North Africa

Picture this: you're wandering through the vibrant souks of Morocco, where the air is filled with the scent of spices and the hum of bargaining voices. You find yourself standing awe-struck before the timeless pyramids of Egypt, pondering just how many stories these stones could tell. Or perhaps you venture into the heart of Africa's natural beauty on a safari in Kenya or South Africa, where wild animals roam freely against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes. This is the allure of Africa—an…

Egypt has firmly opposed recent initiatives aimed at establishing an alternative government in Sudan. The Egyptian authorities have underscored that such efforts pose a significant threat to the country's "unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." In a region fraught with turmoil, Egypt's stance carries weight, especially given its vested interests in Sudan’s stability. For almost two years now, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the national army and the paramilitary group, known as the Rapid…

On a crisp Sunday morning, the sun peeked over the horizon, casting its golden hue over the Gaza Strip. But this symbolic new dawn was quickly overshadowed by the stark reality of an unyielding blockade. Israel, firm in its resolve, halted the entry of goods and essential supplies into the beleaguered territory. The catalyst behind this decisive action was a lingering conflict with Hamas over extending a tenuous ceasefire. Within the echo chamber of international diplomacy, tensions simmered. Egypt, a…

The ONLF and Ethiopia: Unfulfilled Promises and Waning Trust Mogadishu (AX) — In a highly charged statement, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has made waves by accusing the Ethiopian government of reneging on the promises of the 2018 peace agreement. This has brought a potent mix of disappointment and frustration to a head. They allege that under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, there has been systematic suppression of Somali political participation. Could this friction spell the end of a fragile…

Picture this: A colossal refinery standing tall in Nigeria, not just a symbol of industrial progress but an emblem of a nation's ambition to be a giant in the petrochemical industry. The Dangote Refinery, brainchild of Africa's renowned business magnate Aliko Dangote, is making strategic and daring moves in the global oil market. Their latest venture? A million-barrel crude oil shipment expected from Algeria in mid-March, marking an essential pivot in their crude sourcing philosophy. In the…

Building Bridges: A Strategic Alliance in the Horn of Africa In a world where strategic partnerships often define the course of international relations, the recent diplomatic mission led by Abdelatty is noteworthy. It reflects an intent to weave stronger ties within the Horn of Africa amid a dynamic global landscape. But what does this mission really entail, and why does it matter? The backdrop to Abdelatty's mission was the burgeoning tripartite framework among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. Born…

The pristine waters of Kenya's coastline are brimming with renewed promise as the Port of Lamu comes into focus as a key player in regional logistics and trade. Recent commitments between Kenya and its neighboring states are setting the stage for Lamu to shine as a transshipment hub. In the vibrant landscape of African trade routes, President William Ruto announced a pivotal development: an agreement with Ethiopia to route significant portions of imported merchandise through Lamu, our…

In a world where diplomatic gestures often speak louder than words, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), on a sunny Friday, extended a warm welcome to the encouraging diplomatic re-engagement between two pivotal African nations: Ethiopia and Somalia. This fresh air of diplomacy follows a notable visit by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu on Thursday—a move laden with both expectation and promise. Inside the venerable halls of Somalia’s presidential palace, a meeting of paramount…

Unraveling the Thread: The Economic Impact of Clothing Prices The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an economic concept many of us hear about, but few truly grasp. It consists of various elements, with food, clothing, and housing being the most significant. However, there are other interesting items on this list—recreation, health, and education, to name a few. My friend once said, "It’s like trying to balance plates on a stick—you’ve got to keep an eye on each one." Have you ever noticed…

In the vast, ever-evolving landscape of African economies, a quiet resilience often dominates the narrative. While major players like South Africa and Nigeria have been grappling with economic challenges and currency depreciation, Ghana, with its fortitude, presents a compelling case study in banking resilience. As the world turns its gaze towards West Africa, Ghanaian banks stand firm, holding strong Tier 1 capital positions that inspire confidence and stability. Performance of…