From Algeria’s $60 billion energy gamble to Libya’s offshore revival and Morocco’s youth-led protests — 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 you need to follow across North Africa.
REUTERS
Youth-led unrest exposes cracks in Morocco’s economic model
Morocco’s largest protests in years entered their second week as Gen-Z demonstrators rallied across ten cities demanding jobs and better services.
BLOOMBERG
Egypt asks LNG suppliers to delay shipments amid gas shortfall
Egypt asked LNG suppliers to delay cargoes through year-end amid tight domestic gas supplies and stronger local demand.
AHRAM ONLINE
Egypt launches major Sinai development plan
Egypt unveiled an EGP 10.2bn plan for Sinai, including new hospitals, desalination plants, and schools.
REUTERS
Surging Nile waters renew tensions over Ethiopian dam
Flooded Nile farmlands in Egypt and Sudan reignited tensions over Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam and downstream water security.
ARAB NEWS
Tunisia pardons man facing death penalty over Facebook posts
President Saïed pardoned Saber Ben Chouchane, previously sentenced to death for Facebook posts, amid national and international backlash.
AFRICA NEWS
Chad scraps presidential term limits, cementing Deby’s rule
Chad’s parliament abolished presidential term limits, paving the way for Mahamat Déby to prolong his rule.
REUTERS
Morocco and EU reach new trade deal including Western Sahara farming products
The EU and Morocco reached a trade fix extending tariff benefits to Western Sahara exports, condemned by the Polisario Front.
REUTERS
Eni restarts offshore drilling in Libya
Italy’s Eni resumed offshore drilling in Libya, a signal of returning investor confidence after years of disruption.
REUTERS
Algeria unveils $60 billion oil, gas & hydrogen plan
Algeria announced a $60 billion energy strategy (2025–2029) to expand oil, gas, and hydrogen output while adding 3 GW of renewables and curbing gas flaring below 1%.
REUTERS
Algeria aims to shrink 2026 deficit amid record spending
Algeria’s draft 2026 budget seeks to cut the deficit by 35% despite record $135 billion spending, betting on growth in agriculture, industry, and construction.
CNN
Moroccan youth protest World Cup spending amid poverty
Youth-led demonstrators clashed with police over the weekend in some of Morocco’s largest anti-government protests in years, denouncing what they called the government’s misplaced priorities.
LE MONDE
Moroccan feminist sentenced to prison for “offending Islam”
Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame “Betty” Lachgar received two and a half years in prison for “offending Islam,” prompting free-speech concerns.
LE POINT
The Maghreb’s malaise: a region of jobless graduates
Maghreb’s crisis of jobless graduates, citing sluggish economies and rigid labor markets.
ICIJ
Russia’s ghost ships haunt Libya’s coastlines
Russian “ghost ships” smuggle oil and arms to eastern Libya, skirting UN embargoes via covert maritime networks.
POLITICO
3 top Italian government officials accused of helping Libyan warlord flee justice
Politico examines how ICC war-crimes probes intersect with Italy’s Libya stabilization push.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts across the region.
COMMENTARY
US–Italy–Türkiye Alignment Could Push the Needle in Libya
Atlantic Council commentary argues coordinated US–Italy–Türkiye policy could unlock Libya’s stalemate and rebalance rival factions.
POLICY ANALYSIS
Weaponized Words: How to De-Escalate the Algerian–Moroccan Conflict
Middle East Council lays out practical steps to de-escalate Algeria–Morocco tensions via rhetoric restraint and economic CBMs.
REPORT
Europe’s Astonishing Drop in Irregular Migration
The Economist attributes a sharp drop in irregular migration to tighter EU–North Africa cooperation and tech surveillance.
COMMENTARY
Morocco’s Youth Protests Expose Deep Development Gaps
MEI’s Intissar Fakir argues Morocco’s Gen Z protests stem from structural neglect of education and healthcare despite flashy mega-projects.
REPORT
Human Smuggling & Trafficking in North Africa and the Sahel
GI-TOC’s 2025 reports map smuggling networks from Libya to Niger and Tunisia, showing new routes emerging amid conflicts and tighter EU policies.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar for upcoming conversations and briefings across the region and beyond.
CPHIA 2025 – Building African Health Self-Reliance
Oct 22–25, Durban: Africa CDC’s CPHIA 2025 focuses on building self-reliant African health systems.
Egypt Energy 2025 Expo
Oct 14–16 in Cairo, the region’s largest annual energy expo with 200+ exhibitors and forums on renewables.
Security Expo North Africa 2025
Oct 15–19 in Tunis, showcasing defense, surveillance, and cybersecurity technologies.
Africa Investment Forum 2025 Market Days
Nov 26–28 in Rabat, connecting investors with major African infrastructure projects.
African Futures Conference 2025
ISS Africa event, Oct 21–22 in Pretoria/online: launch of Africa 2043 Futures Report with foresight labs and panels.
Berlin Climate & Security Conference – Sahel Resilience Side Event
Oct 22 in Berlin (with virtual participation): BCSC 2025 side event on building climate resilience in the Sahel and bridging climate-security policies for peace.
Tune In
Hear directly from experts, regional voices, and thought leaders shaping North Africa’s future.
Mapping Russia’s growing influence in Africa
Crisis Group video explains Russia’s growing influence in Africa via mercenaries, arms, and propaganda.
Discord and Discontent: Morocco’s Digital Protest Wave
BBC Africa explainer highlights how Moroccan youth used Discord to organize mass protests, detailing digital organizing strategies and voices from the streets.
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
