Author: alistair

Morocco – December 2016

Coming after the summit on maritime security and development in Lomé, the Moroccan conference illustrates the potential for creation and reflection held by the States which rebuilt their independence in the second part of the 20th century.

The objective of Marrakech 2016 was to give substance to the principles affirmed at the Cop 21 in Paris. This target has been largely achieved. The adopted proclamation underlines that the Marrakech conference marks an important inflection point in the fight against climate change.

This involves affirming strong solidarity with the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly in the area of ​​agriculture.

It is not irrelevant that this important initiative has flourished in Morocco, which gives the most important signals with an ambitious program in the field of renewable energies.

Marrakech exceeds the objective of the COP 22. The summit gives an example of a country which, while safeguarding its roots, is launched in a gigantic effort of modernization. And this is not limited to infrastructure. It aims to develop an open and tolerant participatory democracy. Which is a challenge in an era too often contaminated by pessimism, violence and retrograde reflux.

A powerful light of hope as Morocco prepares to join the African Union.

Ivory Coast – July 2016 – Africa 24

In partnership with the African Development Bank, the government has set up an “Ivorian Innovation Fund” (FII) of 131 billion FCFA (262 million USD) to support innovative businesses.

The FII “will have the mission of strengthening infrastructure for innovation and supporting businesses, in particular start-ups, in their development”.

For more information, please watch the video

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4kph4g

This Saturday, October 15, 2016 is a date that will mark in the history of Togo and all of Africa.

Gathered in Lomé, the African heads of state and government agreed to protect marine areas, wash them away from all delinquency and make them contribute to the collective well-being of humanity.

This summit of the African Union owes a lot to the firm will of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé who took the initiative and sagaciously directed the drafting of the text which has just been produced by the Lomé conference, spending his time without counting convince the reluctant and rekindle the ardor of the supporters.

By ensuring the perfect organization of this AU Summit, he allowed the adoption of the text by a very strong majority. It was not easy. The charter will be binding and will oblige states to pool their efforts for the protection of maritime safety and security.

The success of the Summit marks the return of Togo to the big leagues. It shows that Togo in unity is capable of the best.

It will now be necessary to perfect the implementation of the Charter and to ensure its effective application.

Togo – December 2016

Togolese agriculture is improving, it is obvious and the PNIASA was decisive in the revival of the sector despite its imperfections.

A World Bank and IFAD mission has just completed an evaluation and impact study of the national agricultural investment and agricultural security program (PNIASA).
The program includes several distinct components, the Agricultural Sector Support Project (PASA), the Togo Agriculture Development Support Project (PADAT) and the Agricultural Productivity Program in West Africa (WAAPP). and the Rural Entrepreneurship Promotion Project (PPER). Experts noted overall good results.
Maize and rice production is on the rise, respectively + 80% and + 19%, and farmers have new equipment enabling them to improve yields.
The revival of the sector is also synonymous with new jobs and improved pay.
Agriculture represents 40% of wealth creation and accounts for 20% of export resources.
The PNIASA is intended to improve productivity, quality and profitability.
The Minister of Agriculture, Ouro-Koura Agadazi, wants to go further by moving from subsistence family agriculture to commercial agriculture.
The objective is to achieve the creation of processing units in partnership with the private sector.
Projects are underway in the field of poultry farming and palm oil production.
Another avenue, the development of organic products in order to meet Western demand.
Togo will therefore develop the fonio activity, a cereal rich in protein, fiber, iron, calcium and gluten. Its consumption is strongly recommended for diabetics.

Morocco – August 2016

The IMF has approved a two-year agreement worth $ 3.47 billion with Morocco, to help the country pursue its economic reforms and further strengthen its growth prospects.