Dear Friends & Colleagues,
From tense relations between Algeria and France to Morocco enhancing its defense capabilities, Egypt looking at Turkish fighter jets and the Haftar clan consolidating power in Libya—explore the latest developments shaping North Africa’s political, economic, and security landscape.
Hafed Al Ghwell
Senior Fellow and Director
North Africa Program
Read the North Africa Weekly on LinkedIn or join the conversation on X: @StimsonNAfrica
On Our Radar
The headlines you need to follow across North Africa.
ARAB NEWS | FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Iraq and the Shifting Tides of U.S. and EU Policy
Iraq is assertively balancing regional ties while deepening Western partnerships under Prime Minister Al-Sudani. Its strategic value lies in stabilizing the region and pursuing energy autonomy. The relationship with the U.S. is shifting from military aid to economic and diplomatic engagement.
LE POINT
Algeria: President Macron’s Shattered Dream
President Macron’s bid to reset France-Algeria relations has failed. His outreach clashed with an Algerian political system built on historical grievance. Tensions now fuel domestic politics in both nations, with diplomacy at a standstill.
BLOOMBERG
Egypt Extends Central Bank Chief Abdalla’s Rule into Fourth Year
Egypt extended Hassan Abdalla’s leadership of the central bank into a fourth year, sending a signal of continuity to foreign fixed-income investors as the North African nation emerges from its worst currency crunch in decades.
LIBYA HERALD
General Authority for Communications and Informatics Reaches Agreement with China’s Huawei to Resume Operations in Libya
Libya’s communications authority reversed its Huawei suspension just days after citing national security concerns and legal violations. The Chinese firm can now resume operations without explanation for the initial crackdown.
NEWSRAEL
Morocco Successfully Tests Israeli EXTRA Missile at Max Range
Morocco successfully tested a new precision missile with a 150km range. This follows a major deal for advanced Israeli rocket systems. The test is part of the kingdom’s accelerating program to modernize its military capabilities.
DAILY SABAH
Egypt Sets Sights on Türkiye’s Kaan Fighter Jet Program: Report
Egypt is set to join Turkey’s Kaan fighter jet program in a defense pact that could challenge Israel’s long-standing air dominance in the region. The deal aims to boost military self-sufficiency and alter the Middle East’s strategic balance.
AHRAM ONLINE
Why Is the Egyptian Pound Gaining Ground? Experts Weigh In
The Egyptian pound has gained 6% against the dollar, buoyed by strong tourism, remittances, and foreign reserves. Its continued strength depends on maintaining inflows and avoiding external shocks.
REUTERS
At Least 26 Die in Migrant Shipwreck Off Italy’s Lampedusa Island
At least 26 migrants died when their boat capsized off Italy’s Lampedusa Island. Prime Minister Meloni cited the tragedy to renew her government’s pledge to halt illegal sea crossings from Africa.
AGENZIA NOVA
Libya: House Of Representatives Appoints Khaled Haftar as Chief of Staff of Eastern Forces
Libya’s eastern-based parliament appointed Khaled Haftar, son of warlord Khalifa Haftar, as army chief of staff. This move consolidates the Haftar family’s control over the Libyan National Army.
FAAPA
Morocco’s Budget Deficit Reaches MAD 53.7 billion at End of July
Morocco’s budget deficit widened by 52% to MAD 53.7 billion by July 2025. This occurred despite a 19.2% increase in gross ordinary revenue, driven by significant growth in tax collection.
MEED
Morocco Awards $440m Airport Expansion Deals
Morocco has launched a $440 million airport expansion in Marrakech and Agadir to prepare for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup. The projects will significantly boost passenger capacity, with Marrakech’s terminal growing to handle 16 million travelers annually.
TECHPOINT
Banque Misr’s Digital Arm to Launch Egypt’s First Fully Online Bank in 2026
Egypt’s central bank approves the nation’s first fully digital bank, onebank, set to launch in 2026. The online-only institution is a subsidiary of state-owned Banque Misr. It aims to expand financial access and modernize the country’s banking sector.
GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW
Turner & Townsend Acquires Egyptian Consultant
UK consultancy Turner & Townsend acquires Egypt’s ValueMetric Consultants to enter the local market. The deal expands its footprint in North African real estate and infrastructure. VMC’s team will integrate into the firm’s regional operations.
BUSINESS INSIDER
Top 10 African Countries with the Lowest Diesel Prices in August 2025
Libya offers Africa’s cheapest diesel at just $0.028 per liter, followed by Algeria and Egypt. These low prices significantly ease transportation and production costs continent-wide. The global average price for diesel held steady at $1.22 per liter.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts across the region.
COMMENTARY
China Sends Houthis Dual-Use Technology to Boost Influence and Undercut the U.S.
China is pursuing a pragmatic strategy with Yemen’s Houthis, securing its Red Sea shipping interests while avoiding direct involvement. This approach provides Beijing an economic advantage and complicates U.S. security efforts, effectively leveraging regional instability to its benefit.
COMMENTARY
In Egypt, Social Media Offers the Last Public Stage — and the State Is Cracking Down
Egyptians turn to social media for visibility and income amid severe political repression. The state fears this digital arena, cracking down on content creators. Online performance replaces political engagement as a form of social struggle.
COMMENTARY
Why Morocco Sat Out the Gaza Mediation
Morocco is absent from Gaza mediation as it lacks influence over Hamas, a role now held by Egypt and Qatar. Rabat avoids a symbolic gambit that could strain its ties with the U.S. and Israel, opting to preserve its credibility for future diplomacy.
COMMENTARY
U.S. & Great Britain Move to Secure Strategic Advantage in Syria and Libya
The U.S. and U.K. are moving to block Russia’s return to Syria and Libya by lifting sanctions and securing major energy deals. This strategy aims to rebuild the economies and lock in Western strategic advantage through control of vital oil and gas sectors.
COMMENTARY
Egypt and Türkiye: A Pragmatic Turn?
Egypt and Türkiye are mending ties after a decade of hostility, driven by growing trade and shifting regional dynamics. While economic cooperation strengthens, disputes in Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean persist. Such pragmatism allows both countries to manage differences despite competing interests.
REPORT
Levels of Government and Administrative Boundaries in Libya’s Future Local Governance System
Redrawing Libya’s internal borders is a deeply political act with high stakes. The process must be inclusive, as top-down changes risk inflaming local rivalries and entrenched armed conflicts. Success depends on reflecting on-the-ground realities.
REPORT
Algeria — Freedom House Report
Score: 31/100 | Status: NOT FREE
Algeria’s political environment remains tightly managed, with recent elections reinforcing incumbent control. Opposition voices and civil liberties continue to face significant restrictions.
REPORT
Third Arab Land Conference Report
The Third Arab Land Conference served as a key forum for advancing land governance policy. Its recent report details session outcomes and recommendations across eight major themes, from conflict management to climate and technology.
REPORT
August 2025 Carbon Minefields Oil and Gas Exploration Monitor
In the past month, the largest exploration licenses were awarded to three companies—primarily in Algeria. These companies alone funneled US$1.1 billion of the US$1.8 billion total global exploration capital expenditure into newly awarded oil and gas ventures, equivalent to 63% of all exploration spending.
PHOTOBOOK
Shades of Libya: Contrasts, Hope, and Resilience
The World Bank unveiled a photobook by young Libyan photographers, showcasing the nation’s culture and resilience beyond its crises.
Tune In
Hear directly from experts, regional voices, and thought leaders shaping North Africa’s future.
VIDEO
A new roadmap for a political solution… Will it spare Libya the slippery slope of conflict?
This interview addresses the practical tools Libya needs to foster a productive societal dialogue that will influence the country’s future.
