North Africa Weekly: October 22, 2025

From Libya’s cash crunch to Algeria’s $60B energy plan and Morocco’s street protests

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

From Libya’s rush on banks amid a deepening cash crisis to Algeria’s $60 billion oil, gas, and hydrogen strategy — and Morocco’s Gen Z-led protests shaking city centers — explore the latest political, economic, and security developments shaping North Africa and the Sahel.

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.

AL-MONITOR

Libyans Rush Banks Amid Cash Crunch; Government Prints 11 Billion Dinars to Ease Crisis

Banks across Libya have reportedly been overwhelmed with withdrawal demands, prompting the government to inject 11 billion Libyan dinars in new currency in an effort to quell public panic and maintain liquidity.

AL-MONITOR

Saudi Investment Minister Visits Morocco, Senegal in Africa Trade Push

Saudi Arabia’s investment minister, Khalid Al-Falih, led a delegation to Morocco and Senegal to strengthen investment ties. During the visit, Saudi pledged more than $41 billion in new investments in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade.

ANADOLU AGENCY

Nearly every African country attends Türkiye-Africa Business & Economic Forum

The Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul drew delegations from nearly all African countries. The forum aims to deepen trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between Türkiye and Africa.

REUTERS


Algeria launches $60B oil, gas & hydrogen strategy


Spanning 2025–2029, the plan boosts upstream investment, refineries, and renewables, while vowing to cut gas flaring below 1%.

REUTERS

Saudi firm signs $5.4B oil and gas deal with Algeria

Midad Energy will fund 30-year Illizi Basin project, with 993 million BOE projected.

THE GUARDIAN

Gen Z-led protests shake Moroccan cities

Mass demonstrations erupted over World Cup stadium spending, triggering a crackdown with more than 500 arrests and several deaths.

REUTERS

Egypt upgraded to ‘B’ rating by S&P

Standard & Poor’s upgraded Egypt’s rating due to sustained reform efforts, improved fiscal indicators, and growing foreign investment, especially in real estate and tourism.

REUTERS

Mali fuel crisis deepens

Al-Qaeda affiliated JNIM blockade leads to fuel shortages nationwide, despite convoys from Côte d’Ivoire.

REUTERS

Niger oil exports continue post-coup

CNPC maintains flows from Agadem, with $2B earned since March; junta presses for workforce nationalization.

GLOBAL GATEWAY FORUM

Mauritania signs €269M EU deal

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 BUSINESS

Gulf Investors Eye Egypt’s North Coast

A major mixed-use development on Egypt’s North Coast is drawing substantial Saudi and Emirati investment. The project reflects a wider Gulf trend of capitalizing on Egypt’s tourism, housing, and retail potential.

REUTERS

Egypt and Greece forge agreement on Mount Sinai Monastery

The two countries have agreed to jointly protect and develop tourism and heritage management at Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BLOOMBERG

Trump Visits Egypt’s City of Peace

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt hosted President Donald Trump in a visit met with mixed public reception. Officials used the opportunity to showcase the city’s revival and Egypt’s diplomatic relevance.

THE AFRICA REPORT

Trump’s New Africa Team Takes Shape

An overview of the personalities expected to lead Africa policy under the Trump administration, focusing on security, trade, and migration priorities.

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

Algeria Macro Poverty Outlook (2025)

This World Bank report outlines Algeria’s fiscal pressures under its expansive public spending strategy and projects slower growth without diversification.

POLICY ANALYSIS

Mediterranean Connectivity and Egypt–Italy Trade Corridors

Analysis of how port upgrades, freight networks, and logistics innovation could reframe Euro-Mediterranean economic ties, especially through Egypt.

POLICY BRIEF

Dismantling Morocco’s Compensation Fund

Examines how reforms to Morocco’s subsidy structure are impacting the poor and middle class, raising concerns over equity and economic inclusion.

POLICY ANALYSIS

Property Taxes in MENA


Highlights how property taxation could be a tool to fund social protection programs in Morocco, Lebanon, and Jordan but remains underutilized.

POLICY ANALYSIS

Property Taxes in MENA


Highlights how property taxation could be a tool to fund social protection programs in Morocco, Lebanon, and Jordan but remains underutilized.

COMMENTARY

The Sahel, a Zone of Experimentation?


A commentary on the geopolitical framing of the Sahel as a testing ground for European security and development models, with critique of Eurocentric approaches.

REPORT

Water Security in MENA (Immersive Report)


This digital story outlines challenges and innovations in addressing water scarcity in North Africa, including infrastructure, desalination, and governance reforms.

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.

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.

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.

Libya Under Gaddafi

A French-language historical podcast episode exploring Muammar Gaddafi’s political legacy, ideology, and contradictions as viewed through oral testimonies and archival material.

Job Opportunities

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

DANISH RED CROSS

Migration & Protection Advisor (North Africa/Sahel)

WORLD BANK

Investment Officer, MENA (Rabat, Morocco)

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