North Africa

In the face of various challenges, such as fluctuating global economic conditions, inflation, and disruptions in trade, it's inspiring to note that several African nations are poised for a remarkable upswing in their real GDP growth by 2025. This resilience speaks volumes about the inherent potential within these countries. So, what factors are contributing to this positive outlook? First and foremost, the acceleration in economic growth does more than just ripple through local markets; it builds an…

Zimbabwe finds itself at a crucial crossroads, grappling with an enormous $21 billion debt—a burden that has effectively locked the country out of global financial markets since it defaulted way back in 1999. This predicament is not just a financial quagmire; it's a pressing issue that affects the very fabric of the nation. So, what does the future hold for a country seeking assistance from ten different nations? In a recent move to ameliorate its financial strife, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube,…

Shifting Alliances Over Western Sahara: A New Era of Support for Morocco The geopolitical landscape concerning Western Sahara is witnessing significant shifts, notably as major Western nations rally behind Morocco's ambitions concerning this contested region. Recent reports underscore that France, previously a leading ally, is not alone in backing Morocco; several other Western powerhouses have opted to join its cause. Among these nations, the United Kingdom has recently expressed its support for Morocco, suggesting that…

On a sunny Sunday, Egypt unveiled plans that could reshape its geographical and economic landscape. The initiative centers around the creation of a new city in the desert—Jirian City—signifying a bold attempt to navigate the complex challenges of water scarcity and economic strain. This ambitious project involves rerouting roughly 7% of Egypt's annual Nile River quota away from the fertile delta regions, aiming to direct much-needed resources into urban and agricultural development. According to Reuters, the diverted water…

Russia Deepens Its Diplomatic Ties with Egypt Through New Consulate Recently, in a significant move, Russia announced the opening of a new consulate in Sharm el-Sheikh, a beautiful resort city along the Red Sea, as confirmed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on May 27. This step marks a new chapter in the evolving relationship between Russia and Egypt, nurturing a partnership that promises to flourish progressively. The initiative is not merely bureaucratic; it's indicative of…

Originally introduced by King Salman of Saudi Arabia in 2016, an exciting infrastructure development is on the horizon: a bridge that will weave together Saudi Arabia's Ras Hamid and Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh, spanning the picturesque Strait of Tiran. With an expected cost of around $4 billion, fully financed by the Kingdom, this project promises to reshape the connectivity between these two nations. As reported by The Sun UK, this ambitious endeavor, affectionately known as the "Moses Bridge," is making…

In a significant gesture marking a new chapter in Africa's economic strategy, a remarkable commitment of $16 million was announced during a high-profile meeting at the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings, held in the vibrant city of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This pledge signifies not merely a financial boost but a powerful statement about the continent's aspirations and collective capability. This substantial increase, more than tripling the previous pledge of $5 million, represents a watershed…

France and Africa: A Visa Connection In an interesting pivot towards enhanced international mobility, France has witnessed an unprecedented surge in visa applications from Africa, with over 1.36 million applications submitted in 2024 alone. This figure stands in sharp contrast to a global total of around 3 million applications, demonstrating a solid 17% increase compared to the previous year. The numbers alone tell a compelling story; they are an indication of France's deep-rooted…

Enhancing Infrastructure: Uganda's Bold Financial Moves Amid Debt Concerns Uganda is gearing up to borrow a substantial €500 million (approximately $568 million) from an array of three lenders. Among these is the African Export-Import Bank, known as Afreximbank. This initiative, highlighted by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, is aimed primarily at bolstering the nation’s infrastructure development efforts. But what does this mean for the everyday Ugandan? Can this financial maneuver truly stimulate growth, or is it an…

Recently, the suspension of Saudi Arabia's block work visa has drawn significant attention, particularly for those closely following international labor dynamics. This decision impacts a total of 14 countries, putting a halt to new and pending Temporary Work Visa (TWV) applications. The implications are far-reaching, especially for various sectors that rely heavily on foreign labor. Among the affected nations, several African countries stand out, including Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and…