This analysis explores the business climate in Mauritania, classified among the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the government introduced an Extended Priority Program (PPE) aimed at stimulating economic activity, strengthening social sectors, and promoting food self-sufficiency. However, major challenges remain: outdated fiscal policies, weak debt recovery, and inefficiencies in cross-border trade. The economy is dominated by informality (over 90% of jobs), with high unemployment particularly affecting youth and women, as well as a mismatch between vocational training and labor market needs. The private sector calls for stronger public-private dialogue, improved access to credit, policies fostering youth and women’s entrepreneurship, infrastructure modernization, and strategies for the gradual formalization of businesses. The report advocates for a more inclusive and investor-friendly business environment to foster sustainable economic growth.

Governance, Youth, Food security, Women, EMPLOYMENT, Entrepreneurship, Vocational training, Informality

The article “Education on the Rise, Unemployment in Ambush: The Deadlock of Togolese Youth, Afrobarometer, June 2025” highlights the paradox between increasing educational attainment among young people in Togo and their ongoing struggles to find meaningful employment. While 71% of young Togolese have completed at least secondary education (19% post-secondary), nearly half report being unemployed and actively seeking work. The major barriers cited include inadequate training, insufficient professional experience, mismatch between skills received and market demands, as well as lack of entrepreneurial skills or motivation. Despite government reforms — national volunteer programs, vocational training with alternating models, youth economic initiative funds — the rates of unemployment and underemployment remain high. Moreover, young people express pessimism about the country’s economic trajectory and their living conditions. Civic and political engagement among youth remains modest compared to older generations.

Governance, Education, Youth, Unemployment, Entrepreneurship, Training

The article titled “Expertise, Pragmatism and Kindness at the Service of Female Entrepreneurship: The Experience of the Women Investment Club (in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire)”, published by WATHI Think Tank on August 10, 2025, recounts the creation of the Women Investment Club (WIC). Founded in 2015 by prominent women including Madjiguène Sock, Thiaba Camara Sy, Seynabou Seck, and the late Alassane Athia Wade, WIC aimed to foster a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital and skills. Officially launched in 2016 with an initial investment of 250 million CFA francs, WIC today mobilizes approximately 1.5 billion CFA francs in Senegal and comprises 105 members; in Côte d’Ivoire, it brings together 65 women. In 2019, WIC established WIC Capital, an investment fund dedicated to female-led enterprises, and in 2020, WIC Academy was launched to provide training and mentorship. The initiative exemplifies a rigorous, pragmatic, and kind approach to narrowing gender finance gaps.

Governance, Women, Entrepreneurship, Inclusion, Training

The article "Can social entrepreneurs make Africa's digital boom more inclusive?" by Helen Lock, published by Devex in July 2022, examines how African social entrepreneurs are working to make the continent's digital boom more inclusive. Despite a digital economy valued at $115 billion and a forecast of $712 billion by 2050, less than 25% of Africa's population has internet access. Initiatives like the German agency GIZ's "Digital Enquirer Kit" aim to bridge this gap by offering free training on misinformation and online safety. These efforts highlight the importance of digital inclusion for Africa's economic and social development.

Numérique, Entrepreneurship, Inclusion

The article “The State must reach out to young people who have great ambitions…” presents an interview with Djibril Maïga, promoter of the Agrotech Niger start-up. He underlines the importance for the State to support ambitious young entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural sector. Djibril Maïga highlighted the potential of agro-technology to transform agriculture in Niger and improve food security. He calls for increased collaboration between public authorities and young innovators to promote the economic and social development of the country. According to him, adequate institutional support is essential to enable youth initiatives to flourish and contribute significantly to national growth.

Governance, Agriculture, Youth, Food security, Institution, Entrepreneurship