Perenco in Gabon's offshore black box

With its nearly 25 million barrels of reserve a mystery field that is not on any map of Gabon's offshore blocks, has caught the attention of the family French-British firm Perenco. In turn dubbed Roussette, Espadon, then finally Sardine, this [...]

[Africa's behind-the-scenes international business barons] 4/4 - Gagan Gupta, Ali Bongo's favourite Indian tycoon

3/4 - The Asian business interests of South Sudan's presidential family

Salva Kiir, the president of South Sudan since its independence in 2011, has also been presiding, though more discreetly, over one of leading family consortiums in this fledgling country. Many members of his family are active in business, often in partnership with Asian companies. [...]

2/4 - Limam Chafi, Boni Yayi and Adam Toure, the African emissaries working for rival Gulf brothers

The cold war triggered between Qatar and Saudi Arabia a year ago has had a ripple effect across Africa, where each oil monarch wants to rally as many supporters to his side as possible. [...]

American lawyers drive surge in class actions against miners on continent

In the space of a few weeks both copper giant Glencore and gold miner Sibanye-Stillwater have found themselves each facing a class action in the United States. [...]

The crucial role of the Afars in peace in the Horn

Ethiopia's race towards the Red Sea is under way, but the landlocked country can only access the ports via Afar territories. The Afars therefore find themselves at the centre of negotiations between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Djibouti. [...]

LAIP wins its case against CMS in London

Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP or LAP), a subsidiary of the sovereign fund, the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA), won its legal battle against Catalyst Management Services (CMS) before a London appeal court on July 18. [...]

The EU backs Mogadishu despite its own parliament's misgivings

Brussels boosts aid to Somalia while turning a blind eye to Farmajo's shortcomings… [...]

Bouteflika rearms anti-corruption office

The reform of the Office Centrale de Repression de la Corruption (OCRC), announced by justice minister Tayeb Louh on July [...]

EU offers miners support on chain supply transparency

The European Union (EU) has stepped up to help suppliers of minerals sourced in conflict areas meet their due diligence [...]

Will Ouattara manage to shut out his ‘friend' Bedie by 2020?

What is the DOJ hoping to find in Glencore's archives?

In early July, the US Department of Justice requested Glencore to provide internal documents about some of its Nigerian operations. [...]

Museveni on the warpath against the NRM's private supporters

Ugandan oligarchs with ties to the government are in the firing line of the president, who has accused them of serving foreign business interests. [...]

Ali Fassi-Fihri takes on Al Mada electricity brief

After having been sacked in October following a "royal rage" over delays on ONEE (national electricity and drinking water office) projects in Al Hoceima (MC 1252), former ONEE boss Ali Fassi-Fihri has made a quick return to favour with… Mohammed [...]

Discovery Capital seeks gold for Kopore copper

The junior Kopore Metals, which explores for copper in the Kalahari, is being helped by Discovery Capital to look for funds. [...]

Moscow sets its sights on the gold and diamonds

Having arrived amid great fanfare in Bangui to train the country's army, the Russians are being more discreet about their mining ambitions. An exclusive investigation. [...]

Oando tries tostay unscathed in Tinubu-Volpi scuffle

Paradox: although it has not part of the battle, it is Nigerian oil group Oando that was forced to respond [...]

Abdul Mwassera, Ruto's coastal ace up the sleeve

The discreet Secretary for Coordination and Operations in the office of the deputy president (DP) William Ruto does much more [...]

Mark Connelly gives his credentials to Khemisset potash

Australian expert Mark Connelly, a veteran in African mining, has been named chairman of British junior Emmerson, which recently picked [...]

Paul Atanga Nji still at the service of Biya

Despite not obtaining the defence portfolio during the government reshuffle in March, the minister for territorial administration, Paul Atanga Nji, [...]