Columns Europe Headlines International Morocco Opinions

French President downplays crisis with Morocco

In his first comment on the frost between Morocco and France, President Macron boiled the issue down into a mere “controversy”, a statement that failed to convince the political class in Rabat. Speaking publicly on France’s African strategy, Macron spoke about what he described as “friendly” ties with his majesty but denied any involvement of […]

Africa International

Protest takes in place in DRC ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s slated visit

A few dozen Congolese demonstrated Wednesday in front of the French embassy in Kinshasa to reject the planned visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, reports say. The protesters chanted “Macron assassin” or “Macron get out”, some waving Russian flags. “Rwanda, a country which has been attacking us for more than 25 years, leaving over forty […]

Africa Business Headlines International

African companies prefer trading with non-African countries, ignoring local FTAs

African exports to other continents surpass the continent’s intercontinental trade, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has found, with Africans preferring import tariffs provided by the United States, European Union, Canada, and Japan (the “Quad nations”). Despite growing calls for increased intraregional trade, companies in Africa are taking advantage of preferential trade […]

Energy Europe Headlines International Morocco

Oil exploration: UK Genel Company signs association deal with Morocco

British company Genel Energy announced a petroleum agreement and association contract sealed with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) for offshore exploration in Lagzira block in Morocco. The deal sets out an eight-year exploration term consisting of three phases. The Lagzira block (formerly Sidi Moussa) is a large offshore license that hosts […]

Africa Community Headlines International

Six countries, Somali Americans call for end to violence in breakaway Somaliland

Six countries have issued a joint statement expressing concern over escalating fighting in the northern breakaway region of Somaliland, as also Somali-American demonstrators called for an unconditional cessation of hostilities. Qatar, Somalia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States have expressed concern over fighting around a disputed town in Somaliland, […]

Europe Features Headlines International Morocco

EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi visits Morocco amid tensions with European Parliament

European Union commissioner for Neighborhood & Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi started Monday a two-day visit to Morocco amid tensions with the European Parliament following the orchestrated smear campaign carried out by some MEPs against the North African Kingdom. In his twitter account, Mr. Varhelyi said talks in Rabat will focus on how to deepen further strategic […]

Africa Features Headlines International

Tanzania opposition figure comes back home after years in exile

Tanzanian opposition politician Godbless Lema has returned home after two years in exile in Canada over threats to his life following a disputed election. A huge crowd came to welcome the former lawmaker from the main opposition Chadema party who fled the country in November 2020, AFP reports. Lema said he “wept” upon seeing such […]

Africa Business Emerging Markets Features Headlines International

Namibia launches residence by investment program to lure foreign investors

Namibia and Henley & Partners, the global leader in residence and citizenship planning have unveiled a Residence by Investment Program in view of attracting foreign investment to boost the economic growth of the Southern African country. The program, Namibia Daily News report, offers a renewable five-year work permit to successful investors who invest a minimum […]

Africa Energy Headlines International

Uganda set to begin oil drilling after French court dismisses case against TotalEnergies

A French court has dismissed a landmark lawsuit against controversial TotalEnergies projects in east Africa, which was filed by six French and Ugandan activist groups in 2018, using a 2017 law on multinationals operating outside France. This was the first time that NGOs tried to halt an oil project through a Paris courthouse. As Uganda […]

Africa Business Emerging Markets Headlines International

Nigeria, South Africa ‘gray-listed’ by global anti-money laundering watchdog

The inclusion of Nigeria and South Africa, the continent’s leading economies, on a ‘gray list’ by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) could present far-reaching setbacks to the two countries’ economic growth. The warning by the Paris-based FATF, a global anti-money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog, comes in the midst of a difficult financial phase […]