Algiers on trail of the millions held by businessman Ayoub Aissiou’s clan
Subscribers only | Business
Alert | Africa
Ecobank’s chairman under intense pressure from the board of directors
President of Ecobank's board since 2024, Senegalese financier Papa Madiaw Ndiaye has been facing criticism over his leadership. Several directors are calling for him to step down.
Subscribers only | Finance
DRC
ERG faces new wave of looting despite Tshisekedi’s instructions
Illegal operators protected by soldiers have retaken control of part of the Metalkol concession, a Eurasian Resources Group subsidiary, in Lualaba. On the ground, the mining operation has now reached an almost industrial scale.
Subscribers only | Mining
DRC
Court of Arbitration for Sport to examine football federation president's election
After several weeks devoted to procedural matters, Patrice Mangenda’s appeal against the regularity of Véron Mosengo-Omba’s election as head of the FECOFA is now in the hands of the CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mabonga Herbert Matanda, the lieutenant defying Yoweri Museveni
The officer has described the inner workings of numerous secret detention centres, which are directly run by an elite unit of the Ugandan army. Dozens of activists and opposition figures have reported being tortured at these sites.
Former key figures of Bashir era come together under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
To sustain a conflict that has dragged on for more than three years, the army chief is relying on a tight-knit network of activists across the country. This has seen the return of senior figures from the previous administration, alongside prominent business players who have put their personal connections at the disposal of the war effort.
Subscribers only | Defence, Politics
African Union
African Space Agency seeks ways to lift-off
Subscribers only | Defence
Cameroon
After its victory against Ecobank, Wadivo is preparing mass claims
Subscribers only | Finance, Business
South Africa
How Mteto Nyati saved his job at Eskom helm despite pressure
Subscribers only | Energy, Politics
Cape Verde
Boosted by EU funding, Praia is working on its future security projects
Brussels has just allocated an additional €60m to defence cooperation with Cape Verde. This is a larger amount than that granted to other West African countries and should help boost air and maritime capabilities, and build infrastructure.
Subscribers only | Defence
Sudan
Cairo and Riyadh search for fresh impetus to secure ceasefire
For the Egyptian and Saudi diplomatic services, the Quartet, the original mediation format carried out jointly with Abu Dhabi and Washington, now appears insufficient.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs
Libya, Mali
The secrets behind Azawad Liberation Front’s visit to Benghazi
The separatist military organisation sent a high-level delegation to eastern Libya to hold talks with Saddam Haftar. However, requests for collaboration and support in military equipment have gone unanswered.
Subscribers only | Defence, Diplomatic Affairs
Libya
AED Global looks to establish itself in oil market
The American company, which specialises in oil and gas exploration and production, is negotiating with the National Oil Corp to ensure the development of the Zelten field in the Sirte Basin.
Tshisekedi pushes to resume oil exploration at Lake Albert
Although development of Congolese blocks 1 and 2 has been at a complete standstill for 15 years, it could resume if Kinshasa were to swiftly take steps to build closer ties with Beijing and Kampala.
Subscribers only | Energy
Senegal
Dakar quietly opens talks with creditors in Paris under financial institution Lazard's watch
Having just embarked on a debt restructuring process, the Senegalese government has sent a delegation to the French capital to hold talks with a handful of financial stakeholders, in the presence of representatives from Lazard.
French dairy industry struggles to maintain production amid diplomatic row
Subscribers only | Commodity Traders
Morocco
The Akhannouch and Wakrim families launch a new real estate company
Subscribers only | Business
Madagascar
French MP on mission to Antananarivo
Subscribers only | Infrastructure, Diplomatic Affairs
Cameroon
Globeleq exit sparks power struggle at top of state
The British firm's departure from two energy plants generating a fifth of Cameroon's electricity has triggered a standoff between Finance Minister Louis-Paul Motaze and Secretary-General of the Presidency Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh. President Biya must now choose between rival plans to buy out Globeleq’s stake.
Subscribers only | Infrastructure, Finance, Energy
Kenya
Trial over Karebe gold mine explosion drags on as families await answers
The five suspects in the January 2023 case, who appeared in court in late September, will re-appear before the judge in March 2027. This is another delay that has angered human rights defenders and the victims' families.
Subscribers only | Mining
West Africa
A Senegalese banker soon to be appointed vice president of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development
ERG faces new wave of looting despite Tshisekedi’s instructions
Published on 02/10/26 - Illegal operators protected by soldiers have retaken control of part of the Metalkol concession, a Eurasian Resources Group subsidiary, in Lualaba. On the ground, the mining operation has now reached an almost industrial scale.
Mabonga Herbert Matanda, the lieutenant defying Yoweri Museveni
Published on 02/10/26 - The officer has described the inner workings of numerous secret detention centres, which are directly run by an elite unit of the Ugandan army. Dozens of activists and opposition figures have reported being tortured at these sites.
Ecobank’s chairman under intense pressure from the board of directors
Published on 02/10/26 - President of Ecobank's board since 2024, Senegalese financier Papa Madiaw Ndiaye has been facing criticism over his leadership. Several directors are calling for him to step down.
Washington looks to post-Paul Biya era in rapprochement with Yaoundé
With the question of the Cameroonian president’s succession becoming increasingly critical, US diplomats are working on several scenarios while consulting their international partners. The Trump administration is seeking to safeguard its interests in the country, both economically and in terms of security.
Subscribers only | Defence, Politics, Diplomatic Affairs
With no international mediation regarding the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam on the agenda, the authorities are attempting to mitigate the infrastructure’s impact on their territory.
Subscribers only | Infrastructure
Ivory Coast
Emmanuel Macron postpones Abidjan visit to March 2027
Originally planned for his late-October and early-November Africa tour, the French president’s trip to Ivory Coast has been pushed back to the end of the first quarter of 2027.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs
Libya
New setback for Kuwaiti group Al-Kharafi in battle with Libyan sovereign fund
The Al-Kharafi construction firm and the Libyan Investment Authority are continuing their legal wranglings.
Subscribers only | Infrastructure, Finance
Central African Republic, Chad
N’Djamena pushes for return of three rebel leaders to Bangui
Under pressure from the Chadian government, the leaders of three rebel groups are preparing to return to the Central African Republic in November. Mahamat al-Khatim, who heads the politico-military armed group Mouvement Patriotique pour la Centrafrique, hopes to secure representation in the government.
Subscribers only | Politics
Ethiopia, Sudan
Burhan's Ethiopian tightrope
Whilst the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces is attempting to reassure Brussels by stating that he does not wish to clash with Addis Ababa, his chief of staff is warning of an imminent Ethiopian offensive.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs
Africa
Chairperson Papa Madiaw Ndiaye forced out of Ecobank
Gathering exceptionally on 2 October, the bank's directors decided to put forward a motion to remove the chairperson and two other board members. Central to the allegations against the former are loans granted to an Ivorian company linked to his AFIG Funds private equity fund and possible conflicts of interest.
Subscribers only | Finance
In brief
Congo
Paris reinstates plan for training hub to tackle environmental crime
$4bn standoff between Kinshasa and oil company Perenco
The Franco-British group, the country’s sole active oil producer, is facing a tax reassessment and hefty fines, which it is attempting to negotiate. Another issue, this time environmental, is also on the agenda for forthcoming talks.
Subscribers only | Energy, Business
Mali
With its northern offensive underway, Bamako seeks to bring armed groups onside
Against a backdrop of heavy casualties, the Malian military high command is formalising ties with militias already active in the fight against jihadist groups and their allies.
Subscribers only | Defence
The New Guard
South Sudan, Benin, Madagascar
Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.
South Sudan Awow Daniel Chuang, taking charge of petroleum ministry
West Africa Joé Dwèt Filé, from musical to presidential stages
With central bank in crisis, French groups stuck with unpaid bills
The CBL's delays in honouring its payments are undermining imports by French-based companies operating in the country. In response, the bank's governor is seeking to bring exchange rates more under control.
Subscribers only | Finance
Algeria
Algiers and Madrid prepare talks amid gas and Western Sahara tensions
Despite some uncertainty, Algerian and Spanish diplomats are pressing ahead with a high-level meeting in the Spanish capital at the end of October.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs
Ivory Coast
Several banks sanctioned by WAMU Banking Commission
The reprimands and fines – some of which will remain in force throughout 2026 – relate to breaches of anti-money laundering regulations, governance issues, failure to comply with prudential ratios and multiple deductions.
Subscribers only | Finance
South Sudan
Juba turns to Shamrock to revive stalled gold-for-roads ambitions
Accra and Abidjan go separate ways on cocoa as crucial EU regulation looms
Three months before cocoa sold in the EU must be guaranteed "sustainable" and of traceable geographical origin, sector regulators in Ghana and Ivory Coast are each going at it alone.
Subscribers only | Commodity Traders
Cameroon
Yaoundé courts French investors to rebuild anglophone regions
A delegation will travel to France to promote investment in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest anglophone regions, with the deep-water port of Limbe a key target. The economic push comes as armed separatist groups re-rally and violence persists.
Subscribers only | Politics
Morocco
Fresh faces rise through the ranks at Al Mada royal investment fund
Appointed CEO of the royal holding company in January, Noufissa Kessar is supported on a daily basis by the discreet Aymane Taud, as well as by a few younger executives whose influence is growing.
Chapo and TotalEnergies CEO fail to reach agreement on Mozambique LNG
The head of state and the major’s CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, are struggling to ease the tension that has been building since the end of 2025. At issue are the French group’s financial claims following the lifting of the force majeure clause, demands the Mozambican presidency refuses to consider.
New PM Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri builds up her French connections
With Mohammed VI’s state visit to France possibly just a few months away, the new head of the Moroccan government is seeking to expand her network of contacts in France, which already includes a number of influential figures.
Subscribers only | Politics
Egypt, Uganda
Cairo deploys water diplomacy in Kampala to counter Addis Ababa
Egypt is seeking to blunt the momentum behind the Entebbe Agreement, which is reshaping the allocation of Nile waters. Kampala, which is leading the Nile Basin Initiative consultative process, is a key partner in the strategy pursued by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's government.
Subscribers only | Infrastructure, Diplomatic Affairs
Sudan
Burhan remains poker-faced in encounter with Trump's Africa advisor
The head of the Sudanese Armed Forces made no concessions to Massad Boulos regarding a possible ceasefire, which remains conditional on the disarmament of the Rapid Support Forces.
A leader in the West African market, the Swiss hydrocarbons firm has just changed hands.
Subscribers only | Energy
Djibouti
Football federation seeks new leader following Souleiman Waberi's dismissal
To avoid becoming bogged down in turmoil, the FDF's interim leadership is keen to see a swift succession process now that its president has been removed from office.
The business network around the king’s brother, Moulay Rachid
True to his low-profile style, Mohammed VI’s younger brother operates in the business world surrounded by trusted associates and experts who advise him and help manage his investments. Although he has a marked preference for aviation, he is also active in agriculture and property.
The resumption of the conflict in the north is reshaping plans for a reshuffle. While the prime minister appears intent on closing ranks around allies from the Information Network Security Administration, the president of Oromia has managed to stay in office, at least on the surface.
Subscribers only | Politics
Sudan
Mediation groups Quad and Quintet seek to step up their joint efforts
A new round of consultations between the two groups are due to take place. At the same time, the Quintet is preparing to bring together civilian and political representatives in Addis Ababa in order to sketch out the contours of the post-war period.
Trump envoy offers new mediation on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
In 15 years of talks, neither the tripartite technical committee between Egypt, Ethiopia and Khartoum, nor the interventions of Washington, the United Nations or the African Union have managed to make Addis Ababa back down.
Ouattara’s allies seek to strengthen grip on banking sector
Several businessmen with connections to the presidency are seeking to consolidate their positions within the financial industry. This move forms part of a strategy to see Ivorian investors take over banks, whilst powerful Lebanese groups are also preparing to enter the market.
Subscribers only | Finance
In brief
South Africa
Government of National Unity advisers refuse to sign code of conduct
Subscribers only | Politics
South Africa
US defence companies shun Pretoria amid diplomatic tensions
Erik Prince secures $65m contract for maintenance of army aircraft
The head of Vectus Global, who is close to Donald Trump, is in talks with the Congolese authorities regarding a contract to provide technical and logistical support to the FARDC, particularly in the field of aviation. This is a strategic contract that the American tycoon has long had his sights set on.
Subscribers only | Defence
West Africa
EU finalises details of new Sahel security project
Brussels's forthcoming initiative, known as EUSDI Sahel, aims to enable Mauritania and Chad to benefit from assistance focused on combating terrorism and illegal immigration. This model has already been rolled out with partners bordering the Gulf of Guinea.
Subscribers only | Defence
Rwanda
How Kigali and Brussels rekindled their diplomatic relations
After months of strained relations, Rwanda and Belgium have agreed to reopen their embassies without waiting for their disagreements over eastern DRC to be resolved. The breakthrough was reached quietly and with considerable diplomatic caution.
The geopolitics behind the renewal of the EU’s military support mission
For Brussels, continued support for Mozambique’s state forces is essential to maintain influence with the government and head off Russian involvement. Energy interests are also a key consideration.
Backed by Kigali, deputy Ayoya set to be appointed head of MINUSCA
The UN mission chief in the Central African Republic, Valentine Rugwabiza, is preparing to hand over the post to her Malian deputy. However, the appointments of Rwandan officials are prompting internal questions.
US urgently convenes panel of experts to discuss future of UN mission in Western Sahara
On 9 October, a discreet meeting took place between Marco Rubio’s team and specialists on the thorny issue of the disputed territory. The aim was to discuss the renewal of MINURSO, which is due to be put to a vote in the Security Council on 31 October.
Family trusts play key role in Castel group rivalries
Far from showing a united front, the Castel clan watches with concern as the brewing group – on which their dividends depend – faces a governance crisis. Following a legal victory in Singapore, Pierre Castel’s daughter must now win over the family's trusts.
Subscribers only | Finance
Cameroon
ETG and Solevo, cotton sector's frontrunners for €36m fertiliser deal
The Mauritian group controlled by the Indian Patel family and the distributor owned by a British fund have submitted bids in response to the tender for the supply of inputs to the CNPC-C cotton growers' association.
Subscribers only | Commodity Traders
Togo
French arms broker Robert Montoya comes to the rescue of the army
Targeted by a new complaint over his alleged involvement in the 2004 bombing of the French military camp in Bouaké, the arms broker has recently sought to position himself on a contract to secure the country’s highly sensitive northern border.
Subscribers only | Defence
In brief
Zimbabwe
South African tycoon Mzi Khumalo risks losing control of his gold mines
Subscribers only | Mining
West Africa
UK parliament releases initial report in Sahel inquiry
Museveni clan reasserts influence over relations with Washington
The head of state is relying on two of his children to engage with the American authorities on trade issues and on the planned deployment of Ugandan troops to Gaza.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs
Libya
Saddam Haftar strengthens his hold on House of Representatives
The deputy commander of the Libyan National Army paved the way for the election of a new speaker of the House of Representatives, who is affiliated with him. Now that Aguila Saleh Issa is gone, he can rely on a legislature that is firmly in his hands.
Subscribers only | Politics
Ethiopia
French court rules against video games distributor in Gameloft case
The French games developer’s local partner ran up more than €1m in unpaid fees, partly because of Ethiopia’s foreign-exchange controls.
The ongoing rivalry between the president and his former PM has spread to the security sector. Behind the scenes, the two former allies are attempting to extend their respective influence over the army and the secret services.
Subscribers only | Defence, Politics
West Africa
French defence supplier Sofema seeks new contracts following funding boost
Tshisekedi dispatches delegation to ERG Metalkol site amid looting
The national security council sent a large delegation of senior intelligence and security officials to the site of Metalkol, a subsidiary of the Eurasian Resources Group, in Lualaba province. It was a delicate mission that was not without resistance or incidents.
Australian Milton Dick’s winning African strategy to take over Inter-Parliamentary Union
Roughly 40 of the continent's countries were represented at the gathering of the world’s parliamentarians in Arusha, Tanzania, where they were heavily courted ahead of the vote. The Queensland-born winner left no stone unturned in seeking their support.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs
Congo, Ivory Coast
Golar LNG and Exmar fight it out for floating plant contracts
A newcomer to the small, exclusive circle of companies offering gas solutions to oil companies and gas-consuming countries, Exmar is determined to make its mark in the Ivorian and Congolese offshore sectors, previously dominated by Norway's Golar.
Subscribers only | Energy
Djibouti
Two Russian oil-fleet tankers call at port state
Africa is cementing its status as a leading destination for sanctioned oil. In recent weeks, Djibouti has joined the list of countries to receive tankers linked to Moscow.
Subscribers only | Energy, Commodity Traders
Morocco
Egyptian and European fintechs venture into the kingdom
Despite the difficulties faced by the British financial technology firm Revolut, a handful of start-ups operating in the digital finance sector have been busy in Morocco in recent months with a view to establishing a presence.
From Windhoek to Dar es Salaam, Vitol is changing the rules of fuel-trading game
In recent months, the trader led by Russell Hardy has established itself as the exclusive supplier in several countries in southern and eastern Africa, after they opted to bring petroleum-product imports under government control. Much to the dismay of its competitors and the International Monetary Fund.
Subscribers only | Energy, Commodity Traders
Gabon
Oligui Nguema faces risk of rebellion within PDG
Meeting for a seminar in Libreville, the Parti Démocratique Gabonais came close to openly opposing the head of state's government, but ultimately backed down. Divisions within the former ruling party point to a possible resurgence in the influence of ousted president Ali Bongo.
Subscribers only | Politics
Morocco
Rabat's low-key car industry lobbying in Brussels
Alarmed by a proposed EU regulation that could harm Morocco’s auto sector, industry minister Ryad Mezzour has quietly hired a firm with access to the bloc’s institutions.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs, Transports
The New Guard
Rwanda, Senegal, Cameroon
Rwanda Zhan Beleniuk, key figure of Kyiv’s parliamentary diplomacy in Africa
In the absence of an operational gold refinery, the reallocation of the licences that were revoked in May 2025, and effective control of the border with Mali, legal small-scale mining has virtually ground to a halt. Only industrial mining groups and illegal gold panners continue to thrive.
Subscribers only | Mining
Equatorial Guinea
Malabo’s new legal strategy in ill-gotten gains case
While the French courts still plan to sell Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mangue’s former Paris property this month, the appeals lodged by Malabo are due to be heard in court in January and April.
Subscribers only | Infrastructure, Diplomatic Affairs
South Africa
Entrepreneur Heine van Niekerk increases defence sector influence
Active in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, the South African investor has just bought two companies specialising in armoured vehicles in order to expand his business in the sale of military equipment.
Subscribers only | Defence
Egypt
Government rules out extending European Erasmus+ student programme
New obstacles arise on road to first post-independence elections
Only a scaled-down poll may be possible on 22 December. In addition to security concerns and population displacement, the detention of former vice-president Riek Machar and mounting rivalries among President Salva Kiir’s children add to an already bleak picture.
Bouygues faces headwinds, as Abidjan seeks changes to flagship metro project
The French construction group has spent weeks trying to defuse tensions over demands by infrastructure minister Yacouba Hien Sié to revise the project. With the dispute closely monitored by the Élysée Palace and President Alassane Ouattara, a compromise is emerging ahead of Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to Ivory Coast in March.
The Rwandan president has expressed his displeasure to his Central African counterpart over the partnership launched by Bangui and Kinshasa on defence and intelligence sharing. This leaves Touadéra in a delicate position, given that Kagame has an active military presence on his territory.
Subscribers only | Diplomatic Affairs
Morocco
Rabat leans on business leaders to win over Gen Z
The future of Moroccan youth will be entrepreneurial. That is the underlying message set to emerge from an event scheduled for December at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, with discreet backing from the business community.
Subscribers only | Politics
Burundi
Security services tighten surveillance of M23 network
Fearing infiltration by sympathisers of the rebel movement and its allies, the government has carried out a series of arrests in recent weeks, further heightening political tensions ahead of the May 2027 presidential election.
Subscribers only | Politics
Kenya
Traditional leaders dispute derails opposition's plans
Subscribers only | Politics
In brief
Malawi
Australian firm Globe settles land dispute to pave way for $80m sale to Sinomine
Subscribers only | Mining
Senegal
Seven heads of state expected at Dakar’s Youth Olympic Games
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Africa Intelligence brings you exclusive coverage of the major political, economic and diplomatic issues at stake on the African continent, identifying power players on the rise and low-frequency signals on the horizon. Peruse our daily story summaries to get the scoop on tomorrow's top stories ahead of the crowd.
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