Author: kajarbi54

Burkina Faso’s mining industry mobilized more than 85 billion FCFA (approximately $150.5 million) in 2025 through the Mining Development Fund (FMD), the Permanent Secretariat of the National Technical Commission for Mines and the Mining Development Fund confirmed Friday. Of the total, around 59% – roughly 50.8 billion FCFA ($90.3 million) – was allocated to the Patriotic Support Fund (PSF), while the remaining 41% – about 34.8 billion FCFA ($61.9 million) – was directed to local development projects and Communal Development Plans. The Mining Development Fund draws its resources from 1% of the turnover of operating companies and 20% of proportional…

The Fekola gold mine in Mali, operated by Canadian mining company B2Gold, is producing between 400,000 and 500,000 ounces of gold per year after a decade of operations, according to the company’s country director, Birama Cissé. Speaking after B2Gold Mali’s participation in the PDAC 2026 International Mining Forum in Canada, Cissé said the mine’s cumulative production exceeded four million ounces by the end of 2025. “After ten years, Fekola’s average annual output stands between 400,000 and 500,000 ounces, and cumulative production has now surpassed four million ounces,” Cissé said, highlighting the mine’s importance to both Mali and B2Gold. He noted…

Authorities in Mali have expressed solidarity with the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. On Thursday, Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga, Head of Mali’s transitional government, signed the book of condolences at the Iranian embassy in Bamako, on behalf of the transitional government. During his visit, he presented the Malian government’s condolences to Iranian authorities and paid tribute to the memory of the late Supreme Leader. In his message, Maïga described Khamenei as having “died a martyr defending until his last…

The Nigerian Government has deployed an artificial intelligence-driven immigration monitoring system capable of analysing traveller data spanning the past decade, in a move aimed at tightening border control and enforcing visa compliance. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development at the 2026 Sectoral Performance Review Retreat in Abuja, stating that the platform enables the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to track entry records and detect foreigners who have overstayed their visas. He explained that the system operates through newly established Integrated Operations and Network Operations Centres that aggregate immigration data, giving authorities detailed visibility into travellers’ origins and duration of…

The African Development Bank Group has launched a new continent-wide initiative aimed at transforming Africa’s aviation sector and attracting large-scale investment. The program, called the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program, or IATP, was unveiled at the Airlines, Capital and Connectivity Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 25–26, 2026. The IATP seeks to modernize Africa’s aviation ecosystem by aligning policy reforms, mobilizing private and institutional financing, and facilitating bankable aviation projects across the continent. Opening the forum, the Bank’s Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development, Mike Salawou, said the program is designed to reduce investment risks, support early pilot projects, and…

A total of 43 Ugandan students from Ahlul Bayt International University in Tehran, Iran, were safely repatriated on Thursday amid the escalating Iran-Israel-United States tensions, while eight others chose to remain in the country. The eight students reportedly decided to continue their studies at the Iranian institution, citing academic commitments and personal circumstances. Balaam Barugahara, Uganda’s State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, disclosed this to reporters at Entebbe International Airport. “When the war broke out, our ambassador in Iran, Twaha Matata, reached out to the President through the foreign affairs ministry. Of the 51 students, eight chose to…

Nigeria’s former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah has begun moves to refund part of the funds allegedly misappropriated in the N2.5 billion fraud case against her, signalling progress in settlement talks with the Federal Government. At the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed that Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, had started returning the funds. Although Mr Oyedepo did not disclose how much had been refunded, he said the government was awaiting confirmation of receipt of a bank draft submitted as part of the restitution. Defence lawyers confirmed the…

The Agriculture Committee of the National Assembly of The Gambia has recommended the introduction of a standardised pricing mechanism for farmers to ensure fair compensation and more stable incomes in the country’s groundnut sector. The proposal is contained in the committee’s report following a study tour to the facilities of Société Nationale de Commercialisation des Oléagineux du Sénégal (SONACOS) in Kaolack, Senegal. The report was presented before the National Assembly on Thursday for consideration and adoption by lawmakers. Vice-chair of the committee, Amie Colley, said the visit allowed members to observe first-hand the operational model of Senegal’s groundnut processing and…

At least 15 soldiers were killed when suspected jihadist militants attacked a military base in northern Benin, the country’s armed forces said on Thursday. The assault occurred on Wednesday at an army post in Kofouno, near the border with Niger. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a regional affiliate of Al-Qaeda operating across the Sahel, claimed responsibility for the raid. Military spokesperson Colonel James Johnson said five other soldiers were wounded in the attack, but noted that their injuries were not life-threatening. According to the spokesman, military aircraft targeted the militants as they retreated from the…

The United Kingdom government is planning to restrict education visas for nationals of Sudan, Cameroon, Afghanistan and Myanmar as part of a broader crackdown on asylum claims. Officials say the move follows a sharp increase in student visa applications from these countries, with figures from the Home Office showing applications rising by more than 470 percent between 2021 and 2025. Authorities estimate that nearly 135,000 asylum seekers entered the UK through legal migration routes during that period, a significant increase compared with previous years. Shabana Mahmood said in a statement that the government remains committed to offering protection to people…