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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.