From protests in Tunisia and Egypt successfully launching the SPNEX satellite to severe flash floods in Morocco and three Sahelian military-led governments announcing regional investment bank — explore the latest developments shaping North Africa and the Sahel’s political, economic, and security landscapes.
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On Our Radar
The headlines shaping politics, security, and economics across North Africa and the Sahel.
REUTERS
Morocco to open two deepwater ports between 2026 and 2028, minister says
Morocco plans to open two new deepwater ports over the next three years, expanding its logistics and shipping capacity beyond Tanger Med as it positions itself as a key maritime hub linking Africa, Europe, and global trade routes.
MOROCCO WORLD NEWS
Morocco launches $1 billion gas pipeline and FSRU terminal tenders
Morocco has launched tenders for a $1 billion gas pipeline and floating LNG terminal, marking a major step in building national gas infrastructure to support power generation and industrial demand.
AL JAZEERA
Tunisia sentences opposition leader Abir Moussi to 12 years in prison
A Tunisian court sentenced prominent opposition figure Abir Moussi to 12 years in prison, a move critics say underscores the erosion of judicial independence and the deepening crackdown under President Kais Saied.
BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger launch $895m regional investment bank
The three Sahelian military-led governments announced the creation of a joint $895 million regional investment bank aimed at financing infrastructure, energy, and agricultural projects outside traditional Western-backed institutions.
LIBYA OBSERVER
Dbeibah urges NOC to continue working with international partners to boost oil production
Libya’s prime minister called on the National Oil Corporation to deepen cooperation with international companies to increase production, as Tripoli seeks revenue stability amid ongoing political fragmentation.
REUTERS
Morocco to secure 60% of water needs from desalination, minister says
Morocco plans to meet roughly 60% of its national water demand through desalination plants powered largely by renewable energy, reflecting mounting climate stress and chronic drought.
NORTH AFRICA POST
Morocco–U.S. naval training highlights strong defense cooperation
Joint naval exercises between Morocco and the United States showcased expanding military cooperation, interoperability, and strategic alignment between Rabat and Washington.
NORTH AFRICA POST
UN resolution on Sahara issue reshapes Maghreb balance, says former Tunisian president
Former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki argues that a recent UN resolution on Western Sahara is shifting regional dynamics and recalibrating relations between Morocco, Algeria, and the Polisario Front.
LE MONDE AFRIQUE
Algerian self-determination movement announces independence of Kabylie in Paris
An Algerian self-determination group declared the independence of Kabylie at an event in Paris, prompting sharp reactions in Algeria and renewed debate over separatism and national unity.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts, think tanks, and research institutes.
COMMENTARY
Reality Dose: Libya’s False Unity
Stimson Center North Africa Program Director Hafed Al-Ghwell writes on how Libya’s unity is a political fiction masking entrenched fractures, rival power centers, and a decade of failed state-building.
COMMENTARY
Women bear the brunt of Libyan collapse
Stimson Center North Africa Program Director Hafed Al-Ghwell writes for Arab News on violence against women in Libya, characterized by unchecked killings, the normalization of abuse, and institutions hollowed out to the point where protection is more fiction than function.
COMMENTARY
Morocco’s two-speed reality
Stimson Center North Africa Program published an analysis arguing that Morocco’s economic and social development is advancing unevenly, with modernizing urban centers pulling ahead while rural and marginalized regions continue to lag behind.
REPORT
Sahel region hardest hit by terrorism worldwide, says Global Terrorism Index 2025
The 2025 Global Terrorism Index identifies the Sahel as the world’s deadliest region for terrorism, accounting for a growing share of global fatalities.
REPORT
Power struggle in Sudan
Council on Foreign Relations’ conflict tracker outlines the evolving power struggle between Sudan’s army and the RSF, highlighting military dynamics, humanitarian fallout, and regional implications.
REPORT
The evolution of labor laws, informality, and women’s participation in Egypt
Egypt EDP analysis tracing how Egypt’s labor laws have shaped informality and constrained women’s workforce participation despite demographic pressures.
POLICY ANALYSIS
Breaking down Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy
Brookings Institution analysts examine the priorities and implications of President Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy, including its impact on Africa and the Middle East.
POLICY ANALYSIS
Unlocking capital markets for sustainable growth: Morocco’s strategy
A World Bank analysis of Morocco’s efforts to deepen capital markets as a tool for financing sustainable growth and infrastructure investment.
Upcoming Events
Key briefings and conferences to watch.
2026 IMF MENA Research Conference – “Rethinking MENA Integration in a Fast-Changing Global Environment”
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) announcement and call for papers for a research conference to be held June 29–30, 2026 at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco, inviting work on trade and financial integration, macroeconomic policy under new external shocks, digitalization, energy, and regional cooperation.
Tune In
Hear the latest insights from regional experts.
A Conversation with H.E. Sabri Boukadoum, Ambassador of Algeria to the United States
The Stimson Center’s North Africa Program hosted Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum to discuss Algeria’s reforms, regional security, and U.S.–Algeria relations.
A Dialogue with H.E. Nadia Fettah Alaoui: Navigating Morocco’s Path to Growth and Resilience
Stimson Center’s North Africa Program hosted a conversation with H.E. Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance on the country’s economic agenda, global engagement, and relationship with the IMF and World Bank.
Unlocking the Next Stage: Rethinking Growth Strategies
Stimson Center North Africa Program Deputy Director Lana Bleik participated in a panel at the 14th edition of The Atlantic Dialogues, hosted by the Policy Center for the New South hosted in Rabat, Morocco.
Key Takeaways from Doha Forum 2025
Stimson Center North Africa Program Director Hafed Al Ghwell attended two Stimson and Global Institute for Strategic Research co-sponsored dialogues at this year’s Doha Forum focused on Governance in the region.
The Women Leaders Podcast: Africa all around
This European Leadership Network podcast episode features women leaders discussing Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape, leadership challenges, and the influence of global powers, including China, across the continent.
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
International Rescue Committee
Grants Coordinator (Bamako, Mali)
A role focusing on managing grant allocations and donor reporting in humanitarian operations—closing date: 19 Dec 2025.
SIPRI
Sahel–West Africa Researcher Position (Solna, Sweeden)
An announcement for a fully funded researcher post at SIPRI focused on Sahel and West Africa security dynamics, offering a 12-month research track.
UNITED NATIONS
Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Rabat, Morocco)
A United Nations vacancy seeking a humanitarian affairs professional to support coordination, reporting, and response planning in crisis-affected settings.
