North Africa’s Economy
Guinea’s Mining Purge Echoes Mali’s Playbook, With Different Goals
Guinea’s junta has launched a sweeping crackdown on mining permits, abruptly revoking over 100 licenses for bauxite, gold, iron ore, and diamond projects in a bold move to “clean up” the sector. The decision targets firms accused of hoarding land without development or violating Guinea’s mining code.
West Africa: Despite Record Oil Production, Senegal Faces Fuel Price Pressure
In Senegal, drivers are feeling the pinch as fuel prices soar to the highest levels in the entire WAEMU region—even though the country pumped out 16 million barrels of oil in 2024. Government officials say relief is coming, thanks to plans to process oil locally and tap into natural gas reserves. But with living costs climbing and no visible change in sight, talk of strikes is starting to surface.
Egypt: Challenged Energy Sector Faces Another Brutal Summer
Egypt faces a deepening energy crisis as natural gas production crashes 39%, forcing a return to costly LNG imports and the unpopular decision to use polluting fuel oil.
Libya’s Oil Ambitions Undermined by Governance Gridlock
Libya’s energy sector is booming with foreign investment, but political fragmentation and economic instability threaten to derail long-term progress.
Libya: Eni Leads Charge in Libya’s Energy Revival
Eni leads a surge of investment in Libya’s energy sector, fueling growth through offshore drilling and revitalized industrial facilities.
The Maghreb’s Response to U.S. Tariffs and Rising Chinese Influence
U.S. tariffs have not yet affected consumer spending in the Maghreb, but as the tariffs are sending shockwaves through global trade—North Africa is not insulated.
Algeria-France Business Ties Hit by Diplomatic Rift
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France are now affecting economic relations, which had so far remained relatively stable. According to RFI, multiple high-level business visits from business leaders on both sides of the Mediterraneans have been canceled in recent days.
Mauritania and Senegal Launch LNG Exports with First Cargo from Grand Tortue Ahmeyim Project
The first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, located offshore between Mauritania and Senegal, has been successfully loaded for export, marking a key milestone for both countries as they join the ranks of LNG-exporting nations.
Morocco to pour $3 billion on high-speed trains ahead of World Cup 2030
Morocco is rapidly expanding its railway infrastructure ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, securing nearly $3 billion in financing for 168 new trains. Foreign companies from France, Spain and South Korea are lined up to deliver and install the trains.
Algeria Opens First of Five Seawater Desalination Plants to Combat Water Shortages
Algeria has inaugurated the first of five planned seawater desalination plants in Cap-Blanc, Oran, as part of an emergency initiative to address severe water stress and the future impacts of climate change.