North Africa Weekly: October 29, 2025

From youth-led frustration in Morocco to renewed oil exploration in Libya and high-stakes diplomatic shifts in Algeria

By  Hafed Al Ghwell  •  Lana Bleik  •  Yusuf Can  •  Alexander Farley

From youth-led frustration in Morocco to renewed oil exploration in Libya and high-stakes diplomatic shifts in Algeria— 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.

LE FIGARO

Moroccan Youth Put to the Test of Time

This analysis explores the challenges faced by Morocco’s younger generations and their growing distance from political institutions. It shows how economic stagnation and limited opportunities are reshaping the country’s social contract.

REUTERS

Morocco to Boost Health, Education Spending by $15 Billion by 2026

The Moroccan government plans a major increase in social spending to improve access to health and education. The initiative seeks to reduce inequality and reinforce the state’s role in public welfare.

BLOOMBERG

Morocco Pledges $15 Billion Social Spending to Ease Youth Anger

Morocco’s new social program is designed to address growing youth frustration and unemployment. The effort highlights the government’s delicate balance between fiscal stability and social reform.

LE POINT

Morocco: The King’s Solitude in the Face of Youth

This editorial analyses how Morocco’s monarchy has become increasingly detached from the country’s younger population. It warns that this generational gap could weaken the monarchy’s long-term legitimacy.

AGENZIA NOVA

US Pushing for Algeria–Morocco Agreement Within Three Months

Washington is reportedly encouraging both Algeria and Morocco to reopen dialogue after years of diplomatic tension. The effort reflects the United States’ strategic interest in a more stable North Africa.

BLOOMBERG

Egypt to Buy More Oil Products to Free Up Gas for LNG Exports

Egypt is increasing its oil product imports to boost gas exports for liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets. The move aims to generate foreign currency and enhance Cairo’s role as a regional energy hub.

AFRICA BUSINESS INSIDER

Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Fuel Prices in October 2025

This ranking outlines the African countries with the highest fuel prices as global oil markets fluctuate. It highlights how currency depreciation and subsidy reforms are driving consumer costs upward.

AFRICA BUSINESS INSIDER

Africa’s Fastest-Growing Economy Sets New Rules for Foreign Stake in Local Banks

One of Africa’s fastest-growing economies has revised its financial regulations to limit foreign control of domestic banks. The change reflects an effort to preserve national financial sovereignty while still attracting investment.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

EU Renews Commitment to Mediterranean Partnership

The European Union has restated its support for Mediterranean countries through targeted development and investment programs. It focuses on the green transition, economic resilience, and digital transformation.

THE AFRICA REPORT

Who’s Who in Trump’s New Africa Diplomatic Lineup

This article profiles key officials expected to shape U.S. Africa policy under a potential second Trump administration. It examines how personnel choices may influence future cooperation on trade, migration, and security.

REUTERS

At least 40 migrants die as boat sinks off Tunisia

A boat carrying about 70 migrants sank off Tunisia’s coast, leaving at least 40 people dead in one of the worst maritime migrant tragedies this year.

REUTERS

American missionary kidnapped in Niger, sources say

An American missionary pilot was abducted by armed men in Niamey, Niger’s capital, and taken towards a jihadist-active region, according to security sources

AL JAZEERA

Lebanon court orders son of late Libyan leader Gaddafi freed on $11m bail

A Lebanese judge ordered the release of Hannibal Gaddafi (Muammar Gaddafi’s son) on $11 million bail with a travel ban, after nearly a decade of detention over the disappearance of a Lebanese cleric.

ARAB NEWS

Algeria’s Sonatrach Resumes Libya Oil Drilling After 11-Year Halt

Algeria’s state energy firm Sonatrach restarted oil and gas exploration in Libya’s Ghadames Basin, resuming operations that had been suspended since 2014 due to security concerns.

RFI FRANCE

France should overhaul costly 1968 Algerian migration deal, say Macron allies

French lawmakers are pushing to revise a decades-old migration pact with Algeria, criticizing it as outdated and financially burdensome, particularly in light of recent political tensions.

Reports & Analysis on the Region

Deeper dives from experts across the region.

COMMENTARY

The great potential for North Africa in future global supply chains

Stimson Center North Africa Program Director Hafed Al-Ghwell argues that North Africa is emerging as a key node in reshaping global supply chains, particularly in critical-minerals logistics, processing, and transit.

REPORT

Mediterranean Connectivity: New Opportunities for Trans-Mediterranean Cooperation

LUISS Mediterranean Platform report explores new opportunities for connectivity and infrastructure cooperation across the Mediterranean. It emphasizes the growing partnership between Italy and Egypt in energy, transport, and logistics.

POLICY ANALYSIS

Italy’s Mattei Plan: Geoeconomic Projection into Africa

Italy’s Mattei Plan seeks to strengthen its economic and energy ties with Africa. This Geopolitical Monitor analysis explains how Rome uses development partnerships to advance its strategic influence in the Maghreb and Sahel.

REPORT

Analysis of the Nexus Between Democratic Governance and Economic Justice in Africa

This Open Society Foundation report explores the relationship between good governance and fair economic systems across African countries. It calls for stronger institutions and inclusive policies to ensure long-term stability.

POLICY ANALYSIS

North African Foreign Fighter Returnees After the Fall of al-Assad’s Regime

This Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung study analyses how North African countries are managing citizens returning from Syria. It warns that inadequate reintegration strategies may lead to new security risks.

COMMENTARY

North Africa’s Scramble for the Sahel


Political analyst Dalia Ghanem argues that Algeria and Morocco are increasingly vying for influence in the power vacuum across the Sahel, pursuing economic and security leverage in a competition that may reshape regional dynamics.

REPORT

CrisisWatch October 2025


International Crisis Group monthly bulletin noted worsening security trends in the central Sahel, including reports of desertions in Burkina Faso’s forces and militant advances in Mali, while also highlighting international diplomatic strains following recent coups.

COMMENTARY

The Digital Scramble for Africa: Why Cyber Diplomacy Matters


This LUISS study explores how African states, including those in North Africa, are becoming new arenas for global digital competition, urging African countries to develop cyber diplomacy strategies to secure their sovereignty and digital futures.

REPORT

Report of the Libyan Youth Economic Research Forum: Youth Perceptions of the Libyan Economy


This LUISS report highlights Libyan youths’ pessimistic outlook on the economy, identifying lack of job opportunities, corruption, and weak infrastructure as major barriers to their economic participation.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar for upcoming conversations and briefings across the region and beyond.

Africa Investment Forum 2025 Market Days

Nov 26–28 in Rabat, connecting investors with major African infrastructure projects.

Africa’s rising influence: Advancing agency in foreign policy and global governance

Nov 5-6 in Addis Ababa, Chatam House conference examines how Africa can assert greater strategic influence across a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Tune In

Hear directly from experts, regional voices, and thought leaders shaping North Africa’s future.

Dialogue with H.E. Nadia Fettah Alaoui

Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance joined a Stimson-hosted dialogue to discuss inclusive growth, social investment, and fiscal transformation in the post-COVID North African context.

Sahel: Morocco Establishes Itself as a Mediator

An RFI Afrique interview with Moroccan representatives highlights the country’s expanding diplomatic role in the Sahel. It presents Morocco as a proactive regional actor seeking stability through mediation and dialogue.

Arab Digest Podcast: Libya’s Energy Wealth and Foreign Influence

Libya expert Tarek Megerisi joins William Law to discuss how external powers and commercial entities exploit Libya’s energy resources with the complicity of Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and Khalifa Haftar.

Job Opportunities

Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.

WORLD BANK

Operations Analyst, MENA (Rabat, Morocco)

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