By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Ecomatin
The World Bank forecasts that Gabon's debt will reach 80% of gross domestic product by the end of 2026, after raising its forecast for this indicator. The estimate comes as a government audit had brought debt below the community threshold of 70%, according to Ecomatin.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
Egypt’s Ministry of Finance has pledged to accelerate reforms to reduce the cost of debt servicing after Moody’s upgraded the country’s rating to B3 with a positive outlook. Public debt stood at 81.9% of gross domestic product in June 2026, and net international reserves reached $57 billion in September, according to the ministry cited by Daily News Egypt.
🇪🇬 Egypt · Source: Daily News Egypt ·
Gabon borrowed $580 million, equivalent to 336 billion CFA francs, on the international debt market, three months after an initial $920 million issuance. The operation comes despite concerns about public finances and discussions with the IMF, according to Ecomatin.
🇬🇦 Gabon · Source: Ecomatin ·
The International Monetary Fund forecasts 7% growth for Benin’s economy in 2026, ranking the country fifth in sub-Saharan Africa. The performance is based notably on the Port of Cotonou, agriculture and industry, while 2025 growth was estimated at 8.1% by the World Bank, reports La Nouvelle Tribune.
🇧🇯 Benin · Source: La Nouvelle Tribune ·
The Central Bank of Nigeria is seeking to attract more Chinese capital to the country’s financial markets, notably to finance businesses and strengthen cross-border payments. Its governor, Olayemi Cardoso, discussed the cooperation after talks with his Chinese counterpart during the 2026 IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, according to Leadership.
🇳🇬 Nigeria · Source: Leadership ·
OCT invests 163 billion CFA francs in port digital systemsOwendo Container Terminal says it has invested nearly 163 billion CFA francs in infrastructure, equipment and IT systems in Gabon. The terminal notably uses the OSCAR software, the IPAKI tool and computerised data exchanges with its customers and customs, according to the Gabonese Press Agency.
CFA coins from 1958 to 1985 lose validity on 1 NovemberCFA franc coins minted between 1958 and 1985 will cease to be legal tender on 1 November in the six CEMAC countries, including Equatorial Guinea. They can still be exchanged for one year at banks, microfinance institutions and the BEAC, according to the central bank's announcement.The week in Africa
Be the first to get our letter in English: the essentials from every region of the continent, free.
