The African financial sector is experiencing significant growth despite facing major challenges. The Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS), organized by Jeune Afrique, has become a key event for the industry, gathering over 800 leaders. African financial institutions are emerging on the global stage, but must manage rising public debt, climate challenges, and find new funding sources. Effective regulation is crucial for sustainable growth, as emphasized by Serge Ékué of the West African Development Bank. Discussions at the summit highlighted the high cost of international loans in Sub-Saharan Africa and the potential of asset tokenization to unlock liquidity. Cyber-attacks remain a significant threat, with Alain Kaninda of the Regulatory Authority stressing the need for responsive insurance products and information sharing. AFIS has established itself as a vital platform for addressing the sector's challenges and opportunities.

In Libreville, Gabon's capital, life is gradually returning to normal following a recent coup. The usually busy city center remains calm, but the Mont-Bouet market is bustling with activity as traders resume their businesses. Local trader Tanguy Ntoutoume describes the election period as hectic but feels reassured by General Brice Oligui Nguema's announcement to resume trading. The military has declared that Nguema will be sworn in as the transitional president on Monday, marking a significant turning point for Gabon after nearly 60 years under the same family's rule.

Many individuals in Togo and globally face statelessness, lacking birth certificates and thus access to fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, and employment. Boniface Yepenui's experience highlights the personal impact of statelessness. The UNHCR reports at least 1 million stateless people in West Africa and aims to eradicate statelessness by 2024, though administrative barriers and reluctance to issue identity documents remain significant challenges.

In Equatorial Guinea, the main opposition party, Citoyens pour l’Innovation, has been dissolved by the government, accused of threatening state security. The dissolution follows clashes during the November legislative elections, which the party claims were instigated by the government. The party's leader, Gabriel Nze Obiang Obono, denies the accusations, stating that their campaign was peaceful. Additionally, 21 party militants have been sentenced to long prison terms and fined. The European Union reports ongoing restrictions and arrests of political opponents in the country.

The complete Equatoguinean government team has been unveiled, consisting of 87 members including a prime minister, vice-prime ministers, ministers, vice-ministers, and secretaries of state. Several key figures have left the government, including Agapito Mba Mokuy and Miguel Engonga Obiang Eyang, while new members like Simeón Oyono Esono Angue and Lucas Abaga Nchama have joined. The government aims to continue its economic diversification strategy under the 'Horizon 2020' plan, focusing on improving the country's political image, economic development, and combating corruption and delinquency. Despite recent growth, challenges such as poverty, poor sanitary conditions, significant inequalities, and high unemployment persist.

Corruption affects all countries to varying degrees, undermining financial and social structures. New technologies are emerging as powerful tools to combat this issue. In Benin, the 'Anticorr' app allows users to report corruption, while in Nigeria, the organization BudgIT has developed 'Tracka,' an online tool to monitor public spending and project implementation. These technologies aim to reduce human interaction in service delivery, thereby minimizing corruption. Rwanda is also gaining recognition for its efforts in leveraging technology to enhance public services.

Stempy Obame, a Gabonese presenter and opposition activist close to Jean Ping, has been missing since December 18. Witnesses reported seeing him abducted by masked men in a white pick-up truck. His family has filed complaints and sought help from various authorities but received no updates. This incident adds to the recent disappearances of Alain Mbella Obame and Armel Mouendou, with families accusing Gabonese authorities of involvement.

Equatoguinean cartoonist Ramón Esono Ebale was arrested in Malabo while dining with friends. The reasons for his arrest remain undisclosed, but it is believed to be related to his critical comic book 'La Pesadilla de Obi,' which targets President Teodoro Obiang Nguema's regime. Esono, a known activist, was aware of the risks of returning to Equatorial Guinea to renew his passport. The comic, funded by the US-based NGO EGJustice, highlights regime abuses, fraudulent elections, and wealth inequality. Esono's work aims to demystify the president's god-like perception in the country.

South African artist Mbongeni Buthelezi is featured at the Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg with his 'Sugar Tax' collection, which highlights African contemporary art using recycled materials. Buthelezi creates stunning works from recycled plastic using a heat gun, producing portraits and abstract compositions that resemble oil paintings. He developed this technique in art school during the 90s, aiming to diverge from traditional methods. His pieces, which can include up to 5,000 pieces of plastic, are unique and seek to draw attention to plastic waste and its environmental impact. Buthelezi's works are exhibited internationally and can sell for up to $15,000 USD. He continues to reinvent art and improve his creative process while emphasizing the importance of removing harmful waste from the environment.

Guy Nzouba Ndama, the former President of the National Assembly and former ally of Ali Bongo Ondimba, has expressed support for dialogue between the majority and the coalition for the new Republic around Jean Ping following the national dialogue between the opposition and the government in Gabon. Nzouba Ndama expressed disappointment with the outcomes of the dialogue initiated by Ali Bongo and is concerned about the country's state of deadlock. Casimir OYE MBA, another supporter of Jean Ping during the 2016 presidential election, also called for dialogue between Jean Ping and Ali Bongo to resolve the crisis. The political dialogue initiated by President Ali Bongo to address the post-electoral crisis after his contested re-election on August 27 concluded with modest reforms after two months of discussions.

Over 2000 protestors gathered in Al-Hoceima, Morocco, reacting to the arrest of protest leader Nasser Zefzafi. For the fourth consecutive night, the city saw heightened security measures. Protestors denounced the government's actions, claiming their demands are legitimate and constitutionally supported. The region has experienced six months of unrest, prompting the state to announce various development projects and emphasize dialogue.

The Gabonese government, represented by spokesperson Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nzé, firmly rejects the European Parliament's resolution questioning the legitimacy of President Ali Bongo Ondimba's re-election. The government plans to reassess its cooperation with the EU, particularly in areas like fishing agreements. The resolution, which also addresses political crises in the Republic of Congo, is criticized for its perceived interference in Gabon's sovereignty. The EU's election observation mission had previously echoed concerns about the election's transparency, aligning with opposition leader Jean Ping's claims.

The president of Togo's media regulatory body, Pitang Tchalla, announced the closure of five media outlets, including City FM and Télévision la chaîne du Futur (Lcf), citing legal non-compliance. The media outlets' promoter, Sud médias, claims to possess the necessary legal documents. Observers suspect a deliberate attempt to silence the press, particularly targeting media owned by former minister Pascal Bodjona. The Conseil national des patrons de presse (Conapp) has called for a resolution between the parties. The Haute Autorité de l’Audiovisuel et la Communication (Haac) plans to revoke the frequencies by February 5.