North Africa

In the ever-evolving landscape of global aviation, the year 2024 beckoned with both challenges and achievements. A reminder of both human enterprise and its vulnerabilities, Africa's aviation landscape serves as a poignant reflection of this dual narrative. With ten incidents recorded, Africa positioned itself as the region with the second-highest number of plane crashes. An unsettling statistic indeed, it mirrors the perpetual conflict between ambition and the precarious nature of modern advancements. African…

Mogadishu (AX) – The rhythmic hum of helicopter blades slicing through the air above Mogadishu heralds a new chapter in regional cooperation against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab. In a remarkable display of unity and purpose, five African nations, each carrying the weight of their own hopes and histories, are contributing a formidable force of 11,900 troops to the African Union's recently unveiled Somalia Mission, aptly named AUSSOM. It's interesting to note that three of Somalia's immediate neighbors—Uganda,…

Libya and Somalia Forge a Path to Collaborative Growth In the vibrant city of Tripoli, a series of strategic agreements were recently inked, casting new light on the burgeoning partnership between Libya and Somalia. These agreements, encapsulated in several Memoranda of Understanding, aim to fortify collaboration across key domains such as investments, educational exchanges, and training opportunities. But what does this mean for the socio-economic fabric of these two nations?…

In an era characterized by fluctuating alliances and high-stakes diplomacy, the role of military forces in stabilizing tumultuous regions like Somalia becomes a complex symphony of negotiations and strategic maneuvering. Consider the intricate dance playing out between African nations and the African Union in crafting a new mission in Somalia—a nation that has, for years, been the battleground for competing interests and ideologies. The backdrop is Mogadishu, a city that has seen its fair share of turmoil, where a soldier…

Rethinking Egypt’s Mega Projects In today's ever-evolving economic landscape, countries are constantly challenged to balance growth with sustainability. Egypt stands at a pivotal point in its development journey, marked by expansive infrastructure projects and bolstered by the leadership's ambitious visions. Egyptian billionaire, Naguib Sawiris, brings a fresh perspective to this narrative—a perspective that warns against nesting ambitions solely on the laurels of grandeur. Sawiris…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal twist of regional dynamics, Burundi has commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia. This move marks the end of an 18-year era of military involvement under the auspices of the African Union's peacekeeping initiatives. But what's driving this significant change? The roots trace back to a contention over troop contributions to the recently minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, which took the baton from the African Union Transition Mission in…

A Historic Diplomatic Encounter: Bridging Gaps and Building Trust Mogadishu (AX) — On a windswept Thursday morning, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to grace the Somali capital’s horizon, setting the stage for an essential dialogue with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. These meetings, vivid with political undertones and strategic dynamics, capture a pivotal moment in the intricate relationship between these two Horn of Africa neighbors. Their journey, marked by maritime disputes and military…

Railway Renaissance: Morocco Paves the Way for the Future Marrakesh, the embodiment of enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, is at the heart of Morocco's spirited leap into the future. And leading this charge is the country's state-owned rail operator, ONCF. On a crisp Wednesday, they unfolded an audacious agenda: an impressive $2.9 billion investment to acquire 168 trains. Imagine that! These sleek machines aren’t just coming from anywhere. They're arriving from some of the most revered…

As each new year unfurls, African nations boasting resilient currencies against the US dollar find themselves at a unique fiscal advantage. From tempered inflation and a bolstered purchasing power to a flourishing confidence among investors, the financial landscape offers a promising horizon. But what lies at the heart of these monetary benefits, and how do they ripple through the broader economic canvas? A robust currency doesn't just provide a fiscal foundation—it shapes an environment brimming with…

In an ambitious leap into the North African railway market, Hyundai Rotem, a well-regarded subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group, has sealed an impressive deal with Morocco. This landmark agreement offers more than just a fleet of advanced trains—it sets a new milestone, establishing itself as the most significant rail supply contract in Hyundai Rotem's history. The buzz within Hyundai Rotem's headquarters was palpable when the announcement was made. After all, entering the…