The article summarizes the 2020 Annual Report of the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea, with a specific focus on the microfinance sector. By the end of 2020, Guinea had 17 microfinance institutions (MFIs), most of which collect savings, operating through 683 service points and serving over 816,000 clients. The report highlights a significant increase in demand deposits (+47%), reaching GNF 658.2 billion, along with rising borrowings and liquidity levels. Although the outstanding loan portfolio declined slightly (-1%), the sector recorded strong profitability, with a surplus of nearly GNF 5 billion, mainly driven by cooperative and non-deposit-taking MFIs. However, the report also notes a deterioration in certain indicators, particularly non-performing loans. Market concentration remains high, as three institutions dominate deposits and credit portfolios, raising concerns related to financial stability and sector governance.

Governance, Politique publique, Funding

Guinea’s economic growth has remained strong, averaging 5.1% between 2019 and 2023, driven mainly by the mining and agricultural sectors. However, this growth has not been sufficiently inclusive to significantly reduce poverty, which still affects 52% of the population. Structural weaknesses — including low domestic revenue mobilization, inefficient public spending, limited human capital, infrastructure gaps, and gender disparities — continue to constrain the broader economic impact. Monetary policy was eased in late 2024 and early 2025 to support growth, while fiscal discipline helped contain deficits over recent years, despite a recent increase due to higher public investment. Public debt has risen, particularly through increased reliance on domestic borrowing. Looking ahead, Guinea’s medium-term outlook is positive, largely due to the expected start of iron ore production at the Simandou project, which could drive double-digit growth. Nevertheless, the report stresses that comprehensive reforms are essential to ensure inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic development.

Governance, Politique publique, Funding, Inclusion, Economic growth

The article highlights Guinea-Bissau’s adoption of a blockchain-based platform to improve public payroll management, transparency, and governance. Developed with support from the IMF, Ernst & Young, and financial partners, this digital solution secures payroll and pension data and enables near–real-time tracking of eligibility, budgeting, payment approvals, and salary disbursements. It greatly enhances data integrity and facilitates timely budget reporting for policymakers and the public. Between 2020 and 2024, the payroll-to-revenue ratio fell from 84% to 50%, a notable improvement though still above the WAEMU convergence target of 35%. The project is being expanded across ministries and aims to cover data for more than 34,700 civil servants and retirees. The initiative demonstrates both technological progress and the country’s commitment to strengthening fiscal governance and institutional trust.

Governance, Politique publique, Funding, Transparency

The article “Strengthened governance to boost responsible investment in agriculture and food systems” explains how Liberia and Sierra Leone are working to improve the quality and effectiveness of agricultural investments, which are vital for reducing poverty and hunger. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified vulnerabilities, increasing the need for substantial agricultural funding to achieve the first two SDGs. Ensuring that investments generate positive social, economic, and environmental impacts is crucial. The FAO supports governments, civil society, and private-sector actors in applying the CFS-RAI Principles, improving governance mechanisms, harmonizing policies, reforming crop compensation systems, and establishing multi-stakeholder platforms for inclusive decision-making. The initiatives include capacity building for local actors, aligning screening tools for investment approval, and fostering a shared national vision for responsible agricultural development. The goal is to create better-coordinated, more transparent, and more equitable investment environments.

Governance, Agriculture, Food security, Funding

The article “Le droit à la santé en Côte d’Ivoire” analyzes the evolution of the country’s health system between 2017 and 2023. Significant progress has been made in expanding health infrastructure, training personnel and strengthening political commitment. However, financing remains inadequate: only 6% of the national budget is allocated to health, far below the WHO recommendation of 15%. Heavy dependence on international partners creates fragility and undermines sustainability. Territorial inequalities persist, with rural regions facing shortages of doctors, medical supplies, and functional facilities. The Universal Health Coverage (CMU) initiative represents progress, but its implementation is still limited. Vulnerable groups—women, children, people with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence—face the greatest barriers. The report calls for stronger public investment, improved governance, better territorial equity, and enhanced mechanisms for addressing gender-based violence.

Governance, Inequality, Santé publique, Funding

This article examines the economic outlook for Guinea‑Bissau within the framework of the global financial architecture reform spearheaded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It projects GDP growth of 4.7 % for 2024 and 5.2 % for 2025, driven by major public investment, especially in infrastructure, and improved business climate. Inflation is expected to decline to 5.4 % in 2024 and 3.2 % in 2025, thanks to tighter monetary policy by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and a rebound in agricultural output. The report also highlights structural constraints tied to historical political instability and low long-term growth (~2.9 %) before the pandemic. Finally, it emphasizes the critical role of institutional reforms, capacity building and the country’s integration into multilateral finance mechanisms to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Governance, Réforme, Politique publique, Funding

This OECD publication examines the financing of social protection in Senegal, focusing on social assistance, contributory schemes and the informal sector’s contribution. It finds that public social protection spending is very low and that fewer than one in four Senegalese benefit from a protection programme. The report explores three main funding sources: general taxation (broadening tax base, health-harmful product taxes), social contributions (narrow base and governance issues) and mobilising the informal workforce (via formalisation and contribution). It offers recommendations to expand fiscal space, improve data systems, establish more effective governance (including through the future Universal Social Protection Fund — CAPSU) and combat social contribution evasion.

Governance, Politique publique, Protection, Funding

The article discusses the challenge of financing mass and quality education in West Africa. It begins by noting the region’s low education budget—around 4% of GDP compared to the international benchmark of 6%. The area's rapid population growth increases pressure on resources, making financial challenges even more pressing. In a virtual dialogue held in May 2024, organized by WATHI in partnership with the Irish Embassy in Senegal, participants examined the current state of education funding, the impact of demographic growth on education quality, and identified several recommendations. This “QUICK” type article is intended to stimulate public debate and inform policy decisions by presenting key insights and action pathways to ensure quality education access for all in the region.

Governance, Education, Démographie, Funding

In June 2025, Action Against Hunger (ACF) released a monitoring bulletin on micro-enterprises in Bassikounou, Mauritania, as part of its economic resilience program. The study assessed 50 ACF-supported micro-enterprises, mainly operating in retail trade, catering, and services. Findings indicate an average 18% increase in turnover since the previous assessment, despite ongoing challenges such as supply chain issues, rising prices, and limited product diversification. Most beneficiaries are women (72%), who report improved income and autonomy. However, reliance on local markets and low savings capacity continue to hinder the sustainability of these businesses. The report recommends strengthening management training, diversifying business sectors, and improving access to credit.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Civil Society, Funding