From Egypt’s shifting economic trajectory and Algeria’s renewed geopolitical outreach to intensifying conflict in Sudan and rising insecurity in Mali — 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 shaping politics, security, and economics across North Africa and the Sahel.
BLOOMBERG
Libya Airline Eyes Asia Links With Biggest Plane Order in a Decade
Libya’s state airline is pursuing major fleet expansion to reopen international routes and develop new connections with Asian markets.
AL JAZEERA
How Europe’s migration policy and arms empowered Sudan’s warlords
The piece argues that EU migration controls and arms arrangements bolstered the power of Sudan’s warring factions long before the conflict erupted.
GHANAWEB
AfDB, EIB sign €275m deal to boost Mauritania’s mining, rail infrastructure
Mauritania secures major financing to modernize its mining-rail corridor, a crucial export link for iron ore.
AFRICAN BUSINESS
Europe backs African push to get more value from critical minerals
European partners support African governments’ efforts to expand local processing, skills development, and value retention in critical mineral supply chains.
BLOOMBERG
UAE targets Africa trade for food security, high growth rates
The UAE is scaling up investments across Africa to secure food supply chains and tap into high-growth markets in logistics and agritech.
DEUTSCHE WELLE
Africa–China solar power investment and renewable-energy trends
A visual report detailing China’s rising role in Africa’s solar-energy sector and the continent’s accelerating renewable-energy transition.
ENACT AFRICA
Rising tensions in southern Libya impact illicit economies
A brief showing how escalating clashes in southern Libya are reshaping smuggling networks, border dynamics, and armed-group financing.
BLOOMBERG
EU pledges €7 billion toward renewable energy in Africa
The EU committed €7 billion to scale up renewables across Africa — including solar, wind, hydro and grid expansion — to accelerate electricity access and support energy transition on the continent.
BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
North Africa’s third-largest oil producer uncovers new offshore well in Gulf of Suez
Egypt announced a new offshore oil discovery in the Gulf of Suez, estimated at ~3,000 barrels per day, boosting the country’s upstream output while using existing infrastructure to lower development costs.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
EU reinforces humanitarian response with €143 million for Sub-Saharan Africa
The EU announced €143 million in new humanitarian funding for crises across Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting food insecurity, displacement, and climate-driven emergencies.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sudan’s army chief rejects truce proposal, blames UAE for fueling war
Sudan’s military leader dismissed a ceasefire offer and publicly accused the UAE of backing the RSF, hardening positions as the conflict enters a more entrenched stage.
BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
US picks Morocco for $304 million F-16 jet support deal
Washington selected Morocco for a long-term sustainment and support contract for its F-16 fleet, underscoring growing military cooperation and Morocco’s strategic value.
REUTERS
Tunisian police arrest prominent opposition figure Chaima Issa
Tunisian authorities detained opposition leader Chaima Issa to enforce a 20-year prison sentence, intensifying concerns about political repression under President Kais Saied.
REUTERS
People fleeing violence in Sudan find little aid at the Chad border
Sudanese civilians escaping fighting arrive in Chad to find severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical care as humanitarian agencies warn of rapidly worsening conditions.
REUTERS
France’s Orano says uranium convoy seized at Niger mine poses safety risks
French nuclear company Orano warned that an armed seizure of a uranium shipment in northern Niger represents a major security and environmental hazard, deepening concerns about instability around key mining sites
AHRAM ONLINE
Tunisian President Kais Saied summons ambassadors over protocol dispute
Tunisia’s president called in several ambassadors to protest diplomatic protocol violations, reflecting heightened political tension and a highly centralized, personalistic decision-making environment.
AHRAM ONLINE
Egypt, Algeria seek trade growth after signing cooperation deals
Egypt and Algeria signed multiple cooperation agreements aimed at expanding bilateral trade, investment coordination, and joint projects under the countries’ High Joint Committee framework.
ECOFIN AGENCY
Niger sends fuel convoy to Mali as supply crisis deepens
Niger dispatched a major fuel convoy to Mali amid severe shortages linked to insecurity and disrupted supply routes, highlighting growing energy-market fragility in the Sahel.
AL JAZEERA
Sudan army chief rejects truce proposal, citing UAE role
Sudan’s military leader refused a new ceasefire proposal and accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, hardening positions and raising obstacles to mediation efforts.
FINANCIAL TIMES
Oil majors return to Libya as Tripoli launches first exploration auction in 18 years
The world’s biggest energy companies are returning to Libya as they hunt for new oil and gas reserves, nearly 15 years after the overthrow of Muammer Gaddafi pitched the country into political chaos that continues to this day.
LE MONDE AFRIQUE
Algeria launches charm offensive toward the US
An in-depth report on Algeria’s new diplomatic push to reposition itself with Washington, leveraging security cooperation, energy partnerships and regional influence while navigating internal debate over the risks and benefits of closer alignment.
NEW YORK TIMES
Trump’s Sudan diplomacy clashes with Saudi and UAE roles
A report examining how Washington’s attempts to influence the Sudan conflict collide with the interests and actions of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, whose support networks continue shaping the battlefield.
AL-MONITOR
Egypt, Russia advance construction of Dabaa nuclear plant
An update on progress at Egypt’s Dabaa nuclear facility, with Russia accelerating commitments despite geopolitical tensions and domestic scrutiny over cost and energy-security implications.
AL-MONITOR
US envoy holds Sudan meetings as UAE–Burhan tensions escalate
A look at U.S. diplomatic efforts in Sudan amid public accusations by Burhan against the UAE, highlighting worsening regional rivalries shaping the conflict’s trajectory.
BLOOMBERG
HSBC sees Egypt’s pound gaining investor trust post-devaluation
HSBC says Egypt’s currency has started to regain foreign investors’ confidence after a sharp devaluation, with debt buyers expected to remain engaged even if the central bank begins cutting interest rates.
THE GUARDIAN
African leaders push for recognition of colonial crimes and reparations
African leaders are pressing for colonial-era crimes to be formally recognized, criminalized, and addressed through reparations, with Algeria’s foreign minister stressing that African countries and peoples continue to bear the heavy costs of colonialism.
Reports & Analysis on the Region
Deeper dives from experts, think tanks, and research institutes.
COMMENTARY
Little substance as COP30 sidesteps key decisions
North Africa Program Director Hafed Al Ghwell writes for Arab News on COP30’s inability to turn pressure into action, as countries offered weak pledges, diluted key texts, and sidestepped the core drivers of the crisis.
REPORT
Tunisia Economic Monitor : Strengthening Social Safety Nets for Increased Efficiency and Equity
A World Bank report on Tunisia’s economic outlook and how extensive social protection systems have contributed to reducing poverty and inequality.
REPORT
Egypt: Positive short-term outlook
BNP Paribas highlights improving short-term macroeconomic conditions in Egypt driven by external financing, reforms, and gradual post-devaluation stabilization.
REPORT
Africa’s Development Dynamics 2025
A flagship OECD–African Union report analyzing industrialization, employment, governance trends, and regional integration opportunities across the continent.
COMMENTARY
Africa is DEI: How Trump’s anti-diversity crusade is eroding US expertise
This The Africa Report analysis argues that U.S. political backlash against diversity initiatives is undermining the country’s Africa expertise, hollowing out Africa-focused policy capacity and weakening diplomatic engagement.
COMMENTARY
Can Europe and Africa Mend Fences?
A Carnegie Endowment commentary analyzing whether Europe and Africa can rebuild cooperation after years of mistrust, focusing on migration, geopolitical competition, and uneven economic partnerships.
POLICY ANALYSIS
Macroeconomic policies: Living beyond one’s means and the struggle to pay for it
An analysis arguing that years of consumption-driven growth, heavy external borrowing, and an overvalued currency left Egypt vulnerable to recurring balance-of-payments stress and painful adjustment cycles.
POLICY ANALYSIS
Hydrogen Valleys and Sustainable Development in Algeria
A Luiss Mediterranean Platform analysis of how Algeria’s emerging hydrogen economy could enable diversification from hydrocarbons and deepen Euro-Mediterranean energy cooperation.
COMMENTARY
How to Stop Sudan’s Collapse
A National Interest commentary outlining diplomatic and security measures needed to prevent Sudan’s total state failure amid regional interference.
COMMENTARY
Realignment in the Maghreb: How Algeria is shaping Tunisia’s political trajectory
This Chatham House piece examines Algeria’s growing influence over Tunisia, arguing that Algiers has become a critical external actor shaping political decisions in Tunis at a moment of economic and institutional fragility.
COMMENTARY
Mali is at a turning point that risks a disastrous domino effect
An Atlantic Council assessment of Mali’s rapidly deteriorating security landscape, arguing that junta mismanagement and jihadist expansion risk triggering destabilization across coastal West Africa if left unchecked.
COMMENTARY
The catastrophe in Sudan
A Brookings Institution analysis of Sudan’s accelerating collapse, detailing atrocities committed by the SAF and RSF, the humanitarian free-fall, and the failure of international diplomacy to constrain external sponsors fueling the war.
COMMENTARY
Pivot or wavering actor? Egypt after Sharm el-Sheikh
This OSMED analysis looks at whether Egypt has become a genuine regional pivot or a wavering actor after the October 13, 2025 Sharm el-Sheikh agreements, highlighting how the deal boosted Cairo’s image after years of internal and regional crises.
Upcoming Events
Key briefings and conferences to watch.
How Gen Z is reshaping protest in North Africa
A public Chatham House event exploring how youth activism, digital mobilization and new cultural languages are transforming protest patterns from Morocco to Tunisia and Algeria.
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.
Tune In
Hear the latest insights from regional experts.
A Conversation with H.E. Sabri Boukadoum, Ambassador of Algeria to the United States
The Stimson Center’s North Africa Program hosted Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum to discuss Algeria’s reforms, regional security, and U.S.–Algeria relations.
A Dialogue with H.E. Nadia Fettah Alaoui: Navigating Morocco’s Path to Growth and Resilience
Stimson Center’s North Africa Program hosted a conversation with H.E. Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance on the country’s economic agenda, global engagement, and relationship with the IMF and World Bank.
Russia’s hybrid war in Africa
A ECFR discussion on how Russia blends disinformation, mercenaries, political interference and economic leverage to expand its foothold in Africa, with case studies from the Sahel and Central Africa.
How Morocco’s Western Sahara gamble paid off | Mapped Out
A Deutsche Welle repot on how Morocco has managed to win increasing global support – by using its phosphate resources to foster long-term partnerships in Africa and striking deals with the US under Donald Trump.
Job Opportunities
Career moves, fellowships, and calls for applications—all in one place.
International Rescue Committee
Grants Coordinator (Bamako, Mali)
A role focusing on managing grant allocations and donor reporting in humanitarian operations—closing date: 19 Dec 2025.
Norwegian Refugee Council
Shelter & WASH Specialist (Burkina Faso)
Position for a specialist in shelter and water-sanitation-hygiene interventions in Burkina Faso—closing date: 5 Dec 2025.
Norwegian Refugee Council
Protection Cluster Co-Coordinator(Bamako, Mali)
A senior coordination role for the protection cluster in Mali—closing date: 5 Dec 2025.
SIPRI
Sahel–West Africa Researcher Position (Solna, Sweeden)
An announcement for a fully funded researcher post at SIPRI focused on Sahel and West Africa security dynamics, offering a 12-month research track.
