economy.

Better regional transport could increase trade with neighbouring countries.

Guinea has enormous economic potential.

The challenge is building the infrastructure and institutions required to convert natural resources into broad-based prosperity.

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GHANA MOVES TO PROTECT LOCAL MINING JOBS AS GOVERNMENT PREPARES NEW RULES FOR CONTRACTORS

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

GHANA MOVES TO PROTECT LOCAL MINING JOBS AS GOVERNMENT PREPARES NEW RULES FOR CONTRACTORS

GHANA - Ghana is preparing new wage and tender standards for mining contractors as the government attempts to increase local participation and protect workers from aggressive cost-cutting.

The Minerals Commission is developing minimum wage and tender benchmarks for contract mining companies.

The objective is to prevent companies from winning contracts through unsustainably low bids that can ultimately affect worker pay and safety.

Local Participation

Ghana introduced requirements designed to increase Ghanaian ownership and participation in mining operations.

Surface mining operations are required to move toward Ghanaian-owned contractors, while underground operations must involve joint ventures with at least 50% Ghanaian ownership.

The compliance deadline is December 2026.

Why Mining Matters

Gold remains one of Ghana's most important exports.

The mining industry generates foreign exchange, tax revenue and employment.

But the government wants a greater share of the economic value to remain inside Ghana.

Local companies can benefit through contracts for transportation, equipment, engineering and other services.

Worker Concerns

Some workers have raised concerns that contract arrangements could lead to lower wages and less job security.

Minimum standards could help address those concerns.

The government is also attempting to prevent competition from becoming a race to the bottom.

Mining Companies

Major international companies operating in Ghana will need to adapt to the new requirements.

Some companies have not yet fully complied with the local participation rules.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has expressed concerns about mandatory contracting requirements but supports measures to prevent harmful underbidding.

Technology and 5G

Ghana is also preparing for the next phase of digital development.

The government says 5G deployment is expected by the end of 2026.

Faster networks could improve businesses, education and digital services.

However, recent reports have highlighted fibre cuts and grid instability as factors affecting network quality.

Healthcare

Ghana has also launched a free primary healthcare programme in 135 Districts.

The initiative is intended to improve access to basic medical services.

Transport and Infrastructure

The government is also dealing with infrastructure challenges.

A $350 Million project aimed at addressing flooding around Weija Dam is expected to begin this year.

Education

More than 500,000 candidates have secured placement into second-cycle and technical institutions through Ghana's 2026 placement process.

Education remains critical to building a workforce capable of supporting industrialisation.

Ghana is attempting to combine resource nationalism with economic modernisation.

The success of the mining reforms will depend on whether local companies can become competitive without compromising safety and productivity.

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POWER CRISIS SPARKS PROTESTS IN THE GAMBIA AS PRESIDENT BARROW FACES ELECTION PRESSURE

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

POWER CRISIS SPARKS PROTESTS IN THE GAMBIA AS PRESIDENT BARROW FACES ELECTION PRESSURE

GAMBIA - The Gambia has been hit by protests over widespread electricity shortages, creating a major political challenge for President Adama Barrow ahead of the December Presidential Election.

Protests erupted in several locations on September 7 and 8 after some communities experienced electricity outages lasting as long as 48 hours.

Demonstrators burned tyres, erected barricades and shouted demands for Barrow to leave office. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters.

Electricity becomes a Political Issue

The power crisis has affected households and businesses.

High temperatures have made electricity shortages particularly difficult.

Food can spoil when refrigerators stop working.

Businesses dependent on electricity face lost income.

Students struggle to study.

Hospitals and clinics also require reliable power.

President Barrow acknowledged the hardship and attributed the crisis to high demand, equipment failures and seasonal reductions in hydropower availability.

Government Response

The government has promised additional generating capacity.

New generators were expected to arrive during the week, while another 24-megawatt unit is planned.

Authorities have also discussed a 50-megawatt solar project.

Solar energy could eventually reduce pressure on the electricity system.

Election Implications

The protests are politically significant because the country is approaching a presidential election.

President Barrow is seeking a third term.

Electricity shortages can quickly become election issues because citizens experience them directly.

The government will therefore be under pressure to restore reliable power before voters make their decisions.

Economy

The Gambia's economy depends heavily on tourism, agriculture and remittances.

Electricity reliability is important to all three.

Hotels need electricity to operate.

Agricultural processing requires power.

Small businesses depend on refrigeration and telecommunications.

Tourism

Tourism is one of the country's major foreign-exchange earners.

The Gambia is known for its beaches, wildlife and winter tourism market.

Energy shortages can damage the tourism sector if hotels and businesses cannot guarantee reliable services.

International CoOperation

The Gambian government continues to work with international partners on food security, development and social programmes.

The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently welcomed the new World Food Programme representative, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in national development.

Infrastructure Challenge

The electricity crisis exposes a wider infrastructure problem.

The country needs investment in generation, transmission and distribution.

Renewable energy could play a larger role.

The government has promised improvements.

But citizens will judge those promises through actual electricity availability.

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GABON GOVERNMENT MOVES TO TIGHTEN PUBLIC FINANCES AS ECONOMIC REFORM ENTERS NEW PHASE

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

GABON GOVERNMENT MOVES TO TIGHTEN PUBLIC FINANCES AS ECONOMIC REFORM ENTERS NEW PHASE

GABON - Gabon is moving to strengthen public finances as the government seeks greater control over state revenue and expenditure.

One of the latest measures is the suspension of tax and customs exemptions.

Gabonese authorities announced the immediate suspension as part of efforts to improve public revenue collection.

The decision comes as Gabon continues its political transition and attempts to restructure the country's economy.

An Oil-Producing Economy

Gabon has long depended heavily on oil.

Petroleum exports provide a major source of national income.

However, the government is seeking to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.

Mining, forestry, agriculture and tourism offer alternative opportunities.

Public Finance Reform

Tax exemptions can reduce government revenue when they are not carefully controlled.

By reviewing or suspending exemptions, the government can potentially increase the resources available for public services.

The challenge is ensuring that reforms do not discourage legitimate investment.

Businesses require predictable taxation.

Natural Resources

Gabon is rich in natural resources.

Manganese is particularly important.

The country also possesses large forest resources.

Responsible management of those resources could provide long-term economic value.

Forestry and Climate

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin rainforest.

Its forests are important for global climate stability.

The government therefore faces the difficult task of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Sustainable forestry could create employment and export revenue while protecting ecosystems.

Urban Development

Recent government attention has also focused on Libreville's public spaces and infrastructure.

The beach area opposite Lycée National Léon Mba has undergone urban improvements, according to Gabon's national press agency.

Urban development can improve tourism and quality of life.

Healthcare

Gabon is also focusing on healthcare.

The country's paediatric medical community recently opened a new congress addressing child health.

Healthcare remains a critical component of development.

Political Transition

Gabon has been undergoing a major political transition following the end of the Bongo family's decades-long political dominance.

The government must now demonstrate that political change can deliver institutional reform.

Public finance will remain central.

Gabon needs enough revenue to finance infrastructure and public services while creating an environment attractive to investors.

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ETHIOPIA ENTERS A NEW ECONOMIC PHASE AS REFORMS, REGIONAL SECURITY AND THE NILE SHAPE THE COUNTRY'S FUTURE

ETHIOPIA - Ethiopia is entering a critical period as the government pushes economic reforms while continuing to manage unresolved security and regional diplomatic challenges.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration has placed economic transformation at the centre of its national agenda.

The government says Ethiopia has reached important economic milestones and is continuing efforts to attract investment and strengthen financial institutions.

A Growing Economy

Ethiopia has one of Africa's largest populations.

Its domestic market gives the country significant economic potential.

Agriculture remains central to employment, while manufacturing, construction, telecommunications and services are expanding.

The government's economic reform programme seeks to attract greater private-sector investment.

Mortgage finance

One recent development is a partnership between Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation to establish the country's first mortgage refinance company.

The institution is expected to be capitalised at 100 billion Ethiopian birr.

Housing is a major challenge in a rapidly growing country.

Improved mortgage financing could help more households access formal housing while supporting construction and financial-sector development.

The Nile

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam remains one of the country's most important strategic projects.

Ethiopia sees the dam as essential to expanding electricity generation and economic development.

Egypt and Sudan have raised concerns about the management of Nile water.

The dispute remains one of Africa's most significant transboundary water issues.

Tigray

Security and political tensions in the Tigray region remain another major concern.

The 2022 Pretoria peace agreement ended the major phase of the Tigray war, but unresolved territorial and political disputes continue to create tensions.

Recent analysis has highlighted renewed concerns about the political and security environment in the region.

Red Sea access

Ethiopia is landlocked.

That makes access to ports a strategic priority.

The country relies heavily on Djibouti for international trade.

However, Addis Ababa has repeatedly expressed interest in expanding its access to the Red Sea.

This issue has major regional implications because neighbouring Eritrea and Somalia also have strategic coastlines.

Digital Ethiopia

Technology is becoming increasingly important.

The government's "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" programme is intended to expand digital skills among young people.

Digital skills could help Ethiopia develop software, online services and technology-enabled businesses.

Population pressure

Ethiopia's large population creates both opportunity and pressure.

The country needs millions of jobs every year.

Agriculture cannot absorb the entire workforce indefinitely.

Manufacturing and services therefore need to grow.

Ethiopia's economic reforms could significantly reshape the country's economy.

But success will depend on political stability, security, access to foreign investment and stronger regional relationships.

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Tuesday, 22 September 2026