Senegal's newly-elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye waves to supporters from a car after taking an oath of office as president during the inauguration ceremony in Dakar, Senegal April 2, 2024. REUTERS/Abdou Karim Ndoye
West Africa is witnessing a wave of economic pressures, political shifts, environmental threats, and sporting developments, reflecting the complex dynamics shaping the region this week.
In Senegal, the construction sector continues to grapple with rising costs. Data from the National Agency of Statistics and Demography (ANSD) indicate that building material prices increased by 0.4% in June 2025 compared to the previous month and by 3.4% year-on-year.
Sand prices, in particular, have soared 58.3% over the past year following the closure of unauthorized quarries.
Cement, paint, and electrical cables have also become more expensive, while some items, like rebar, saw minor price declines. These inflationary pressures are affecting both households and construction professionals.
In Guinea, political restructuring is underway within the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG). Dr. Doukouré Ismaël resigned as Secretary General of the National Youth Committee after fifteen years with the party.
UFDG President Cellou Dalein Diallo thanked him for his service amid preparations for upcoming elections, signaling potential shifts in the political landscape.
Mali is pursuing a new economic strategy aimed at reducing reliance on international financial institutions. The plan prioritizes natural resource development in agriculture, livestock, and mining, alongside reforms in public finance and tax collection.
Authorities hope this approach will strengthen economic autonomy and reduce the national budget deficit.
Environmental concerns have arisen in Gambia, where hooded vultures in the Foni region are being targeted by hunters using chemicals for occult practices. Authorities and conservationists have condemned the killings, emphasizing the species’ ecological importance.
In Ghana, Everton FC is reportedly eyeing 21-year-old winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku from Leicester City, highlighting West Africa’s growing influence on international football.
Nigeria faces a judicial debate after Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who assaulted airline staff, was jailed. Online commentators cite selective justice, referencing high-profile cases such as musician KWAM 1, sparking discussions on fairness and accountability in the legal system.
Diplomatic efforts continue in Côte d’Ivoire, where President Alassane Ouattara hosted Sierra Leonean leader Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS chairman, to reinforce regional economic and security cooperation.
Meanwhile, Togo’s opposition remains resistant to internal change, with entrenched political figures maintaining control despite calls for renewal, raising questions about the prospects for political alternation.
Across the region, these developments illustrate a West Africa navigating economic pressures, governance challenges, and societal debates, while asserting its presence on global stages such as sports and diplomacy.
About The Author
