Ivory Coast plans to invest $55 million in its northern region over the next three years to address youth idleness and prevent jihadist recruitment. This initiative is part of a larger $5.2 billion program aimed at improving living conditions across the country. Prime Minister Patrick Achi emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of instability. The northern region has experienced attacks linked to an Islamic insurgency spreading from Mali. Despite significant economic growth under President Alassane Ouattara, critics argue that development efforts have been concentrated in the capital, Abidjan, neglecting other areas.

Ivory Coast Prime Minister Patrick Achi returned to Abidjan after being hospitalized in France, expressing good health and readiness to resume work. Achi succeeded Hamed Bakayoko, who died of cancer in Germany, and Bakayoko had taken over from Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who died after returning from Paris for heart treatment.

High-income countries have administered significantly more Covid-19 vaccine doses per capita compared to Africa, where the rate is much lower. WHO's Moeti criticizes the decision of countries like Israel and the U.S. to administer booster shots, highlighting the disparity in vaccine distribution. African health officials warn against booster shots as less than 2% of the continent is fully vaccinated. The situation is exacerbated by multiple outbreaks, including viral haemorrhagic fevers in Ivory Coast and Guinea. Ivory Coast's Health Minister Pierre Dimba notes the country's experience with Ebola may aid in managing the current health crises.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is negotiating with Pfizer Inc. to import the Covid-19 oral treatment Paxlovid. Africa CDC Director John Nkengasong confirmed the ongoing discussions aimed at making the drug available on the continent.

Senegal plans to use part of a €775 million bond sale to fund a new initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment, following protests earlier this year. The fund, worth 450 billion CFA francs, will support small enterprises and job creation. Minister Amadou Sarr hopes the finance ministry will allocate some bond proceeds to this fund. Additionally, Sarr proposes a $500 million 'youth bond' to further support young people. The protests, driven by economic hardship and the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, highlighted the urgent need for employment solutions.

The African Development Bank postponed its annual investment forum in Ivory Coast due to the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus strain, which has disrupted global travel. The forum was expected to announce $110 billion in investments to aid Africa's recovery from the pandemic. The new variant, first identified in South Africa and Botswana, has caused global panic and travel bans on southern African nations.

Norway's wealth fund, the world's largest stock owner, faces a moral dilemma as it tries to balance sustainable investing with its significant holdings in companies linked to child labor in the cocoa industry. The fund, which owns shares in major chocolate makers like Nestle, Hershey, and Barry Callebaut, is pushing these companies to address child labor issues while maintaining its investments to drive positive change. Despite global efforts, child labor remains prevalent in West Africa's cocoa farming regions. The fund's ethical considerations are increasingly influencing its investment decisions, as seen in its past divestments from companies like Walmart and its ongoing scrutiny of firms like Facebook. The fund's approach highlights the complexities of ethical investing in a globalized economy. The article also discusses the broader challenges and strategies of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into investment practices.

Ivory Coast's cocoa regulator, Le Conseil du Cafe-Cacao, defended its decision to allocate 20% of international cocoa contracts to local exporters to help them learn the trade alongside multinational companies. Managing Director Yves Kone emphasized the need for serious local exporters to overcome financial obstacles and integrate more into the sales system. The allocation is part of reforms initiated in 2011-12 to boost local participation in the $100 billion chocolate industry.

The Ivory Coast has appointed a new forestry minister, replacing Alain-Richard Donwahi, as part of a reduced cabinet now consisting of 32 ministers, down from 41. This marks the second reduction in a year, aimed at enhancing government effectiveness amid the current global economic situation. The forestry ministry is crucial for the nation's goal to expand forest area to 20% of its territory by 2030, addressing deforestation to maintain its cocoa exports to the European Union.

Ecobank Transnational Inc. sees new opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo following its addition to the East African Community, which now includes seven member states and a combined GDP of $250 billion. Ecobank aims to expand its business in the DRC, leveraging the market potential of nearly 100 million people. The bank plans to replicate the success of other lenders in the region, despite recent regulatory challenges in Kenya. Ecobank's strategic alliance with Nedbank Group Ltd. and its focus on wealth management are key components of its growth strategy.

Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa grower, plans to launch a cocoa-tracing program in April to address sustainability concerns, including deforestation and child labor. The program, presented by the cocoa regulator Le Conseil du Cafe-Cacao, will track beans from plantations to ports. The European Union, a major buyer of Ivorian cocoa, is preparing legislation to ensure products do not contribute to deforestation and address child labor issues. The pilot phase starts on April 1, with full participation required from all cocoa growers in the country.

Ivory Coast is making strides in reducing deforestation, crucial for maintaining its cocoa exports to the European Union. Satellite data shows a significant decrease in annual deforestation rates, attributed to the Cocoa and Forests Initiative with Ghana. Despite progress, the country faces ongoing pressure to improve sustainability and address child labor and farmer income issues. The EU is preparing legislation to ensure products sold in the bloc do not contribute to deforestation. Ivory Coast aims to expand its forest area to 20% by 2030, though recent reports indicate more efforts are needed.

The Prosper Cashew project, supported by TechnoServe and the U.S. government, aims to boost cashew processing in West Africa with a $60 million investment, primarily benefiting Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria. Currently, only 10% of cashews are processed locally, with most exported to Asia. The initiative seeks to increase local processing, create 4,500 jobs, and generate over $200 million in sales. Ivory Coast plans to process half of its cashew output by 2025, with significant investment from the project.

Senegal's local elections are a significant test for President Sall's ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition, which seeks to regain control of Dakar from the opposition. Economic challenges and corruption perceptions have fueled anti-government sentiment, highlighted by violent protests following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Speculation about Sall's potential third-term bid adds to the political tension, with his eligibility remaining unclear.

Unseasonal rains in Ivory Coast's south are improving moisture levels, aiding cocoa crops despite the onset of the Harmattan winds. Farmers in the west are optimistic about a good harvest and expect road repairs soon. In contrast, Ghanaian farmers report lower yields compared to last season, and Cameroonian crops are suffering from the dry season. London cocoa futures have dropped by about 10% since October due to anticipated ample global supply.

Ivory Coast plans to prosecute those responsible for the 2020 electoral unrest, which resulted in at least 85 deaths and nearly 500 injuries. Main opposition leader Henri Konan Bedie, who called for civil disobedience against President Alassane Ouattara's third-term bid, may face prosecution. A special inquiry has led to the arrest of 233 individuals, with 40 more being sought.

Eritrea remains the only African country that has not administered coronavirus vaccines and has not shared any data with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa CDC, stated that they continue to engage with Eritrea and will share updates when available.

Over 30,000 people have fled from Cameroon to Chad due to inter-communal clashes in northern Cameroon, sparked by a dispute over water resources between herders, fishermen, and farmers. The conflict, which began on December 5 in the border village of Ouloumsa, has resulted in at least 22 deaths and 30 serious injuries. The United Nations Refugee Agency attributes the escalating tensions to the climate crisis, noting the significant reduction in the surface area of Lake Chad, which has led to competition for the remaining water resources.

African health authorities, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, are set to discuss a new coronavirus variant found in South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong. The variant, known as B.1.1529, is an offshoot of B.1.1. and has a large number of mutations. More details will be provided after the meeting, according to Director John Nkengasong.

Farmers in Ivory Coast and Ghana are optimistic about the maincrop harvest due to favourable weather conditions. Recent rains have improved prospects for the harvest season starting in October. However, heavy rain in central Ivory Coast has caused flooding, affecting some plantations. In Cameroon and Nigeria, farmers are experiencing mixed conditions, with some areas reporting black-pod disease. West Africa's moisture levels are expected to rise, potentially aiding harvests, while cocoa futures have dropped slightly since a five-month high in August.

The rollout of Covid-19 booster shots by wealthy nations undermines vaccine equity, according to WHO Africa director Matshidiso Moeti. High-income countries have administered significantly more vaccine doses per capita compared to Africa. Nations like Israel and the US are moving forward with booster shots despite less than 2% of Africa's population being fully vaccinated. The decision comes amid rising cases and multiple viral outbreaks in Africa, including viral haemorrhagic fevers in Ivory Coast and Guinea, and a bird flu outbreak near Abidjan. Ivory Coast's health minister Pierre Dimba highlighted the strain on health systems but noted the country's experience with Ebola as a potential advantage.

Benin has issued Africa’s first social bond, raising 500 million euros to improve access to potable water. The bond sale, which saw strong investor demand, is the cheapest euro debt issued by Benin. President Patrice Talon emphasized the importance of social bonds for addressing the continent's social issues. The issuance comes amid strained budgets due to the pandemic, with Benin aiming for universal access to potable water by 2026. Talon's administration plans to focus on human development, revamping education, and investing in healthcare over the next five years.

Ivory Coast is initiating the construction of a 283-meter tower in Abidjan, aiming to become Africa's tallest building, surpassing the Great Mosque of Algiers. The current tallest building, completed in 2019, stands at 265 meters. However, Cairo's Iconic Tower, expected to reach 385 meters, is also under construction, making it a competitive race to the top.

Ivory Coast is set to begin construction on a 283-meter tower in Abidjan, aiming to become Africa's tallest building, surpassing the Great Mosque of Algiers. The project, a collaboration between the Ivorian government, PFO Africa, and Besix Group, faces competition from Cairo's Iconic Tower, which is expected to reach 385 meters.

Africa is experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, with the continent on the brink of its worst week since the pandemic began, driven by the spread of the Delta variant. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the alarming rise in cases and the low vaccination rates, with only 1.1% of the population fully vaccinated. The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to receive 5 million additional vaccine doses to combat vaccine hesitancy, though this is insufficient for the needs of Kinshasa alone.

An Ivorian court in Abidjan convicted opposition leader Soro in absentia for plotting a coup, sentencing him to life imprisonment. The charges stem from a 2019 recording where Soro allegedly discussed strategic positioning of weapons and personnel. Soro, who resigned as speaker of the National Assembly in 2019 to form his own political platform, had his presidential ambitions thwarted by a prior embezzlement conviction.

Ivory Coast is working on producing greener raw materials beyond cocoa. Prime Minister Achi discusses the challenges and progress of the Living-Income Differential project, the transition from the CFA to the Ecowas common currency, and the implications of France's plan to withdraw its Barkhane military force. Ecowas is preparing to defend itself against terrorism as France gradually retreats.

Despite pledges from chocolate companies to reduce child labour, the issue has worsened according to a report. This contradiction is highlighted in Oslo, where the world's largest sovereign wealth fund allocates its investments. The article criticizes the chocolate industry for not fulfilling its promises to address child labour.

The cocoa regulator in Ivory Coast has accused Mondelez International of not adhering to a premium designed to increase West African farmers' pay, a claim Mondelez denies. The Conseil du Cafe-Cacao alleges Mondelez's recent purchasing bids do not account for the $400 per ton living-income differential. Mondelez asserts it fully supports the differential for cocoa sourced from Ghana and Ivory Coast. This accusation follows a similar issue with Hershey Co., which led to a temporary suspension of its sustainability programs in West Africa. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in the cocoa industry regarding fair compensation for farmers.

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo returned to the country after a decade, following his acquittal by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. Despite a potential jail sentence for looting the Central Bank of West African States, his return is seen as a step towards reconciliation. Gbagbo's refusal to accept election defeat in 2010 led to civil war and economic downturn. His arrival was met with support from his party, while the government views him as a normal citizen. Analysts believe his return will not threaten national security but will pressure President Ouattara to strengthen his party's influence.

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo is set to return home on June 17 following his acquittal on charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. His return marks the first time in 10 years he will be back in the country. Gbagbo, along with his former youth minister Charles Ble Goude, was cleared of the charges in 2019 but was conditionally released pending an appeal, which was upheld in March. Gbagbo's refusal to concede defeat in the 2010 elections led to a civil war, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and significant economic contraction. He faces a 20-year prison sentence in Ivory Coast for looting during the post-election violence.

Ivory Coast has sentenced five child-traffickers to 20 years in prison following a raid on cocoa farms, with one of the traffickers being the uncle of a rescued 15-year-old from Burkina Faso. The operation took place in Soubre and resulted in 17 other individuals receiving five-year sentences for supporting child labor, while two were released. This legal action comes as the European Union, which accounts for 67% of Ivory Coast's cocoa exports, prepares to introduce sustainability laws to combat child labor, protect forests, and end farmer poverty.

The conflict between the world's leading cocoa producers, Ivory Coast and Ghana, and major U.S. chocolate manufacturers, Hershey and Mars, is intensifying. The African nations accuse Hershey and Mars of manipulating futures markets to avoid paying a premium intended to boost farmers' incomes. In response, the countries have canceled all sustainability programs involving Hershey and threatened to revoke operating licenses. The accusations highlight the strained relationship between poorer cocoa-producing nations and wealthier chocolate companies. The dispute poses risks for both sides, with significant implications for the global cocoa market.

Violent youth gangs, including children as young as ten, are causing chaos in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with a series of brutal knife and machete attacks. The lack of an effective response from the authorities has led to residents carrying out lynchings in frustration.