In the kitchens of Yaoundé, the noise — and impact — of the kitchen are evolving. More and more households are replacing traditional firewood with eco-friendly charcoal, a cleaner alternative made from recycled biomass waste.
This transition helps reduce indoor air pollution, reduce household energy costs and ease pressure on Cameroonian forests. According to environmental experts, the ecological coal burns longer, emits fewer pollutants and limits the use of logging — one of the main factors of deforestation.
Speaking on Business Africa, the Dr. Kanou Armando, environmental expert, said the growing adoption of green coal could significantly reduce environmental degradation while improving public health outcomes.
He stressed that expanding its use will depend on favorable public policies, investments in local production and better household awareness of clean cooking solutions.
Cocoa exports at a standstill in Ivory Coast
In the west of the Ivory Coast, exports of cocoa are at a standstill. Around 660 tonnes of cocoa remain stuck at export points, leaving trucks stranded for weeks and farmers without payment.
Exporters say administrative delays and pending authorizations have disrupted shipments, leading to increasing financial losses. Many are now demanding compensation, while producers —already affected by the rise in the cost of living — are struggling to cope with late payments.
Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer, and prolonged disruption to exports could impact global supply chains if the situation continues.
The ADB is banking on a "petrodollar pivot"
As Western development aid declines, Africa faces an estimated annual funding gap of $402 billion to meet its infrastructure and development needs.
To fill this gap, the African Development Bank (BAD) changes strategy. The institution is strengthening its partnerships with Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia, in order to attract capital backed by oil revenues — an approach that it describes as "petrodollar pivot".
The AfDB hopes that this strategy will mobilize significant private investment in road, energy and industrial infrastructure across the continent by 2030, thereby reducing Africa's dependence on traditional aid.
