From Mali suffering energy shortages due to militant activity and China accelerating efforts to internationalize the yuan across African markets to Algeria’s state energy firm launching E5 gasoline production — explore the latest developments shaping North Africa, the Mediterranean, 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.
BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
Here Are Ways China Is Expanding the Yuan’s Footprint in Africa to Reduce Dollar Dependence
China is accelerating efforts to internationalize the yuan across African markets through trade settlements, currency swaps, and financial infrastructure, challenging long-standing dollar dominance.
REUTERS
Congo Offers Manganese, Copper, Cobalt and Lithium Assets to US Investors
The Democratic Republic of Congo is courting US investors with access to strategic mineral assets as it seeks to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on China.
THE AFRICA REPORT
Congo, Kenya, Guinea Leaders Expected at Washington Minerals Meeting
African leaders are set to attend a US-hosted summit focused on critical minerals, highlighting growing geopolitical competition over Africa’s resource wealth.
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND
IMF-CEF and EMEA Launch Joint Research Webinar Series on Regional Economic Policy Challenges
The International Monetary Fund’s Middle East Center for Economics and Finance and the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association, in collaboration with the Euro-Mediterranean and African Network for Economic Studies, are launching a joint Research Webinar Series.
L’ALGERIE AUJOURD’HUI
Sonatrach Begins Production of E5 Gasoline for European Markets
Algeria’s state energy firm has launched E5 gasoline production aimed at expanding exports to Europe amid shifting fuel standards.
ILBOURSA
EBRD and Advans Tunisia Support Youth Entrepreneurship Financing
EBRD and Advans Tunisia Support Youth Entrepreneurship Financing
LEPOINT
CAN 2025: Can Morocco Draw a Positive Balance Despite the Final’s Fiasco?
CAN 2025: Can Morocco Draw a Positive Balance Despite the Final’s Fiasco?
THE AFRICA REPORT
Congress Urges Diplomacy as Trump’s State Department Snubs Peripheral Africa
US lawmakers warn that disengagement from parts of Africa risks undermining American influence amid rising competition from global rivals.
THE AFRICA REPORT
US–Africa Week Ahead: Immigration Ban and DFC Deals
A preview of US-Africa policy developments, including immigration restrictions and development finance initiatives.
NEW YORK TIMES
Western Sahara, Morocco and the Politics of Football
Western Sahara, Morocco and the Politics of Football
LE POINT
Maghreb Diplomacy in the Ring
A deep dive into intensifying diplomatic rivalries across the Maghreb amid shifting alliances and global power competition.
BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
Chinese Goods Flood Africa, Widening Trade Gap to Record Levels
Africa’s trade imbalance with China continues to grow as imports surge faster than exports.
BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
Ghana to Begin Construction of Its Tallest Bridge
A Japanese-backed infrastructure project aims to boost connectivity and economic growth in Ghana.
REUTERS
S&P Revises Congo’s Outlook to Positive on Reforms and Mining Strength
Improved fiscal reforms and a strong mining sector have prompted a positive revision of Congo’s economic outlook.
THE CONVERSATION
Fighting Climate Change in the Sahel Is Worsening Conflicts
New research shows how climate interventions can unintentionally intensify local tensions and violence in the Sahel.
REUTERS
Drone Attacks Shock Sudanese City as War Inches Closer
Escalating drone warfare underscores the intensification of Sudan’s conflict and growing risks for civilians.
THE INDEPENDENT
Africa’s Hunger Crisis Deepens as Aid Cuts Bite
Reductions in international aid are worsening food insecurity across vulnerable African regions.
AP NEWS
Al-Qaeda-Linked Attacks Worsen Mali’s Fuel Crisis
Militant violence targeting infrastructure is exacerbating fuel shortages and economic strain in Mali.
LE POINT
In the Maghreb, Rainfall Becomes a Barometer of Public Anger
Environmental stress and water scarcity are increasingly fueling social and political discontent.
ASSAHIFA
Morocco and Chile Seek to Deepen Economic Partnership
High-level talks aim to expand trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation between Morocco and Chile.
BLOOMBERG
Libya to Sign Deal With Total and Conoco to Boost Oil Capacity
Libya plans a major energy agreement to expand oil output amid efforts to stabilize production.
SOMALIA TODAY
Egypt and Saudi Arabia Press Haftar Over UAE Arms to RSF
Regional powers are reportedly urging Libyan actor Khalifa Haftar to curb arms flows linked to Sudan’s conflict.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
EU Announces €19 Billion Humanitarian Aid Budget for 2026
The EU unveiled a major humanitarian funding package targeting crises across Africa and beyond.
DAILY NEWS EGYPT
Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria to Discuss Libya Deadlock
Regional talks aim to address Libya’s political stalemate and the withdrawal of foreign forces.
ABC NEWS
Egypt Moves to Restrict Children’s Social Media Use
New regulations aim to curb digital risks facing minors amid rising online exposure.
WASHINGTON POST
Deadly Attack in Niger’s Tillaberi Region
A major militant assault highlights worsening insecurity in western Niger.
DAILY SABAH
2026 Set to Be an Energy Year for Türkiye–Libya Cooperation
Officials point to deepening energy ties between Türkiye and Libya.
AP NEWS
Coups and Insecurity Reshape the Sahel
An overview of how military takeovers are redefining regional alliances and governance.
AFRICANEWS
RSF Expresses Regret Over Deadly Chad Border Clashes
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces commented on deadly confrontations near the Chad border.
Commentaries from the North Africa, Mediterranean and the Sahel Program
When Fireworks Replace Reality in Libya
Libya Expert Tahani Elmogrbi argues in a piece for the Stimson Center that Tripoli’s lavish stability spectacle masks Libya’s inflation, collapsing services, and governance failures, exposing development as performance rather than lived reality.
The myth of Africa’s leapfrog moment
Program Director Hafed Al Ghwell writes for Arab News that while Africa has real potential in digital services and green industries, the idea that it can “leapfrog” industrialization is a seductive but flawed narrative that ignores the enduring necessity of manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and mass employment for sustained development.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts, think tanks, and research institutes.
REPORT
Strategic South – December 2025
This NATO Foundation report examines security dynamics across the Global South, including Africa’s role in shifting geopolitical and defense alignments.
REPORT
Foresight Africa 2026
Brookings’ flagship report outlines Africa’s top political, economic, and security trends shaping the continent’s outlook for 2026.
POLICY ANALYSIS
Western Sahara: Stakes and Prospects for UN-Led Resolution
An IRIS (France) analysis of the Western Sahara dispute, assessing diplomatic deadlock, regional tensions, and prospects for renewed UN engagement.
REPORT
Western Sahara: Stakes and Prospects for UN-Led Resolution
An SSCG Group strategic overview of market opportunities, risks, and regulatory trends shaping foreign investment decisions across Africa.
COMMENTARY
Why Algeria Is a Crucial Pillar of North African Security
A Middle East Eye analysis of Algeria’s strategic role in regional stability, counterterrorism, and diplomacy.
COMMENTARY
The Battle for a New Sahel
A Business Day opinion piece examining competing visions for governance and security in the Sahel.
COMMENTARY
The Sahel Coup Culture: What Next?
A Horn Review assessment of military takeovers in the Sahel and their long-term implications for governance.
COMMENTARY
Militarising the Sahel Will Not Defeat Terrorism
An Al Jazeera opinion article arguing that military-heavy strategies risk deepening instability rather than resolving extremism.
COMMENTARY
Algeria’s Managed Elections and the Strangling of Political Pluralism
A Middle East Forum assessment of Algeria’s electoral process and shrinking political space.
COMMENTARY
Africa 2026: Global Uncertainty Demands Regional Leadership
A forward-looking Chatham House analysis of Africa’s leadership challenges amid geopolitical volatility.
COMMENTARY
Making Libya investable again
An MEI analysis on how Libya’s vast hydrocarbon potential remains commercially uninvestable due to entrenched political fragmentation, payment risk, infrastructure decay, and weak economic governance that political backing alone cannot overcome.
Upcoming Events
Key briefings and conferences to watch.
Escaping the Cycle of Conflict in Libya
Stimson Center is hosting Tim Eaton, Senior Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House, to discuss his recent policy brief, arguing an internationally mediated economic track is essential to curb rent-seeking, fragmentation, and support stabilization in Libya.
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.
39th African Union Summit
Media accreditation is now open for the 39th AU Summit, including the Executive Council and the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, taking place 11–15 February 2026 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tune In
Hear the latest insights from regional experts.
PODCAST
Jihadist attacks on the rise in the Sahel
A BBC News discussion on the recent attack in Niger’s south-western Tillaberi region that led to the deaths of 31 civilians, which adds to a trend of deadly assaults by jihadist militants in the tri-border area of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
PODCAST
Sahel nations unite to battle extremism
On this edition of DW’s AfricaLink podcast, host Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with security analyst Adib Saani and DW Sahel correspondent Bram Posthumous to unpack what this new force means for the Sahel — and whether it can deliver real change.
WEBINAR
Is the MENA region stabilizing or spiralling?
In this Chatham House event, experts examined the key political, security, and economic dynamics to watch in MENA in 2026.
VIDEO REPORT
International Day of Education: How African Nations Are Changing Learning
A DW video report highlighting education reforms and innovation efforts across African countries.
WEBINAR
The Arab Spring Fifteen Years On
This Crown Center for Middle East Studies at the Brandeis University panel explores how the Arab Spring reshaped relations between states and societies, created and foreclosed possibilities for political participation and coalition-building, and shaped the region into what it is today.
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism
Programme Management Officer (Rabat, Morocco)
The National Professional Officer position supports the development and delivery of counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism initiatives, including national training programmes, to strengthen Member State capacity.
Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt
Call for Proposals: Cultures in Dialogue (Virtual)
The Dutch Embassy invites proposals supporting cultural exchange and dialogue initiatives in Egypt.
UN Women
Programme Analyst (Dare to Care) (Cairo, Egypt)
UN Women announcement highlighting a development-sector role focused on social impact and program analysis.
UNICEF
Consultancy (Digital Education and Innovation) (Cairo, Egypt)
UNICEF is recruiting for a professional role supporting child-focused development programming.
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.
UN Women
National Consultant for Partnership and Resource Mobilization (Cairo, Egypt)
The consultant will be reporting to Deputy Country Representative, and will be supported by Planning and Coordination Specialist, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.
St. Antony’s College
Visiting faculty announcement (Oxford, UK)
The 2026–2027 Tunisian Visiting Faculty Programme call is open for research active faculty from Tunisian universities in the humanities and social sciences.
