Monthly Archives: June 2025

Cameroon ranks third in global Kola Nut production

12, June 2025

Cameroon ranks third in global Kola Nut production 0

Cameroon’s kola nut production has hovered around 48,500 tons annually over the past five years, accounting for 15.4% of global output. This places the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) economic powerhouse as the world’s third-largest kola nut producer, according to Tridge, an agricultural market intelligence and food product trade platform.

Cameroon trails Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, the top two international suppliers of the product. Tridge data indicates that Nigeria, the West African giant, produced 174,100 tonnes in 2022, representing 55.2% of global production. Côte d’Ivoire’s output in 2022 reached 58,640 tonnes, or 18.6% of the world total.

The global top five kola nut producers are completed by two other African nations. Ghana ranks fourth, with a 7.8% market share and 24,643 tonnes produced in 2022. Sierra Leone follows, with 8,450 tonnes during the review period, accounting for 2.7% of the global kola nut market.

Analysts predict that these five market leaders will see increased returns from kola nut cultivation in the coming years due to rising demand. A study published in April 2025 by Cognitive Market Research, cited by Ecofin Agency, estimates the kola nut market to be worth $119 million (approximately 65 billion CFA francs) in 2025. The study projects the market to grow by an average of 3.3% annually through 2033.

This anticipated surge in the global kola nut market is fueled by the diversification of its uses. While traditionally consumed in its raw form across many African countries, market analysts note a growing demand for kola nut in the agri-food industry, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.

Kola nut exports are not explicitly listed in Cameroon’s 2022 and 2023 foreign trade reports, published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). However, this does not necessarily mean the country has no exports of the product. It is plausible that, similar to other agricultural goods like cotton, cereals, and even cocoa, Cameroonian kola nuts are exported through informal channels to Nigeria, the world’s leading producer. Cameroon shares a long and porous border of approximately 1,500 km with Nigeria.

Despite probable informal exports, as well as local consumption and still-limited artisanal processing, which are the primary uses of kola nut in Cameroon, the forecasted growth in this product presents a significant opportunity for both industry stakeholders and public authorities to better position kola nut on the national and international economic stage.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Burundi: ruling party wins all seats in parliamentary vote as opposition cries foul

12, June 2025

Burundi: ruling party wins all seats in parliamentary vote as opposition cries foul 0

Burundi’s veteran ruling party won every seat in last week’s parliamentary elections, the electoral commission said Wednesday, in a vote critics and observers say was tainted by irregularities.

“Nationally, the CNDD-FDD came first with 96.51 percent of the vote,” election commission chief Prosper Ntahorwamiye said in a live televised ceremony.

None of the other parties obtained two percent of the votes – the constitutional threshold to sit in the National Assembly – “so all 100 seats go to the CNDD-FDD”, he added.

The final results of last Thursday’s poll are due to be announced by the Constitutional Council on June 20.

Members of the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), the main opposition party which was barred from the vote, alleged multiple and forced voting, as well as “banned access” and the “arbitrary imprisonment” of its observers.

Anicet Niyonkuru, a legislative candidate and leader of the smaller opposition Council of Patriots party, told AFP that voters put pre-filled ballots in the ballot box, calling it “a major fraud that was seen everywhere”.

Olivier Nkurunziza, the leader of the Uprona opposition party which received just 1.38 percent of the vote, said the elections were “rigged”.

The Uprona party “denounces rigged elections”, Nkurunziza told AFP adding: “We have killed democracy.”

He said the CNDD-FDD had won 100 percent of the vote in some districts, with no invalid ballots, abstentions or absentees, despite Uprona fielding at least 50 candidates in each area.

Journalists and voters who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons also told AFP of significant irregularities.

Source: AFP

242 on board Air India flight to London that crashed after takeoff in Ahmedabad

12, June 2025

242 on board Air India flight to London that crashed after takeoff in Ahmedabad 0

An Air India plane with more than 200 people on board crashed near the airport in India’s western city of Ahmedabad, the airline and police officials said on Thursday, without specifying whether there were any fatalities.

The plane was headed to London’s Gatwick airport in the UK, Air India said, while police officers said it crashed in a civilian area near the airport.

The 242 people included 217 adults and 11 children, a source told Reuters. Of them, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, the airline said.

Aviation tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.

Source: France 24

Iran says it will target US bases if conflict breaks out over nuclear enrichment

11, June 2025

Iran says it will target US bases if conflict breaks out over nuclear enrichment 0

Iran threatened Wednesday to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks out, while President Donald Trump said he was “less confident” about reaching a nuclear deal.

Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new nuclear deal to replace the 2015 accord that Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran, backing nuclear diplomacy but warning of military action if it fails.

“All its bases are within our reach, we have access to them, and without hesitation we will target all of them in the host countries,” Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in response to US threats of military action if the talks fail.

“God willing, things won’t reach that point, and the talks will succeed,” the minister said, adding that the US side “will suffer more losses” if it came to conflict.

The United States has multiple bases in the Middle East, with the largest located in Qatar.

Iran and the United States have recently been locked in a diplomatic standoff over Iran’s uranium enrichment, with Tehran defending it as a “non-negotiable” right and Washington calling it as a “red line”.

Trump had previously expressed optimism about the talks, saying during a Gulf tour last month Washington was “getting close” to securing a deal.

But in an interview published Wednesday, Trump said he was “less confident” the United States and Iran could reach a deal, in response to a question on whether he believed he could stop Tehran from enriching uranium.

Source: AFP

Football: Senegal hands England stunning 3-1 defeat, casting doubt over Tuchel fit

11, June 2025

Football: Senegal hands England stunning 3-1 defeat, casting doubt over Tuchel fit 0

England slumped to a 3-1 home friendly defeat by Senegal on Tuesday to ramp up the scrutiny on boss Thomas Tuchel one year out from the World Cup.

Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly inflicted England’s first ever defeat against African opposition at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground after Harry Kane had given the hosts an early lead.

Tuchel was scathing in his criticism of his side’s dreary display in beating minnows Andorra just 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Saturday.

The German, who was appointed with the task of ending England’s wait since 1966 for a major tournament win, has now suffered his first defeat in four games in charge.

‘The new Kaiser Chief’: Thomas Tuchel set to be England’s first German manager

“Not good enough. We had moments, but with and without the ball things aren’t clicking, we’re not finding the right tempo,” said England captain Kane.

“We’ve lost that aggressive nature that we had.”

Tuchel responded by making 10 changes, with Kane the only player to retain his place.

It took just seven minutes for the Bayern Munich striker to maintain his record of scoring in every game since Tuchel took charge.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy should have done better when he could only parry Anthony Gordon’s shot into the path of Kane, who tapped in his 73rd international goal.

Dean Henderson was given a rare chance to impress in the England goal as Jordan Pickford was relegated to the bench.

The Crystal Palace stopper made impressive saves from his club team-mate Sarr and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

But he was helpless when Sarr made the most of a lack of concentration from Kyle Walker to meet Nicolas Jackson’s cross and fire into the bottom corner.

England had never lost to African opposition in 21 previous matches but Senegal had been beaten just once from open play since losing to the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.

Diarra was afforded acres of room to run in behind the England defence and slot between the legs of Henderson to put the visitors in front just after the hour mark.

Mendy made amends for his role in the opening goal with fine saves to deny Bukayo Saka and Morgan Gibbs-White a swift equaliser.

England thought they had levelled late on when Jude Bellingham smashed home from a corner.

But the goal was ruled out for a handball by Levi Colwill before the ball broke to the Real Madrid midfielder.

Senegal made the most of that reprieve to seal a famous win in stoppage time when Sabaly rounded off a slick counter-attack.

Boos rained down from the disgruntled home support to leave Tuchel with plenty to ponder before England are next in action in September.

Source: AFP

Victorine Ako Tambi: What MECA London is all about and why it’s so important

10, June 2025

Victorine Ako Tambi: What MECA London is all about and why it’s so important 0

The Manyu Elements Cultural Association (MECA) London Chapter is not just a passive community, but an active social group that is shaping beliefs and policy towards a single guided vision of Manyu development.

After securing a third mandate as president of MECA London, Lady Victorine Ako Tambi is now an icon that is making Manyu women to assume leadership positions in Manyu traditional associations.

Lady Victorine Ako Tambi has successfully headed MECA London and upheld the order that was laid down by the founding fathers to foster unity, progress and camaraderie among Manyus in the UK and she has recorded a unique impact that Manyus in Britain will enjoy for a very long time.

Many Manyus have opined that Barrack Obama’s mobility from the streets of Chicago to the White House remains the greatest upward movement in human history.

However, Lady Victorine Ako Tambi’s rise from a small restaurant business in Mamfe the chief town in Manyu Division to a senior care coordinator in the UK and the Queen of MECA London is remarkable and must be considered in the same breath. Like Obama, she must understand that being on top will undeniably attract constructive criticism and detractors.

While Obama had his critics and enemies on the right of the political spectrum, she will face hers predominantly from Manyus who are very elitist in their thoughts.

We of the Concord Group congratulate her for a deserving third mandate and we call on her to demonstrate integrity, confidence and a sense of inner calm as she discharges her duties over the next two years.

She must bear in mind that the people of MECA London have demonstrated confidence in her to lead MECA for over seven years because she possesses huge gifts from the Manyu ancestors. She must lead by instilling confidence and uniting the various factions within.

Mrs Ako Tambi now has an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and the forthcoming Manyu fundraising gala in September 2025 offers her the springboard to do so.

MECA London has contributed in various ways to the construction of heath centers, skills acquisition centers and other facilities in Manyu Division.

By Chi Prudence Asong with additional reporting from Soter Agbaw-Ebai

Global Economy Set for Weakest Run Since 2008 Outside of Recessions 

10, June 2025

Global Economy Set for Weakest Run Since 2008 Outside of Recessions  0

Heightened trade tensions and policy uncertainty are expected to drive global growth down this year to its slowest pace since 2008 outside of outright global recessions, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. The turmoil has resulted in growth forecasts being cut in nearly 70% of all economies—across all regions and income groups.

Global growth is projected to slow to 2.3 percent in 2025, nearly half a percentage point lower than the rate that had been expected at the start of the year. A global recession is not expected. Nevertheless, if forecasts for the next two years materialize, average global growth in the first seven years of the 2020s will be the slowest of any decade since the 1960s. 

“Outside of Asia, the developing world is becoming a development-free zone. said Indermit Gill, the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. “It has been advertising itself for more than a decade. Growth in developing economies has ratcheted down for three decades—from 6 percent annually in the 2000s to 5 percent in the 2010s—to less than 4 percent in the 2020s. That tracks the trajectory of growth in global trade, which has fallen from an average of 5 percent in the 2000s to about 4.5 percent in the 2010s—to less than 3 percent in the 2020s. Investment growth has also slowed, but debt has climbed to record levels.”

Growth is expected to slow in nearly 60 percent of all developing economies this year, averaging 3.8 percent in 2025 before edging up to an average of 3.9 percent over 2026 and 2027. That is more than a percentage point lower than the average of the 2010s. Low-income countries are expected to grow 5.3 percent this year—a downgrade of 0.4 percentage point from the forecast at the start of 2025. Tariff increases and tight labor markets are also exerting upward pressure on global inflation, which, at a projected average of 2.9 percent in 2025, remains above pre-pandemic levels.

Slowing growth will impede developing economies in their efforts to spur job creation, reduce extreme poverty, and close per capita income gaps with advanced economies. Per capita income growth in developing economies is projected to be 2.9 percent in 2025—1.1 percentage points below the average between 2000 and 2019. Assuming developing economies other than China are able to sustain an overall GDP growth of 4 percent—the rate forecast for 2027—it would take them about two decades to return to their pre-pandemic trajectory with respect to economic output.

Global growth could rebound faster than expected if major economies are able to mitigate trade tensions—which would reduce overall policy uncertainty and financial volatility. The analysis finds that if today’s trade disputes were resolved with agreements that halve tariffs relative to their levels in late May, global growth would be 0.2 percentage point stronger on average over the course of 2025 and 2026. 

“Emerging-market and developing economies reaped the rewards of trade integration but now find themselves on the frontlines of a global trade conflict,” said M. Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group. “The smartest way to respond is to redouble efforts on integration with new partners, advance pro-growth reforms, and shore up fiscal resilience to weather the storm. With trade barriers rising and uncertainty mounting, renewed global dialogue and cooperation can chart a more stable and prosperous path forward.”

The report argues that in the face of rising trade barriers, developing economies should seek to liberalize more broadly by pursuing strategic trade and investment partnerships with other economies and diversifying trade—including through regional agreements. Given limited government resources and rising development needs, policymakers should focus on mobilizing domestic revenues, prioritizing fiscal spending for the most vulnerable households, and strengthening fiscal frameworks. 

 Finally, to accelerate economic growth, countries will need to improve business climates and promote productive employment by equipping workers with the necessary skills and creating the conditions for labor markets to efficiently match workers and firms. Global collaboration will be crucial in supporting the most vulnerable developing economies, including through multilateral interventions, concessional financing, and, for countries embroiled in active conflicts, emergency relief and support.

Source: World Bank

Cameroon welcomes new Cement brand Cimaco

10, June 2025

Cameroon welcomes new Cement brand Cimaco 0

The Cameroonian cement market is set to welcome a new brand, Cimaco, starting in June 2025. This news was announced in an advertisement by Chinese-owned Sinafcam Sarl, which produces the cement in Edéa, located in Cameroon’s Littoral region. For its market debut, Sinafcam is introducing three product grades: 32.5, 42.5, and 52.5. The plant currently has an annual production capacity of one million tons.

Sinafcam’s entry brings the total number of cement producers in Cameroon to seven. This expansion comes a decade after Cimenteries du Cameroun (Cimencam), a subsidiary of Lafarge Holcim Maroc Afrique (LHMA), ended its 48-year monopoly. Cimencam, with a production capacity of 2.3 million tons, faced its first significant challenge with the arrival of Dangote Cement Cameroon in 2015, paving the way for several new entrants since then.

Current producers include Nigeria’s Dangote Cement (1.5 million tons); Moroccan firm Cimaf, which recently tripled its original output of 500,000 tons through a plant expansion; Medcem Cameroon (600,000 tons), a subsidiary of Turkey’s Eren Holding; Mira Company, which increased its capacity from 1 million to 1.5 million tons with a new production line commissioned in June 2022; and Portuguese group Cimpor (1 million tons).

Additionally, the Ministry of Industry anticipates two more Chinese cement plants in Edéa: Central Africa Cement (CAC) is projected to produce 1.5 million tons annually, while Yousheng Cement aims for 1.8 million tons.

Despite a decade-long surge in cement production facilities, the retail price for a 50kg bag of cement remains high, hovering between 5,100 and 5,300 CFA francs in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé. Both producers and government officials attribute these high prices to the elevated cost of importing clinker, the primary ingredient in cement production.

However, with prices showing little movement despite increased supply, Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana has repeatedly voiced suspicions of “illegal price-fixing agreements” among producers.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Frederick Forsyth: bestselling author of ‘The Day of The Jackal’, dies age 86

10, June 2025

Frederick Forsyth: bestselling author of ‘The Day of The Jackal’, dies age 86 0

Prolific British thriller writer Frederick Forsyth, who instantly became a global bestselling author when his book “The Day of the Jackal” was published in 1971, died on Monday aged 86, his literary agents Curtis Brown said.

Forsyth famously penned his most famous work about a fictional assassination attempt on French president Charles de Gaulle by right-wing extremists in just 35 days after falling on hard times.

“The Jackal” went on to be made into a hit film starring Edward Fox as the assassin. A Netflix remake last year with Eddie Redmayne in the lead role was released last year.

“We mourn the passing of one of the world’s greatest thriller writers,” his agent Jonathan Lloyd said.

Forsyth died at home surrounded by his family following a brief illness, according to Curtis Brown.

The former journalist and pilot wrote over 25 books including “The Odessa File” (1972) and “The Dogs of War” (1974) and sold over 75 million copies worldwide.

Many of his novels were also turned into films.

“Only a few weeks ago I sat with him as we watched a new and moving documentary of his life … and was reminded of an extraordinary life, well lived,” said Lloyd.

“After serving as one of the youngest ever RAF pilots, he turned to journalism, using his gift for languages in German, French and Russian to become a foreign correspondent in Biafra (in Nigeria),” he said.

‘Spectacular luck’

“Appalled at what he saw and using his experience during a stint as a secret service agent, he wrote his first and perhaps most famous novel, ‘The Day Of The Jackal’,” he added.

A sequel to “The Odessa File”, entitled “Revenge Of Odessa”, on which he worked with thriller writer Tony Kent, is due to be published in August, his publisher Bill Scott-Kerr said.

“His journalistic background brought a rigour and a metronomic efficiency to his working practice and his nose for and understanding of a great story kept his novels both thrillingly contemporary and fresh,” Scott-Kerr added.

Forsyth attributed much of his success to “luck”, recalling how a bullet narrowly missed him while he was covering the bloody Biafra civil war between 1967 and 1970.

“I have had the most spectacular luck all through my life,” he told The Times last November in an interview.

“Right place, right time, right person, right contact, right promotion – and even just turning my head away when that bullet went past,” he said.

Asked why he had decided to give up writing – although he later went back to it – he told AFP in 2016 he’d “run out of things to say”.

“I can’t just sit at home and do a nice little romance from within my study, I have to go out and check out places like Modagishu, Guinea Bissau, both hellholes in different ways,” he said.

Forsyth had two sons by his first wife. His second wife, Sandy, died last year.

Conservative MP David Davis paid tribute to his friend as a “fabulous wordsmith”.

He told Sky News that Forsyth “was a great believer in the old values – he believed in honour and patriotism and courage and directness and straightforwardness, and a big defender of our armed forces”.

Source:  AFP

Yang Philemon: Vietnamese Prime Minister meets President of UN General Assembly in France

9, June 2025

Yang Philemon: Vietnamese Prime Minister meets President of UN General Assembly in France 0

Vietnam consistently supports multilateralism and the United Nations’ central role in global governance, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang on the sidelines of the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 9.

Amid emerging global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and population aging, PM Chinh underscored the need for international solidarity, adherence to international law, and an inclusive and comprehensive global approach.

He outlined Vietnam’s development strategy and foreign policy priorities, expressing his hope that Yang will bolster UN – Vietnam cooperation. This, he said, could include advancing ongoing programmes and projects in Vietnam, supporting human resources training, and creating opportunities for more Vietnamese professionals to join UN bodies.

PM Chinh also thanked President Yang, a former PM of Cameroon, for consistently supporting and enhancing Vietnam – Cameroon relations. He proposed that Yang further promote the two countries’ traditional friendship and affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to assist Cameroon in agricultural development, alongside encouraging greater investment by Vietnamese companies such as telecoms service provider Viettel in the African nation.

President Yang, for his part, commended Vietnam’s active engagement in UN activities and its consistent respect for the UN Charter. He highlighted Vietnam’s robust partnerships with the UN and Cameroon, and noted his admiration for Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic achievements.

He welcomed Vietnam’s dynamic role and growing international stature, pledging to work with the Southeast Asian country to promote the adherence to the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism.

Praising Vietnam’s strengths in science-technology, telecommunications, and agriculture, he also pledged support for deeper Vietnam – Cameroon cooperation in these areas. He promised to address bottlenecks and create optimal conditions for Vietnamese firms operating in his country.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese leader extended an invitation to President Yang to visit Vietnam in the near future.

Source: Vietnamplus

1 2 3
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.