From intensifying security recalibration across the Sahel to the ripple effects of the Iran war driving energy shocks, fiscal strain, and strategic realignments across North Africa, and renewed geopolitical competition over energy corridors and regional influence.
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From the Stimson Center
Deeper dives from the Stimson Center.
Uncovering the Roots of Crisis in the Sahel
Dr. Federica Saini Fasanotti writes for Stimson Center that state collapse, climate stress, and demographic pressures drive escalating violence and fragmentation across the Sahel, with mounting regional and global consequences.
Has Africa Outgrown Aid?
Stimson Center North Africa, Mediterranean and the Sahel Program Director Hafed Al-Ghwell writes for Arab News that Africa is increasingly driving economic growth without aid, but weak institutions and governance gaps mean external assistance remains critical for sustaining human development and essential services.
A Conversation with H.E. Ambassador Sékou Berthe: Mali’s Strategic Outlook
The Stimson Center hosted a public fireside chat with Ambassador Sékou Berthe, Ambassador of Mali to the United States on Mali’s political transition, security challenges, regional diplomacy, and US–Mali relations.
Libya’s Economic Future: A Conversation with Jonathan Winer
The Stimson Center hosted a discussion with Jonathan M. Winer, former U.S. Special Envoy for Libya, examining the structural challenges shaping Libya’s economic future and investment climate.
On Our Radar
The headlines shaping politics, security, and economics across North Africa and the Sahel.
Reuters
Multiple Blasts Hit Northeast Nigeria’s Maiduguri
Three suspected suicide bombings struck Maiduguri on March 16, killing at least 27 people and injuring 146 at a post office, the Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
L’Observateur (French)
Soaring Fuel Prices. How to Cushion the Blow to the Economy and Households?
French-language article from Burkina Faso examining how the fuel price surge driven by the Iran conflict is hitting the Burkinabe economy and households, and what policy tools might cushion the shock.
Al Jazeera
CAF Strips Senegal of AFCON Title, Morocco Declared African Champions
In a landmark ruling on March 17, CAF’s Appeal Board reversed the result of the January 18 AFCON final, declaring that Senegal forfeited by walking off the pitch for 17 minutes in protest of a penalty decision. The result is now officially recorded as a 3-0 Morocco victory; Senegal announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Reuters
Drone Attack from Sudan Kills 17 in Chad
A cross-border drone strike hit the Chadian border town of Tine on March 19 as mourners gathered for a funeral, killing 17 civilians including children. Chad’s president ordered the military to retaliate against any further attacks from Sudan and evacuated 2,500 border residents; no party claimed responsibility, with the RSF and SAF each blaming the other.
Business Insider Africa
Ghanaian Billionaire’s Firm Enters Talks to Take Over Damang Gold Mine
A firm linked to a Ghanaian billionaire has entered acquisition talks for the Damang gold mine in Ghana, as a South African mining company exits the project.
Reuters
Chad Plans to Send 800 Security Personnel to Haiti
Chad intends to deploy 800 police officers and gendarmes to Haiti by June, after training with European and American partners, to join the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force replacing the Kenyan-led mission as it scales back.
North Africa Post
Morocco Signs Paris Declaration on Nuclear Financing
Morocco has signed the Paris Declaration on nuclear energy financing, signaling its interest in exploring nuclear power as part of its long-term energy diversification strategy alongside renewables.
Reuters
Libya’s State Oil Firm Redirects Sharara Flows After Fire, Output Continues
A pipeline leak at Libya’s largest oilfield, Sharara (capacity 300,000-320,000 bpd), caused a fire on March 18. Libya’s NOC redirected flows via the El Feel pipeline to Mellitah port and through the Hamada pipeline to Zawiya storage, saying the measures would significantly reduce losses with no casualties reported.
Reuters
Libya’s El Feel Oilfield Shutdown Since Thursday
El Feel oilfield (capacity 80,000-90,000 bpd), operated by the Eni-NOC joint venture Mellitah Oil and Gas, has been shut since March 20 because its pipeline was commandeered to transport Sharara crude after the Sharara pipeline fire. Production is expected to resume in one to two weeks.
Reuters
Egypt’s Energy Import Bill More Than Doubles as Global Prices Surge
Egypt’s Prime Minister said the country’s monthly energy import bill has more than doubled since the US-Israel war on Iran began, with the natural gas import bill nearly tripling from $560 million to roughly $1.65 billion per month, and diesel prices rising from $665 to $1,604 per ton.
Insecurity Insight
Attacks on Health Care in Sudan
Monitoring report documenting attacks on health facilities and medical personnel in Sudan during the cited period, as part of the ongoing Sudan civil war’s devastating impact on the health system.
Reuters
Egypt Says It Will Pay $1.3 Billion in Arrears to Oil Companies by June
Egypt’s petroleum ministry announced it will accelerate repayment of $1.3 billion in remaining arrears to international oil companies by June, ahead of its previous timetable, in hopes of reviving foreign drilling and reversing declining domestic gas production.
Reuters
Moroccan Central Bank Holds Benchmark Rate at 2.25%
Bank Al-Maghrib held its key rate steady for the fourth consecutive quarter on March 17, projecting 5.6% GDP growth in 2026 driven by an agricultural rebound after seven years of drought, with inflation forecast at just 0.8%. It flagged the Middle East conflict as the main external risk, particularly through energy import costs.
Business Insider Africa
Eni Discovers Major Gas Reserves Offshore Libya Amid Europe Energy Shift
Coverage of Eni’s announcement of two new offshore Libyan gas discoveries totaling over 1 trillion cubic feet, framed in the context of Europe’s scramble for non-Russian and non-Gulf energy alternatives.
Reuters
Morocco Fans Celebrate “Justice” After AFCON Title Decision, Appeal Worries Linger
Follow-up report on Moroccan fan reaction to CAF’s ruling awarding Morocco the AFCON title; fans welcomed the decision but expressed concern that Senegal’s forthcoming CAS appeal could reverse it again.
Reuters
Italy’s Meloni to Travel to Algeria as Iran War Disrupts Qatar LNG Supplies
Italian PM Meloni will visit Algeria to secure alternative gas supplies after Iranian strikes knocked out 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity for an estimated 3-5 years. Algeria currently supplies around 30% of Italy’s annual gas consumption and is now central to Rome’s energy security pivot.
Peoples Dispatch
Niger’s Foreign Ministry Summoned European Envoy to Protest Interference in Internal Affairs
Niger’s junta foreign ministry summoned a European envoy to formally protest what it characterized as European interference in Niger’s domestic affairs, likely connected to EU statements on Niger’s political transition.
Business Insider Africa
China Set to Cut Solar Incentives for Africa Days After Elon Musk Negotiates
China is preparing to reduce solar incentive programs for Africa shortly after Elon Musk’s reported negotiations on energy deals, raising questions about the continuity of Chinese clean energy partnerships on the continent.
Reuters
Trio of African Countries Eyeing Debt-for-Nature Swaps, Nature Conservancy Says
Three African countries are in discussions with the Nature Conservancy about potential debt-for-nature swap deals, which would exchange portions of sovereign debt for commitments to conservation spending, a model gaining traction in Africa amid tight fiscal conditions.
Business Insider Africa
Africa’s Longest Monorail Line Begins Operations as Egypt Opens 565km Cairo Route
Egypt inaugurated a 565km monorail line in Cairo, reported as Africa’s longest monorail, marking a major milestone in Egypt’s urban transport infrastructure expansion.
The Africa Report
US-Africa Week Ahead: Ghana’s Mahama Pushes for Reparations at the UN
Weekly preview noting Ghanaian President John Mahama’s push for a reparation’s discussion at the UN, alongside other U.S.-Africa diplomatic developments for the week ahead.
IISD
ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change
IISD project page tracking the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion process on states’ obligations under international law regarding climate change, a landmark legal development with major implications for Africa’s climate litigation and adaptation financing.
The Economist
Africa After Aid Is More Resilient Than You Might Think
Economist editorial arguing that the USAID cuts have not produced the economic catastrophe many predicted, citing IMF data showing 11 of the world’s 15 fastest-growing economies in 2026 are in Africa, and arguing this reveals a deeper domestic economic resilience than prevailing narratives acknowledged.
Bloomberg
Spain Weighs Buying More Algerian Gas as War Tightens Supplies
Spain is exploring purchasing additional Algerian gas to compensate for supply disruptions caused by the Iran war’s impact on Gulf energy exports, building on the Trans-Mediterranean pipeline that already links Algeria and Spain.
Business Insider Africa
Top 10 Best Airports in Africa for 2026 According to Latest Ranking
New airport quality rankings identifying the top 10 African airports for 2026, reflecting improvements in infrastructure, passenger experience, and connectivity.
African Development Bank
AfDB Launches $2 Billion 5-Year Global Benchmark Bond
The African Development Bank launched a $2 billion global benchmark bond due March 2031 at a coupon of 3.625%, with proceeds funding AfDB’s development operations across Africa.
Le Point (French)
From the War in Ukraine to the Strikes against Iran, the Maghreb is Paying the Price
French-language analysis of how Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya) are navigating the fallout from the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, balancing their relationships with Washington, Tehran, and the Gulf while managing domestic energy and economic pressures.
Global Arbitration Review
Dutch Caribbean Court Refuses to Enforce Against Libya
A Dutch Caribbean court declined to enforce an arbitration award against Libya, adding to the complex international legal landscape surrounding Libyan sovereign assets and ongoing disputes with foreign claimants.
Zawya
Egypt IDSC Highlights Fluctuations in Fertilizers and Building Materials Prices on March 16
Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) published price monitoring data for fertilizers and building materials, showing volatility linked to the global energy shock following the Iran war.
The Fintech Times
Visa Targets North Africa Growth with New Egypt, Libya, and Sudan Sub-Region
Visa has restructured its regional operations to create a new North Africa sub-region covering Egypt, Libya, and Sudan, signaling strategic investment in a market it sees as a growth priority for digital payments.
Libya Observer
Egypt and Greece Reaffirm Support for Libya-Led Political Process
Egypt and Greece jointly reaffirmed their backing for a Libyan-led political resolution, signaling continued Mediterranean neighbor engagement in Libya’s stalled unification process.
AllAfrica
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has returned to court on appeal over alleged illegal Libyan campaign financing, facing significant legal and political consequences if convicted again.
BeurFM (French)
Algerians Living Abroad Will Be Able to Return Without a Visa until 2026!
Reporting that Algerians living abroad will be able to return to Algeria without a visa through 2026, a measure facilitating diaspora travel and remittance visits.
The Arab Weekly
Hit Drones, Libya: Russian Tanker Drifts in Mediterranean, Posing Threat
Report on a damaged Russian tanker drifting in the Mediterranean off Libya following a drone strike, posing an environmental and navigational threat; connected to the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict extension into Mediterranean Sea lanes.
CNews (French)
Algeria: Law Criminalizing French Colonization Expected to be Definitively Adopted this Monday
Report on Algeria’s parliament advancing a law that would criminalize French colonialism, framed as part of intensifying historical memory politics and Franco-Algerian tensions.
La Tribune (French)
Algeria: Urban Surveillance in the Age of Chinese and Russian Technologies
Analysis of Algeria’s adoption of Chinese and Russian urban surveillance technologies, raising questions about civil liberties and the country’s digital sovereignty choices amid geopolitical realignment.
Liberation
Reporting that imprisoned Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal has parted ways with his publisher Gallimard due to a disagreement that arose during his ongoing detention in Algeria.
Middle East Eye
Inside the Secret US-Led Talks to Solve the Western Sahara Conflict
Investigative piece on the closed-door US-brokered negotiations on Western Sahara involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front, including details on the Madrid meeting dynamics and U.S. diplomatic strategy.
Business Insider Africa
Africa Becomes Europe’s Gas Lifeline Amid Global Energy Crisis
Analysis of how Africa, particularly Algeria, Nigeria, and Mozambique, has emerged as a critical alternative gas supplier for Europe following the disruption of Gulf LNG supplies caused by the Iran war.
Jeune Afrique (French)
Reporting on the advancing prospects of U.S. Congressional legislation that would designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, a move that would significantly shift American policy on Western Sahara and further pressure Algeria.
Yabiladi
U.S. Considers Morocco as Fertilizer Supply Option Amid Iran War Disruption
Report on an unidentified country or company considering Morocco’s OCP Group as a fertilizer supply alternative following Gulf supply disruption and rising prices caused by the Iran war.
El Pais
Western Sahara Conflict Underpins Morocco and Algeria’s Selective Silence on Attack Against Iran
Analysis of how the Western Sahara rivalry shapes Morocco and Algeria’s carefully calibrated public responses to the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, with both countries avoiding statements that would alienate key partners on either side.
The Guardian
Africa Particularly Vulnerable as Iran Conflict Disrupts Supply Chains
Report on African countries’ exposure to the supply chain disruptions from the Iran war, including energy price shocks, shipping route disruption, and food import cost increases hitting the continent’s most import-dependent economies.
The Economist
Africa’s Richest Man Has Ambitious Plans for the Continent
Profile of Aliko Dangote and his expansion plans across African energy, food, and infrastructure sectors, framed against the backdrop of the current energy market disruption boosting Dangote Refinery’s strategic importance.
AP
Iran War Tests Gulf Funds’ Renewable Energy Commitments
Report examining whether the Gulf states’ renewable energy investment programs will be sustained or redirected as the Iran conflict consumes financial and political capital, with implications for African green energy partnerships funded by Gulf sovereign wealth funds.
Business Insider Africa
African Banks Face Survival Mode as Fintech Disruptors Reshape the Region’s Financial Landscape
Analysis of how African traditional banks are under growing competitive pressure from fintech firms, forcing strategic pivots as digital payment platforms and neobanks expand market share.
Business Insider Africa
Australian Gold Miner Exits One of Africa’s Largest Undeveloped Gold Projects
An Australian mining company is withdrawing from a major undeveloped African gold project, likely reflecting financing challenges, political risk reassessment, or strategic portfolio rebalancing.
Mining.com
Cobalt Shortages Driven by Congo Curbs Seen Lasting Through 2030
Analysis finding that cobalt supply shortages caused by DRC export restrictions and regulatory changes are expected to persist through at least 2030, with significant implications for EV battery supply chains globally.
The Guardian
“Invasive” AI-Led Mass Surveillance in Africa Violating Freedoms, Warn Experts
Countries across the continent have spent more than $2 billion on Chinese tracking technology that is not ‘necessary or proportionate’, new report finds.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts, think tanks, and research institutes.
REPORT
Global Terrorism Index 2026 Report
Annual Institute for Economics and Peace report ranking countries by terrorism impact, tracking trends in terrorist activity globally; likely highlights Africa as home to some of the world’s most terrorism-affected countries given JNIM, ISWAP, and al-Shabaab trends.
REPORT
The Iran War and the Global Terrorism Threat
Supplementary Institute for Economics and Peace analysis examining how the US-Israel war on Iran may reshape the global terrorism landscape, including potential blowback, proxy activation, and regional spillover.
REPORT
Compendium of Good Practices on Quality Infrastructure 2026
OECD reference compendium documenting policy approaches and case studies for high-quality infrastructure investment, relevant for African infrastructure financing discussions.
REPORT
Industrial Policy for Development: Approaches in the 21st Century
World Bank report offers the first comprehensive guide to industrial policy for development in the 21st century
COMMENTARY
Crossing the Red Line: The U.S.-Iran Shadow War Reaches the Gates of North Africa
A Middle East Forum analysis of how the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran is extending its strategic consequences to North Africa, including implications for Algerian gas leverage, Libyan stability, Egypt’s economic exposure, and Morocco’s regional positioning.
COMMENTARY
Realizing Africa’s Digital Trade Potential Under the AfCFTA
A Brookings Institution analysis of how the African Continental Free Trade Area’s digital trade provisions could be operationalized to unlock cross-border e-commerce and digital services, and what governance and infrastructure gaps need to be addressed.
REPORT
Reference page from the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect tracking atrocity risks and protection concerns in Mali, including ongoing JNIM violence and civilian casualties.
REPORT
How the U.S.-Israel Attack on Iran Is Impacting Africa
A GC Human Rights Preparedness report documenting immediate and anticipated humanitarian, economic, and security impacts on African countries from the US-Israel war on Iran, covering food security, energy prices, remittances, and regional security spillover.
COMMENTARY
Italy-Libya Cooperation: Grey Areas in EU-funded Migration Cooperation
SOS Mediterranee investigative analysis of the Italy-Libya migration cooperation framework financed by the EU, examining accountability gaps, allegations of human rights abuses by Libyan Coast Guard forces funded under the arrangement, and political pressures preventing reform.
REPORT
African Union Theme of the Year
The African Union’s 2026 theme prioritizes sustainable water and sanitation, calling for coordinated action, investment, and practical solutions ahead of upcoming consultations.
REPORT
Allianz Trade’s economic risk assessment for Morocco, covering political stability, business environment, payment behavior, and trade outlook.
Upcoming Events
Key briefings and conferences to watch.
The World Bank’s MENA Economic Update: Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth
Watch Jesica Torres, Senior Economist at the office of the Chief Economist for the Middle East and North Africa at the World Bank, speaking at the online seminar on “The World Bank’s MENA Economic Update: Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth”.
The Age of Africa 2026
The Age of Africa Annual Symposium at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy is a leading forum for critical analysis and strategic deliberation, dedicated to examining Africa’s central role in shaping the twenty-first century.
Tune In
Hear the latest insights from regional experts.
WEBINAR
A Conversation with H.E. Ambassador Sékou Berthe: Mali’s Strategic Outlook
The Stimson Center hosted a public fireside chat with Ambassador Sékou Berthe, Ambassador of Mali to the United States on Mali’s political transition, security challenges, regional diplomacy, and US–Mali relations.
WEBINAR
Libya’s Economic Future: A Conversation with Jonathan Winer
The Stimson Center hosted a discussion with Jonathan M. Winer, former U.S. Special Envoy for Libya, examining the structural challenges shaping Libya’s economic future and investment climate.
WEBINAR
The Search for Peace in Libya: A Book Talk with Stephanie Williams
Stimson Center hosted Stephanie Williams, author of “Libya Since Qaddafi,” for a public discussion exploring Libya’s conflict, diplomacy, and lessons for international peacemaking.
PODCAST
BFM TV (French) financial broadcast segment on Italy’s growing strategic footprint in the Maghreb following Eni’s major Libyan offshore gas discovery and Meloni’s Algeria visit, asking whether Libyan energy assets are now attractive for investors.
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
Splash International
Regional Director for Africa (HQ)
The Regional Director, Program Delivery Africa provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure high quality, on time, and on budget delivery of Project WISE II across Splash’s African countries.
Moroccan Association of Public Policies
Call for Papers
Announces the Call for Proposals for the 2nd International Conference on Governance and Public Action, to be held on April 14–15, 2026, at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences Agdal, Mohammed V University of Rabat.
Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development
Libya, Country Finance Officer
Under the authority of the Country Finance Manager, the Country Finance Officer (CFO) will oversee supporting the Country Finance Manager in his/her functions. More specifically, she/he will supervise the implementation and follow-up of fiscal management and control tools. She/he will also oversee training of the Finance Team.
Values for Impact
Call for Papers
Under the theme Solidarity, Authenticity, and Prosperity, the conference will convene scholars, policymakers, regulators, and industry professionals to discuss how Islamic finance can promote solidarity-oriented and inclusive entrepreneurship, support authenticity through stronger real-economy linkages, and enable prosperity via trustworthy digital and AI-enabled financial services, while welcoming comparative perspectives on ethical and values-based finance.
EBRD
Principal Banker (Cairo, Egypt)
Senior banker position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Cairo.
ACEP Africa
About the Africa Climate Academy
Africa Climate Academy is an educational platform designed to foster a paradigm shift in the understanding and discourse surrounding climate change, energy transition, and its implications for Africa. This one-week programme targets policymakers, media professionals, civil society leaders, and academia, providing them with new perspectives on the risks associated with oil dependence and the abundant opportunities offered by sustainable energy alternatives.
The International Organization for Migration
Project Associate (Cairo, Egypt)
The International Organization for Migration Egypt is hiring a Project Associate (Joint Platform) to support programme coordination and project implementation at the Country Office in Cairo.
The Hague Academy
Shiraka Scholarship
Information on the Shiraka scholarship program at The Hague Academy of International Law, providing funding for participants from Arab Spring countries to attend courses in international law.
United Nations Industrial Development
Market Researcher
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is seeking experienced, qualified market research service providers. We are specifically looking for professionals who can design and conduct comprehensive market research tailored to Egypt’s unique market landscape.
Action Against Hunger
Deputy Country Director for Support/Operations
Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Deputy will coordinate HR, financial, and logistical strategies; oversee support and operational teams; and ensure efficient, compliant, and integrated program management while optimizing resources and mitigating risks (financial, legal, fraud, or abuse).
CORE Group
Deputy Director
CORE Group is hiring a Deputy Director and Technical Lead (DD/TL) to provide overall technical leadership for CGPP Niger’s integrated health portfolio, ensuring that program design and implementation are evidence-based and aligned with national and global standards.
MSI Reproductive Choices
Country Director for Mali
MSI Reproductive Choices is seeking a Country Director who will be responsible for delivering results for women and their families, driving programmatic excellence, and implementing best practice at scale in Mali.
Oxfam Solidarité
Program Coordinator (Algeria)
The Program Coordinator will manage the day-to-day operational functioning of Oxfam’s WASH and EFSL programs, ensuring that technical teams are organized, plans are realistic and tracked, budgets are monitored, donor reporting obligations are met, and field data is transformed into usable analysis.
Medecins Sans Frontieres
Consultant for Integrated Nutrition Grant Delivery
MSF UK is seeking Consultants to establish and maintain effective ways of working across public health, operations, supply, logistics and finance systems to ensure optimal results for the communities served by MSF, in full compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.
Finca Ventures Prize Competition
Call for Applications
The 2026 call invites impact entrepreneurs to apply by April 10 for programs supporting innovative fintech solutions that expand financial inclusion for underserved populations.
