North Africa’s Economy
Sahel: Mali and Canadian mining firm Barrick are talking again
Mali’s junta and Canadian gold mining firm Barrick Gold went back to the negotiating table to find a compromise in their ongoing feud. The two spent months fighting over the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine, where the Malian authorities recently seized nearly three tons of gold to pressure the Canadian company.
French energy firm TotalEnergies Exits Mali, Sells Operations to Bénin Petro-Backed Firm
TotalEnergies has exited Mali, finalizing the sale of its operations to Coly Energy Mali, backed by Bénin Petro. While no official explanation was provided, it is likely that tensions with Mali’s ruling junta may have played a role. Sources say that persistent tax pressures and recurring labor strikes may have influenced the company’s decision.
Tunisia: Stranded Oil Platform off Bizerte: Investigations and Removal Plans Underway
Investigations are underway as authorities plan the removal of a stranded oil platform off Bizerte, Tunisia, ensuring compliance with state rights.
Sahel: Senegal-Mauritania Gas Production Officially Launches
BP has officially launched gas production at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, a major cross-border energy project between Senegal and Mauritania, marking a key milestone after nine years of development.
Mining Standoffs in the Sahel: Two Companies in the Midst of a Foreign Investor Crisis
French uranium firm Orano faces a standoff with Niger over its Somaïr subsidiary, while Mali has issued arrest warrants for Barrick Gold’s CEO in a contract dispute.
Book: Lafarge Group and the Islamic State
Lafarge’s indictment for financing terrorism reveals corporate entanglements with ISIS to maintain operations in Syria. In Personne morale, Justine Augier exposes how multinationals like Lafarge navigate ethics and profit in conflict zones, raising questions on global accountability.
Sahel: Foreign Mining Firms Face Growing Risks as Juntas Assert Control Over Resources
Foreign mining companies in the Sahel are encountering unprecedented challenges as the military juntas in Mali and Niger tighten their grip on natural resources.
Morocco’s Agriculture Facing Headwinds
Morocco’s agricultural sector, a vital part of its economy, is currently facing significant challenges due to persistent drought and a controversial export-oriented strategy. Despite efforts to boost productivity through the Generation Green 2020-2030 program, the focus on high-water-demand crops has strained the country’s water resources, leading to poor harvests and rising food prices. As debates continue within Morocco’s Parliament, the sustainability of these agricultural practices remains a critical concern for the future.
Business: Morocco’s attraction to Chinese tea makes it its biggest customer
Moroccans love a good cup of tea. Mint tea is their favorite, and it is often prepared by first brewing green tea and then soaking mint leaves in it and adding sugar. Where does the green tea come from? China. This year, Morocco has become China's biggest destination...
Energy: Algeria’s Oil and Gas Ambitions in Niger Makes Trans-Sahara Pipeline More Likely
Algeria is making progress in convincing Niger and Nigeria to go ahead with the construction of the trans-Saharan gas pipeline. Two events emerged recently that created uncertainty and risk for this project. The shift from the Mohamed Bezzoum regime to the military...