North Africa’s Economy
Sahel: Fuel Blockade in Mali Brings Daily Life to a Standstill
A militant fuel blockade has brought much of Mali and its key trade routes to a halt, sparking shortages, shuttering schools, and disrupting daily life from Bamako to Dakar. With convoys targeted and fuel prices soaring, the region faces mounting economic and security risks.
Libya: NOC Expands Exploration as Libya Targets 1.6 Million Barrels by 2026
Libya’s energy sector is gaining momentum as Sonatrach and other major players resume exploration and drilling across the Ghadames Basin. Recent activity includes Sonatrach’s return after a decade-long halt, new exploratory wells by the National Oil Corporation, and successful deep-layer production tests by Zueitina Oil Company.
Morocco: Forces Drive Morocco’s 2026 Budget: Security Recruitment Leads Job Creation Push
Morocco’s 2026 Finance Bill expands state hiring across security, health, and education, creating 36,000 new public positions—mainly in the Interior and Defense Ministries—but the scale underscores political rather than economic priorities, in a country where unemployment hovers near 13 percent and youth joblessness exceeds a third of the labor force.
Egypt’s Debt Diplomacy: How Brussels Became Cairo’s Latest Creditor of Confidence
The EU’s €7.4 billion package to Egypt marks Europe’s largest financial commitment to any non‑EU partner, aimed at stabilizing Cairo’s economy but adding to its already heavy debt load, now nearing 90 percent of GDP. The deal underscores Egypt’s strategic value to Europe amid regional turmoil and migration pressures.
Mali’s Energy Collapse Deepens as Fuel Blockade and Infrastructure Decay Converge
Mali is sinking deeper into darkness as power outages, crumbling roads, and fuel shortages combine into a nationwide crisis. Months of blackouts and blocked fuel imports by jihadist fighters have crippled transport, trade, and daily life, exposing years of neglect in energy and infrastructure management.
Morocco Strengthens Global Standing with Record Tourism Growth
Morocco welcomed 15 million tourists between January and September 2025, a 14 percent increase from last year. The steady rise, including 1.4 million arrivals in September alone, reflects stronger air links, new marketing efforts, and ongoing improvements to visitor experiences.
Algeria Pushes for Ambitious Cashless Economy by 2028
Algeria’s central bank has set a goal to phase out cash transactions completely by 2028, launching an ambitious strategy to expand digital payments and modernize the financial system. But with most Algerians relying on cash, skepticism remains over how quickly this transition will take place.
Egypt’s Red Sea Crisis Intersects with U.S. Trade Strategy in Global Infrastructure Rivalry
Attacks in the Red Sea have cost the Egypt over $9 billion in lost Suez Canal revenue, cutting daily ship traffic by nearly 60% and straining the country’s foreign reserves.
Egypt Draws a Red Line on Nile Rights in GERD Dispute
Egypt has reiterated that the Nile River is an “existential issue” for his country, warning that Cairo will not compromise or tolerate unilateral measures over its water security. Egypt says it is relying on international law to defend its rights as tensions continue with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Egypt’s Fuel Price Hike Deepens Economic Strain Amid IMF Reforms
Egypt has raised fuel prices for the second time this year, increasing gasoline, diesel, and CNG rates by up to 13% as part of IMF-backed reforms to reduce subsidies and stabilize public finances. The move, effective October 17, is expected to ripple across transport, food, and manufacturing sectors as inflation remains stubbornly above 11%.