North Africa’s Economy
As Oil Production Rises in Libya, so are Local Tribes and Militias’ Fortunes
After reaching its lowest level a few months ago, Libya’s oil production has been slowly rising to reach an estimated 800,000 barrels per day. It is still half of its peak, but it is a significant evolution in a country that is in war. Indeed what is peculiar is this...
Morocco’s 2015 Budget Based on 4.4% GDP Growth, Earmarks $6 Billion for Debt Servicing
Morocco has a 2015 budget that takes into account a 4.4% GDP growth, up from a projected 4.2% this year. For many, the forecast growth is a bit too optimistic and may be misleading. Morocco planning council HCP for its part projects a more sluggish 2.5% GDP growth,...
Algeria’s Recent Oil Exploration Bid Round: Not Enough Takers and Why
Statoil resumed its work in the In Amenas site on September 2014, and expanded a bit more by winning a Timissit Permit License in the Illizi-Ghadames Basin onshore Algeria, in partnership with Shell. The license is located in southeastern Algeria, not too far from the...
Morocco: Growing Social Tension amid Rising Costs of Living
The North Africa Journal | May 13, 2014 - With the government focused on reducing the weight of subsidies on the national economy, Moroccan households continue to struggle with the rising costs of living. So much so that an unusual consensus has emerged among three...
Algeria Receives ‘B-‘ Neutral Negative Stability Rating, Graded 50.7, According to MEA Risk
MEA Risk rating and assessment service announced the release of its Stability Rating for Algeria. As of November 5, 2013, Algeria receives rating “B-”, with a numerical grade of 50.7 on a scale of 1-to-100, with 100 representing the highest level of stability and...
Political Crisis in Tunisia: When Irresponsible Politics Kill Jobs
The Tunisian economy has become the victim of the so-called Arab Uprising, which ironically started in Tunisia. Today’s main political feud is a showdown between a stubborn Ennahda party that is clinging to power, and an equally stubborn secular opposition that is...
Maghreb’s Small Billionaire Club
According to Forbes, Africa had 1,426 billionaires in 2013. These are mostly business people and may not take into clear account the kings, president and generals who obviously are entitled to own what pleases them. Nigerian, South Africans and Egyptians tend to do...