AFRIMA’s Africa Music Business Summit returns January 8, 2026, bringing global media, music and policy leaders to Lagos. African music’s growing influence as a global commercial force will be in focus when industry stakeholders convene in Lagos for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), a flagship event of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). The summit is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026 , from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (WAT) at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites , and is expected to draw artists, executives, investors, policymakers and media professionals from across the continent and beyond. Organised as part of AFRIMA’s broader industry engagement, the forum will examine how Africa can strengthen ownership, infrastructure and monetisation within its fast-expanding music ecosystem. This year’s theme, “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” highlights the push to convert creative success into long-term economic value. The event will be hosted by CNN international correspondent and African Voices Changemakers host Larry Madowo , alongside television presenter and actor Mojibade Sosanya . Panel sessions will be moderated by media and creative professionals including Landry Gnamba (Côte d’Ivoire) , Nde Ndifonka (Cameroon) and Victoria Nkong (Nigeria) . The keynote address will be delivered by Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm , underscoring international interest in Africa’s creative economy. Confirmed speakers span music, media, law and policy. They include Sipho Dlamini , CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa; Karima Damir of Universal Music MENA; Ghanaian music executive Francis Doku ; music rights advisor Mustapha Ettouil ; Georg Heritlitz of Sweden; Storm Records founder Olisa Adibua ; and Nigerian entertainment executive Bizzle Oshikoya . Artists and producers taking part include legendary Nigerian producer ID Cabasa , Congolese star Innoss’B , Tanzanian singer Juma Jux , Ghanaian dancehall artist Stonebwoy , and Ivorian rapper Didi B , among others. Early sessions will focus on building infrastructure for Africa’s creative economy, with discussions on policy frameworks, revenue systems and platforms that support sustainable income for artists. Other panels will explore global career development, international media partnerships, music financing, rights protection and branding strategies. Speaking ahead of the summit, Mike Strano , AFRIMA Co-Producer and Director as well as Regional Director for Eastern Nigeria, described AMBS as a strategic platform for shaping the future of African music. He said the summit aims to equip creatives and industry players with the knowledge needed to secure ownership, structure their businesses and benefit fully from the value they generate. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT AFRIMA 2026: Global Voices Lead Africa Music Business Summit By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 24, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: African music’s growing influence as a global commercial force will be in focus when industry stakeholders convene in Lagos for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), a flagship event of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). The summit is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026 , from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (WAT) at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites , and is expected to draw artists, executives, investors, policymakers and media professionals from across the continent and beyond. Organised as part of AFRIMA’s broader industry engagement, the forum will examine how Africa can strengthen ownership, infrastructure and monetisation within its fast-expanding music ecosystem. This year’s theme, “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” highlights the push to convert creative success into long-term economic value. The event will be hosted by CNN international correspondent and African Voices Changemakers host Larry Madowo , alongside television presenter and actor Mojibade Sosanya . Panel sessions will be moderated by media and creative professionals including Landry Gnamba (Côte d’Ivoire) , Nde Ndifonka (Cameroon) and Victoria Nkong (Nigeria) . ADVERTISEMENT The keynote address will be delivered by Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm , underscoring international interest in Africa’s creative economy. Confirmed speakers span music, media, law and policy. They include Sipho Dlamini , CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa; Karima Damir of Universal Music MENA; Ghanaian music executive Francis Doku ; music rights advisor Mustapha Ettouil ; Georg Heritlitz of Sweden; Storm Records founder Olisa Adibua ; and Nigerian entertainment executive Bizzle Oshikoya . Artists and producers taking part include legendary Nigerian producer ID Cabasa , Congolese star Innoss’B , Tanzanian singer Juma Jux , Ghanaian dancehall artist Stonebwoy , and Ivorian rapper Didi B , among others. ADVERTISEMENT Early sessions will focus on building infrastructure for Africa’s creative economy, with discussions on policy frameworks, revenue systems and platforms that support sustainable income for artists. Other panels will explore global career development, international media partnerships, music financing, rights protection and branding strategies. Speaking ahead of the summit, Mike Strano , AFRIMA Co-Producer and Director as well as Regional Director for Eastern Nigeria, described AMBS as a strategic platform for shaping the future of African music. He said the summit aims to equip creatives and industry players with the knowledge needed to secure ownership, structure their businesses and benefit fully from the value they generate. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Attendance at the summit is free , but registration is mandatory via AFRIMA’s official website. Source: Tribune Online ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Kenya Kenya

Nigerian music sensation Ruger has become the center of widespread discussion after a video emerged on social media depicting him playing the drums with fervor at a Celestial church service. The video, which rapidly gained traction online, captures a figure closely resembling the acclaimed artist Ruger, engaging with zeal in a religious ceremony. Clad in the traditional white attire characteristic of Celestial church congregants, the individual impressed onlookers with his exceptional drumming prowess, stirring admiration and surprise among viewers. This rare glimpse of Ruger in a spiritual setting has unleashed a wave of commentary and speculation among his fanbase and the wider online community , making the video a hot topic of conversation. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 11, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian singer Ruger astounds fans with his impressive drumming skills during a session at a Celestial Church. Nigerian music sensation Ruger has become the center of widespread discussion after a video emerged on social media depicting him playing the drums with fervor at a Celestial church service. The video, which rapidly gained traction online, captures a figure closely resembling the acclaimed artist Ruger, engaging with zeal in a religious ceremony. Clad in the traditional white attire characteristic of Celestial church congregants, the individual impressed onlookers with his exceptional drumming prowess, stirring admiration and surprise among viewers. ADVERTISEMENT This rare glimpse of Ruger in a spiritual setting has unleashed a wave of commentary and speculation among his fanbase and the wider online community , making the video a hot topic of conversation. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Eto recently apologized after a heated exchange with the newly appointed national team coach, Marc Brys. The confrontation occurred during their first meeting and quickly escalated, reflecting the ongoing power struggle between FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports. The altercation stemmed from the Sports Ministry's unilateral decision to appoint Brys without consulting FECAFOOT. This move surprised the federation and highlighted the tension between governmental control and the federation's autonomy . During the meeting, Eto'o expressed his frustration, insisting on his authority within the federation and demanding respect from the coach and the ministry's representatives . This incident has exacerbated the crisis within Cameroonian football, with players receiving conflicting instructions about training camps ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Eto'o's apology aimed to quell the controversy, emphasizing his commitment to unity and collaboration within the national team setup . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 31, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Samuel Eto'o, the President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) Eto recently apologized after a heated exchange with the newly appointed national team coach, Marc Brys. The confrontation occurred during their first meeting and quickly escalated, reflecting the ongoing power struggle between FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports. The altercation stemmed from the Sports Ministry's unilateral decision to appoint Brys without consulting FECAFOOT. This move surprised the federation and highlighted the tension between governmental control and the federation's autonomy . ADVERTISEMENT During the meeting, Eto'o expressed his frustration, insisting on his authority within the federation and demanding respect from the coach and the ministry's representatives . This incident has exacerbated the crisis within Cameroonian football, with players receiving conflicting instructions about training camps ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Eto'o's apology aimed to quell the controversy, emphasizing his commitment to unity and collaboration within the national team setup . ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Raymu discusses his Nigerian Idol experience, shift from engineering to music and why he focuses on creating timeless love songs. Raymu , born Irorosuayire Ogheneruemu, says his priority as an artiste is not short-term popularity but creating music that appreciates love and remains relevant across generations. The first runner-up at the 2025 edition of Nigerian Idol disclosed this during a recent interview on TribuneOnline TV, where he discussed his artistic journey, career decisions and long-term vision. The singer-songwriter, who holds a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering, described himself as an intentional artiste committed to authenticity and depth in his music. Transition From Engineering to Music Raymu said although he excelled academically and briefly worked in engineering after graduation, he found the profession financially rewarding but personally unfulfilling. He noted that music had always been central to his life, having grown up in a family of musicians and actively participating in church music. According to him, his industrial training experience and later corporate employment confirmed that music was his true calling. He formally decided to pursue music full-time in 2024. Stage Name and Rebranding Explaining his stage name, Raymu said it is derived from his Urhobo name, Ogheneruemu. The shortened version originated during his university years for ease of pronunciation. He previously performed under the name “Ambassador Lawrence” after winning a competition in 2016. However, he later rebranded to better align with his artistic identity. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Raymu Prioritises Timeless Love Songs Over Fame By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 13, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Raymu , born Irorosuayire Ogheneruemu, says his priority as an artiste is not short-term popularity but creating music that appreciates love and remains relevant across generations. The first runner-up at the 2025 edition of Nigerian Idol disclosed this during a recent interview on TribuneOnline TV, where he discussed his artistic journey, career decisions and long-term vision. The singer-songwriter, who holds a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering, described himself as an intentional artiste committed to authenticity and depth in his music. Transition From Engineering to Music Raymu said although he excelled academically and briefly worked in engineering after graduation, he found the profession financially rewarding but personally unfulfilling. He noted that music had always been central to his life, having grown up in a family of musicians and actively participating in church music. According to him, his industrial training experience and later corporate employment confirmed that music was his true calling. ADVERTISEMENT He formally decided to pursue music full-time in 2024. Stage Name and Rebranding Explaining his stage name, Raymu said it is derived from his Urhobo name, Ogheneruemu. The shortened version originated during his university years for ease of pronunciation. He previously performed under the name “Ambassador Lawrence” after winning a competition in 2016. However, he later rebranded to better align with his artistic identity. Nigerian Idol Experience Raymu described his participation in Nigerian Idol Season 10 as transformative, noting that the platform expanded his visibility and audience reach. ADVERTISEMENT He said receiving a platinum ticket during auditions strengthened his belief that the season would mark a turning point in his career. Musical Style and Inspiration Blending R&B and soul with gospel influences, Raymu said his concept of love is shaped by his Christian faith. He described love as commitment, sacrifice and intentionality. He explained that songs such as “Love Me” and “Ese” were inspired by reflections on faith and gratitude, while “Like You” reinforces his romantic persona. He maintained that his goal is to produce music that listeners can feel and relate to beyond trends. Industry Realities Speaking on challenges in the Nigerian music industry, Raymu described it as capital intensive. He stressed that emerging artistes must be financially prepared to invest significantly in their careers before gaining recognition. Trending Now 2Baba Urges Focus on National Issues, Not His Marriage . Entertainment Bigiano claims he wrote hook for Davido’s ‘Dami Duro’ . Entertainment Tiwa Savage Joins Nigeria’s 800M Spotify Streams Club . Entertainment Adekunle Gold Sets Lagos Homecoming With 55-Piece Orchestra . Entertainment Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT According to him, breaking into the industry often requires personal financial commitment without immediate returns. Future Aspirations Raymu identified Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems as a potential collaborator, citing her sound and artistic trajectory as compatible with his style. He reiterated that his focus remains on building a catalogue of timeless music rather than pursuing fleeting fame. Source: Tribune Online ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Entertainment Sola Allyson Explains Her Transition From Islam to Christianity Singer cites childhood experiences, family shifts and spiritual discovery in her faith journey. . Entertainment Champz Becomes Youngest African Artist to Hit 1M Spotify Listeners Fourteen-year-old Champz sets new streaming milestone weeks after releasing his debut EP. . Fashion Dr Teal’s Marks Year-End With Wellness-Themed Nigerian Owambe Event Brand hosts cultural wellness celebration in Lagos with performances, spa sessions and celebrity guests . Nollywood Updates Tonto Dikeh recounts recovery from smoking, addiction struggles Actress shares testimony at Streams of Joy church on quitting smoking, alcohol and anger . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Kendall Jenner was spotted in a luxury box as Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show in Santa Clara, California. Kendall Jenner attended Super Bowl 2026 on Sunday as her former partner, global music star Bad Bunny, headlined the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The model and reality television star watched the performance from a luxury suite alongside several high-profile guests. Fan-recorded videos circulating on social media showed Jenner briefly moving to the music during Bad Bunny’s set before turning to speak with her companion, Hailey Bieber. Bad Bunny , 31, delivered a record-setting halftime performance that was largely conducted in Spanish. The show also featured surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, drawing widespread attention both inside the stadium and online. The evening concluded on a disappointing note for Jenner after the New England Patriots, whom she had publicly supported, lost 29–13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Jenner later shared a video montage on her Instagram Stories capturing her reactions throughout the game. Jenner and Bad Bunny briefly dated in 2023 before ending their relationship later that year. Sources at the time cited demanding schedules and mutual commitments as factors in their separation. Super Bowl 2026 marked one of the most watched halftime performances in recent years, with Bad Bunny’s appearance reinforcing his global influence across music and entertainment. Source Geo News Digital Desk Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Kendall Jenner Watches Bad Bunny Perform at Super Bowl 2026 By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 9, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kendall Jenner attended Super Bowl 2026 on Sunday as her former partner, global music star Bad Bunny, headlined the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The model and reality television star watched the performance from a luxury suite alongside several high-profile guests. Fan-recorded videos circulating on social media showed Jenner briefly moving to the music during Bad Bunny’s set before turning to speak with her companion, Hailey Bieber. ADVERTISEMENT Bad Bunny , 31, delivered a record-setting halftime performance that was largely conducted in Spanish. The show also featured surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, drawing widespread attention both inside the stadium and online. The evening concluded on a disappointing note for Jenner after the New England Patriots, whom she had publicly supported, lost 29–13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Jenner later shared a video montage on her Instagram Stories capturing her reactions throughout the game. ADVERTISEMENT Jenner and Bad Bunny briefly dated in 2023 before ending their relationship later that year. Sources at the time cited demanding schedules and mutual commitments as factors in their separation. Super Bowl 2026 marked one of the most watched halftime performances in recent years, with Bad Bunny’s appearance reinforcing his global influence across music and entertainment. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source Geo News Digital Desk ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

Scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, the upcoming Youth Olympic Games are set to gather the world's elite young athletes in Dakar, Senegal, to compete across 35 sports over a span of 14 days. Initially planned to coincide with the Dakar 2022 period, the Dakar en Jeux (Dakar in Games) festival has been a recurring annual event in the three host cities of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. It serves not only as a lead-up to the 2026 games but also as a celebration of sport and culture, aimed at fostering greater youth participation in athletics. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has strongly endorsed Senegal's role as host for the Youth Olympic Games, emphasizing the continent's unity and rich sports culture. "With a youthful demographic and a deep-rooted passion for sports, the time is ripe for Africa, and particularly for Senegal," Bach stated in an Olympics.com report. During his 2022 visit to Senegal, Bach expressed his eagerness for the upcoming games, remarking, "We are looking forward to returning here to witness the first Olympic event on African soil—an event by Africa, with Africa, welcoming the world's youth to Senegal." Reflecting on the significance of the event, sports analyst Rufai Shuaib from Senegal commented, "Hosting the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar marks a pivotal moment in highlighting the vast capabilities and prospects of our young athletes on an international stage." Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 17, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Africa is looking forward to hosting its inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2026, which will take place in Dakar, Senegal's capital. Scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, the upcoming Youth Olympic Games are set to gather the world's elite young athletes in Dakar, Senegal, to compete across 35 sports over a span of 14 days. Initially planned to coincide with the Dakar 2022 period, the Dakar en Jeux (Dakar in Games) festival has been a recurring annual event in the three host cities of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. It serves not only as a lead-up to the 2026 games but also as a celebration of sport and culture, aimed at fostering greater youth participation in athletics. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has strongly endorsed Senegal's role as host for the Youth Olympic Games, emphasizing the continent's unity and rich sports culture. ADVERTISEMENT "With a youthful demographic and a deep-rooted passion for sports, the time is ripe for Africa, and particularly for Senegal," Bach stated in an Olympics.com report. During his 2022 visit to Senegal, Bach expressed his eagerness for the upcoming games, remarking, "We are looking forward to returning here to witness the first Olympic event on African soil—an event by Africa, with Africa, welcoming the world's youth to Senegal." Reflecting on the significance of the event, sports analyst Rufai Shuaib from Senegal commented, "Hosting the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar marks a pivotal moment in highlighting the vast capabilities and prospects of our young athletes on an international stage." ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

President Tshisekedi leads a high-level meeting to ensure the appreciation of the Congolese Franc directly benefits citizens through price controls Kinshasa, DRC — In a show of proactive economic leadership, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo chaired a critical high-level meeting this Wednesday at the Cité de l’Union Africaine, addressing the appreciation of the Congolese Franc (CDF) and its real-world impact on citizens. As the CDF continues to gain value against major foreign currencies, President Tshisekedi is determined to ensure that this positive trend results in concrete benefits for ordinary Congolese. The meeting brought together key economic players, including Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, Vice-Prime Ministers for Budget and Economy, the Minister of Finance, the acting Minister of Industry, and the Governor of the Central Bank. Minister of Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba underscored the President’s directive for better alignment between fiscal and monetary policies, so that the currency gains are not just numbers on paper, but relief in the markets, shops, and homes across the country. “The rise of the Congolese Franc is a rare opportunity. President Tshisekedi wants every household to feel its impact,” said Minister Mukoko. Concrete Measures Announced: Price Adjustments: Fuel prices will soon be reviewed to reflect the stronger CDF. Market Controls: New enforcement mechanisms will ensure that businesses pass on currency benefits to consumers. Private Sector Dialogue: A consultative session led by the Prime Minister will engage businesses to ensure price reductions on essential goods. Minister Mukoko emphasized that these actions are part of a clear government strategy to restore purchasing power, stabilize the market, and respond to the aspirations of the Congolese people. This move comes amid rising confidence in the national economy and reaffirms President Tshisekedi’s commitment to making macroeconomic wins count for the everyday citizen. Continue Reading Full Article | ECONOMY Tshisekedi Takes Bold Action as Congolese Franc Gains Ground By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Oct 23, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kinshasa, DRC — In a show of proactive economic leadership, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo chaired a critical high-level meeting this Wednesday at the Cité de l’Union Africaine, addressing the appreciation of the Congolese Franc (CDF) and its real-world impact on citizens. As the CDF continues to gain value against major foreign currencies, President Tshisekedi is determined to ensure that this positive trend results in concrete benefits for ordinary Congolese. The meeting brought together key economic players, including Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, Vice-Prime Ministers for Budget and Economy, the Minister of Finance, the acting Minister of Industry, and the Governor of the Central Bank. Minister of Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba underscored the President’s directive for better alignment between fiscal and monetary policies, so that the currency gains are not just numbers on paper, but relief in the markets, shops, and homes across the country. ADVERTISEMENT “The rise of the Congolese Franc is a rare opportunity. President Tshisekedi wants every household to feel its impact,” said Minister Mukoko. Concrete Measures Announced: Price Adjustments: Fuel prices will soon be reviewed to reflect the stronger CDF. Market Controls: New enforcement mechanisms will ensure that businesses pass on currency benefits to consumers. Private Sector Dialogue: A consultative session led by the Prime Minister will engage businesses to ensure price reductions on essential goods. Minister Mukoko emphasized that these actions are part of a clear government strategy to restore purchasing power, stabilize the market, and respond to the aspirations of the Congolese people. ADVERTISEMENT This move comes amid rising confidence in the national economy and reaffirms President Tshisekedi’s commitment to making macroeconomic wins count for the everyday citizen. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan . Infrastructure Grand Inga Moves Forward as RDC-US Committee Meets in Paris . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid DR Congo opens a UK investment forum in London with nearly 90 British investors, seeking partnerships . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission A new bilateral commission will coordinate trade, technology, technical cooperation... . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan The October 30 decision recognizes reforms to combat money laundering and strengthen.... . Tags DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo News DR Congo News

Analysis of the ADF’s imposition of "Jizya" taxes on Christian farmers in Ituri and the religious implications for the Great Lakes. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have officially moved from nomadic terror to the administrative imposition of "Jizya" the historical tax levied by Islamic states on non-Muslim subjects. On March 16, in the village of Bwanasula, the movement forced local farmers into a meeting where they were ordered to pay a mandatory "token" to access their own ancestral lands as cited by Beto.cd . By framing agricultural access as a paid privilege, the ADF is no longer just a rebel group; it is operating as a de facto Islamist administration in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This "token" system is a calculated move to establish permanent religious and economic authority over the predominantly Christian population of Ituri. Christophe Munyanderu, a prominent human rights advocate with APDEF, has described the situation as a "hostage crisis," urging villagers to choose famine over financing their own "executioners." The religious subtext is clear: the ADF is weaponizing the "security vacuum" in chiefdoms like Walese-Vonkutu to implement a governance model that mimics the Islamic State’s global blueprint for territorial expansion. The implementation of this "Jizya-style" tax marks a failure of the current FARDC-UPDF military strategy to protect the socio-economic identity of the region. As the ADF methodically collects these tokens, they are not just buying weapons; they are buying legitimacy through the forced submission of the local population. Without a swift military response to dismantle this parallel tax authority, the "token" system risks becoming the foundation of a permanent extremist enclave that could export religious conflict across the entire Great Lakes region. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO Why ADF’s New "Jizya" Tax Signals a push for Islamist State in DRC By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Mar 23, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have officially moved from nomadic terror to the administrative imposition of "Jizya" the historical tax levied by Islamic states on non-Muslim subjects. On March 16, in the village of Bwanasula, the movement forced local farmers into a meeting where they were ordered to pay a mandatory "token" to access their own ancestral lands as cited by Beto.cd . By framing agricultural access as a paid privilege, the ADF is no longer just a rebel group; it is operating as a de facto Islamist administration in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This "token" system is a calculated move to establish permanent religious and economic authority over the predominantly Christian population of Ituri. Christophe Munyanderu, a prominent human rights advocate with APDEF, has described the situation as a "hostage crisis," urging villagers to choose famine over financing their own "executioners." ADVERTISEMENT The religious subtext is clear: the ADF is weaponizing the "security vacuum" in chiefdoms like Walese-Vonkutu to implement a governance model that mimics the Islamic State’s global blueprint for territorial expansion. The implementation of this "Jizya-style" tax marks a failure of the current FARDC-UPDF military strategy to protect the socio-economic identity of the region. As the ADF methodically collects these tokens, they are not just buying weapons; they are buying legitimacy through the forced submission of the local population. ADVERTISEMENT Without a swift military response to dismantle this parallel tax authority, the "token" system risks becoming the foundation of a permanent extremist enclave that could export religious conflict across the entire Great Lakes region. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan . Infrastructure Grand Inga Moves Forward as RDC-US Committee Meets in Paris . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid DR Congo opens a UK investment forum in London with nearly 90 British investors, seeking partnerships . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission A new bilateral commission will coordinate trade, technology, technical cooperation... . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan The October 30 decision recognizes reforms to combat money laundering and strengthen.... . Tags DRC Economy DRC Economy Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo Rising DR Congo Rising African Union African Union DRC Politics DRC Politics

Dangote Refinery has signed documents for a $1.6bn IPO. See the reported share price, dates, minimum investment and fraud warning. LAGOS, Nigeria — 8 September 2026: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and its advisers have signed registration documents for a planned public offer seeking about $1.6 billion. Reports from the 7 September signing ceremony say 4.1 billion shares will be offered at ₦525 each, with applications expected to open on 14 September and close on 13 October. What are the Dangote Refinery IPO terms? The signed offer documents reportedly cover 4.1 billion shares priced at ₦525 each, targeting roughly $1.6 billion. BusinessDay and the Financial Times say the minimum application is 10 shares, or ₦5,250. The full prospectus is expected when subscriptions open on 14 September 2026. What the signed offer documents contain BusinessDay reported from the transaction that Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE plans to sell 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 each. The publication places the offer value at about $1.6 billion and the implied company valuation at approximately $49 billion. The Financial Times reported the same share count and price , and said the company is targeting retail investors across Africa. Both reports identify 10 shares as the minimum subscription, making the smallest reported application ₦5,250 before any brokerage or platform charges. Applications are expected to open on 14 September and close on 13 October, with a Nigerian Exchange listing anticipated in November. Those dates represent the latest consistently reported timetable. Investors should still read the final prospectus when it becomes available because transaction terms can change before an offer formally opens. The official Dangote public-offer portal tells prospective investors to prepare and subscribe when applications open. It should be treated as the starting point for official offer information, not links circulated through unsolicited messages. Why Dangote is opening the refinery to investors At the signing ceremony, Aliko Dangote said the aim was to broaden ownership beyond large institutions. Channels Television carried his remarks and images of the Lagos event, where financial advisers and major Nigerian business figures witnessed the document signing. The refinery is central to Dangote Group's energy strategy. XTRAfrica previously examined how tight global fuel markets increased demand for its output . The IPO creates a new question for that story: how much of the refinery's future growth will be financed by public shareholders. Continue Reading Full Article BUSINESS TRENDS Dangote Refinery Signs $1.6bn IPO Documents By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Sep 8, 2026 Sep 8, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: LAGOS, Nigeria — 8 September 2026: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and its advisers have signed registration documents for a planned public offer seeking about $1.6 billion. Reports from the 7 September signing ceremony say 4.1 billion shares will be offered at ₦525 each, with applications expected to open on 14 September and close on 13 October. What are the Dangote Refinery IPO terms? The signed offer documents reportedly cover 4.1 billion shares priced at ₦525 each, targeting roughly $1.6 billion. BusinessDay and the Financial Times say the minimum application is 10 shares, or ₦5,250. The full prospectus is expected when subscriptions open on 14 September 2026. What the signed offer documents contain BusinessDay reported from the transaction that Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE plans to sell 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 each. The publication places the offer value at about $1.6 billion and the implied company valuation at approximately $49 billion. The Financial Times reported the same share count and price , and said the company is targeting retail investors across Africa. Both reports identify 10 shares as the minimum subscription, making the smallest reported application ₦5,250 before any brokerage or platform charges. Applications are expected to open on 14 September and close on 13 October, with a Nigerian Exchange listing anticipated in November. Those dates represent the latest consistently reported timetable. Investors should still read the final prospectus when it becomes available because transaction terms can change before an offer formally opens. ADVERTISEMENT The official Dangote public-offer portal tells prospective investors to prepare and subscribe when applications open. It should be treated as the starting point for official offer information, not links circulated through unsolicited messages. Why Dangote is opening the refinery to investors At the signing ceremony, Aliko Dangote said the aim was to broaden ownership beyond large institutions. Channels Television carried his remarks and images of the Lagos event, where financial advisers and major Nigerian business figures witnessed the document signing. The refinery is central to Dangote Group's energy strategy. XTRAfrica previously examined how tight global fuel markets increased demand for its output . The IPO creates a new question for that story: how much of the refinery's future growth will be financed by public shareholders. BusinessDay says proceeds from the public offer and an earlier private placement are intended to help double processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels a day by 2028, from about 700,000 barrels. That is an expansion target, not current production. The project also plans distribution infrastructure in other African markets. ADVERTISEMENT The public offer follows a private placement that reportedly raised $2.5 billion and attracted applications well above the initial target. A separate Dangote Industries statement published on 18 August described a $600 million funded placement and a further $400 million underwriting commitment supporting the planned IPO. What retail investors should verify first The most important unresolved detail is the final legally operative prospectus. Some ceremony reports gave different minimum applications and closing dates. BusinessDay and the Financial Times agree on 10 shares and 13 October, while other coverage cited 100 shares or an earlier closing date. That conflict should be resolved by the offer document released through authorised channels. Prospective buyers should confirm the issuer's legal name, price, application window, minimum lot, payment method, receiving agent and refund rules before transferring money. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects . Technology and Innovation NCC Device Checker Guide: Check Your Phone Safely . ADVERTISEMENT Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission issued a cease-and-desist warning on 23 June against premature marketing and advance subscriptions when no application had yet been approved. The warning predates the September signing, but its anti-fraud advice remains useful: ignore claims of guaranteed allocations and rely on formal SEC, issuer and licensed-market channels. XTRAfrica has also covered Dangote's investment discussions in Burundi and his departure from the chairmanship of Dangote Sugar Refinery . The new offer concerns Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, not the separately listed sugar company. What happens next The next decisive document is the public prospectus expected when the offer opens on 14 September. It should settle the subscription details, risks, financial disclosures and timetable that cannot be established from ceremony reports alone. Until then, the confirmed development is that the refinery and its advisers have signed the IPO documents and publicly announced the headline offer. Investors can prepare, but should not treat a social-media flyer, agent message or unofficial payment request as proof that subscriptions are already open. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December MTN Group's chief risk officer joins four other appointees in a November board announcement. . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win Oxford professor Dapo Akande wins a nine-year ICJ term as Britain returns to the World Court. . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ Dapo Akande’s Nigerian education, Oxford career, international cases and 2026 ICJ election. . 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Afrobeats star Davido has joined the Accord Party, aligning politically with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of 2026 polls. Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has formally aligned with the Accord Party, following the recent political realignment of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. The musician confirmed his decision on Tuesday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, announcing plans to travel to Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to collect his party membership card. Davido said he would complete the process at the state government house, popularly known as Imole House. His announcement comes weeks after Governor Adeleke adopted the Accord Party as his new political platform ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election. The governor officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on December 9, 2025, during a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo, attended by party leaders and supporters. Explaining his defection at the time, Adeleke cited internal leadership disputes at the national level of the PDP. He stated that the decision followed consultations with political stakeholders and opinion leaders, adding that he formally joined the Accord Party on November 6 as part of preparations for his re-election bid. Davido had earlier reacted publicly to his uncle’s resignation from the PDP by reposting the announcement on social media with a brief caption, signaling support for the move. The singer’s entry into partisan politics further highlights the growing intersection between Nigeria’s entertainment industry and its political landscape. Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Davido Aligns With Uncle Ademola Adeleke in Accord Party Move By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 24, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has formally aligned with the Accord Party, following the recent political realignment of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. The musician confirmed his decision on Tuesday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, announcing plans to travel to Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to collect his party membership card. Davido said he would complete the process at the state government house, popularly known as Imole House. ADVERTISEMENT His announcement comes weeks after Governor Adeleke adopted the Accord Party as his new political platform ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election. The governor officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on December 9, 2025, during a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo, attended by party leaders and supporters. Explaining his defection at the time, Adeleke cited internal leadership disputes at the national level of the PDP. He stated that the decision followed consultations with political stakeholders and opinion leaders, adding that he formally joined the Accord Party on November 6 as part of preparations for his re-election bid. ADVERTISEMENT Davido had earlier reacted publicly to his uncle’s resignation from the PDP by reposting the announcement on social media with a brief caption, signaling support for the move. The singer’s entry into partisan politics further highlights the growing intersection between Nigeria’s entertainment industry and its political landscape. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source: The Sun Nigeria ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

The DRC has signed major new agreements with France, the U.S., and the UAE, spanning finance, mining, infrastructure, and trade. Washington Accelerates Investments in the DRC’s Strategic Mining Sector The United States is advancing its critical minerals supply strategy in the DRC through two distinct initiatives. First, discussions are underway with Ivanhoe Mines and Gécamines to channel part of the zinc, copper, and germanium production from the Kipushi mine to the new U.S. strategic stockpile under “Project Vault,” valued at USD 12 billion. Second, the U.S.-based Orion Critical Mineral Consortium has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire 40% of the Mutanda and Kamoto copper and cobalt mines, operated by Glencore, in a transaction valuing the assets at approximately USD 9 billion. At Kipushi, the export of mineral concentrates to the United States would be handled through a trading company jointly created by Gécamines and the Swiss group Mercuria. Gécamines holds 38% of this project, whose germanium output is particularly strategic for the semiconductor industry. Regarding Mutanda and Kamoto, Orion’s objective is to secure a volume of production proportional to its stake for designated U.S. buyers. These two initiatives represent the first tangible outcomes of the strategic mining partnership signed between Washington and Kinshasa in December 2025. They reflect the U.S. intention to secure supply chains and counterbalance China’s dominance in the Congolese mining sector, while enabling the DRC to attract more diversified investments. The Glencore transaction remains subject to final agreements and regulatory approvals, notably from Congolese authorities. DRC Signs New Four-Year Financial Cooperation Protocol with France The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and France signed a new four-year financial cooperation protocol (2026–2029) on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Kinshasa. This renewal follows a previous agreement signed in 2021, under which more than €500 million was disbursed to support development projects in the DRC. The agreement was signed by the Congolese Vice-Minister of Finance and the French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, on the sidelines of an official visit. The partnership focuses on jointly identified priority sectors, notably environment, education, energy, transport, and agriculture. This bilateral framework aims to support structuring projects for the sustainable development of the DRC. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) remains the key financial and technical operator responsible for implementing these commitments, continuing its long-standing engagement in the country, where it manages a substantial project portfolio. This new protocol strengthens a long-established cooperation relationship between the two countries and reflects, according to the signatories, mutual trust and a shared vision of economic and institutional priorities. DRC authorities reaffirmed their determination to work closely with AFD to ensure the effective continuation and implementation of ongoing and future projects. DRC and United Arab Emirates Seal an Ambitious Economic Partnership Continue Reading Full Article INVESTMENT DRC Deepens Strategic Partnerships With France, U.S., And UAE By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 8, 2026 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Washington Accelerates Investments in the DRC’s Strategic Mining Sector The United States is advancing its critical minerals supply strategy in the DRC through two distinct initiatives. First, discussions are underway with Ivanhoe Mines and Gécamines to channel part of the zinc, copper, and germanium production from the Kipushi mine to the new U.S. strategic stockpile under “Project Vault,” valued at USD 12 billion. Second, the U.S.-based Orion Critical Mineral Consortium has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire 40% of the Mutanda and Kamoto copper and cobalt mines, operated by Glencore, in a transaction valuing the assets at approximately USD 9 billion. At Kipushi, the export of mineral concentrates to the United States would be handled through a trading company jointly created by Gécamines and the Swiss group Mercuria. Gécamines holds 38% of this project, whose germanium output is particularly strategic for the semiconductor industry. Regarding Mutanda and Kamoto, Orion’s objective is to secure a volume of production proportional to its stake for designated U.S. buyers. ADVERTISEMENT These two initiatives represent the first tangible outcomes of the strategic mining partnership signed between Washington and Kinshasa in December 2025. They reflect the U.S. intention to secure supply chains and counterbalance China’s dominance in the Congolese mining sector, while enabling the DRC to attract more diversified investments. The Glencore transaction remains subject to final agreements and regulatory approvals, notably from Congolese authorities. DRC Signs New Four-Year Financial Cooperation Protocol with France The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and France signed a new four-year financial cooperation protocol (2026–2029) on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Kinshasa. This renewal follows a previous agreement signed in 2021, under which more than €500 million was disbursed to support development projects in the DRC. The agreement was signed by the Congolese Vice-Minister of Finance and the French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, on the sidelines of an official visit. The partnership focuses on jointly identified priority sectors, notably environment, education, energy, transport, and agriculture. This bilateral framework aims to support structuring projects for the sustainable development of the DRC. ADVERTISEMENT The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) remains the key financial and technical operator responsible for implementing these commitments, continuing its long-standing engagement in the country, where it manages a substantial project portfolio. This new protocol strengthens a long-established cooperation relationship between the two countries and reflects, according to the signatories, mutual trust and a shared vision of economic and institutional priorities. DRC authorities reaffirmed their determination to work closely with AFD to ensure the effective continuation and implementation of ongoing and future projects. DRC and United Arab Emirates Seal an Ambitious Economic Partnership The Presidents of the DRC and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. The agreement aims to transform bilateral economic relations, with a target of USD 10 billion in investments by 2030 and expanded access for 6,000 Congolese products to the Emirati market. To achieve this, the agreement will reduce tariff barriers to stimulate trade in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and clean energy. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results . Mining and Minerals DRC to Launch State-Controlled Geological Data Bank in 2026 . ADVERTISEMENT A central pillar of the agreement is the development of the Banana deep-water port. Led by global operator DP World, the project includes a 600-meter quay and a 30-hectare storage area, with an annual capacity of 450,000 containers. Designed as the DRC’s sole maritime gateway for containerized trade, the port is intended to provide the country with strategic logistical independence by granting direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. The first phase, which experienced delays, could be completed in 2026. The agreement also includes a strategic component, with a memorandum of understanding on mining cooperation, aimed at strengthening traceability and security of critical mineral supply chains. In parallel, another memorandum provides for cooperation between the diplomatic academies of both countries, with the objective of sharing expertise and coordinating training programs. This cooperation comes at a time when non-oil trade between the UAE and the DRC reached USD 2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2025, an increase of 16.1% compared to the previous year, including exports of vanilla, pepper, and fresh products to Europe and the United States. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained Pit compensation, ore sales and access to a replacement mining zone are separate questions. . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment Zijin says its cumulative DRC mining investments total about $6 billion across copper, cobalt and . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum leads a delegation to China Mining 2026 to promote projects . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results Copper Intelligence says all 13 main drill holes at its Butembo project in eastern DRC intersected . Tags DRC Mining DRC Mining DR.Congo DR.Congo Must Read Must Read DRC Economy DRC Economy Invest In Congo Invest In Congo DR Congo Investment DR Congo Investment Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi

Bisola Aiyeola says she has never been asked for sex-for-roles as she highlights broader challenges in Nollywood. Media personality and actress Bisola Aiyeola has stated that she has never been subjected to sexual harassment or asked for sex in exchange for movie roles throughout her career in Nollywood. Aiyeola made the comment during a recent event, a clip of which was shared on YouTube. She addressed the broader challenges faced by actors and crew members in the industry, noting that sexual harassment is only one of several persistent issues. Sexual harassment, including sex-for-role allegations, remains a widely acknowledged problem within Nollywood, with many actresses and emerging talents reporting unwanted advances from individuals in positions of authority. Aiyeola said she was fortunate not to have encountered such situations. “Thankfully, I’ve never been asked for sex for roles. There are some of us that it has never happened to, so I don’t have a personal story about it. My talent has always spoken for me and is still speaking for me,” she said. She added that the industry also grapples with concerns such as physical harassment, long and irregular working hours, and the absence of health insurance. Aiyeola cautioned that focusing solely on sex-for-role cases could overshadow other critical issues. “It feels like when we’re only talking about sex for roles, we shelve all other major issues that also happen in the industry,” she noted. Continue Reading Full Article CELEBRITY GOSSIP Bisola Aiyeola Says She Has Never Faced Sexual Harassment in Nollywood By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 7, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Media personality and actress Bisola Aiyeola has stated that she has never been subjected to sexual harassment or asked for sex in exchange for movie roles throughout her career in Nollywood. Aiyeola made the comment during a recent event, a clip of which was shared on YouTube. She addressed the broader challenges faced by actors and crew members in the industry, noting that sexual harassment is only one of several persistent issues. Sexual harassment, including sex-for-role allegations, remains a widely acknowledged problem within Nollywood, with many actresses and emerging talents reporting unwanted advances from individuals in positions of authority. ADVERTISEMENT Aiyeola said she was fortunate not to have encountered such situations. “Thankfully, I’ve never been asked for sex for roles. There are some of us that it has never happened to, so I don’t have a personal story about it. My talent has always spoken for me and is still speaking for me,” she said. She added that the industry also grapples with concerns such as physical harassment, long and irregular working hours, and the absence of health insurance. Aiyeola cautioned that focusing solely on sex-for-role cases could overshadow other critical issues. ADVERTISEMENT “It feels like when we’re only talking about sex for roles, we shelve all other major issues that also happen in the industry,” she noted. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria