Weakened by a succession of setbacks against armed groups on the northern border, Benin's armed forces are trying to regain a foothold with the help of private service providers, France and the EU.
Since the Nigerian took charge of the pan-African bank the number of its member states has almost doubled, thanks in large part to his ties to billionaire Aliko Dangote and his fellow development bankers.
Mcebisi Jonas has still not been introduced to the American authorities. The special envoy to the United States is currently content to lobby from afar to push South Africa's proposals to limit the impact of tariff hikes.
The National Ports Agency has already approved four submissions for the concession for the new Casablanca shipyards. No trace of French giant Naval Group at this stage, while Hyundai has done its best to put itself in pole position by teaming up with Moroccan firm Somagec.
Brazil's Embraer had appeared favourite to bag an over $600m deal to supply military transport planes to the Moroccan air force. But the US giant Lockheed Martin is still very much in the running, and is even trying to get the State Department to help it clinch the deal.
In Misrata, Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dabaiba's joint force has established contact with the Azerbaijan Defence Ministry to acquire offensive aircraft. The head of the Government of National Unity may be preparing an operation against hostile militias in Tripoli.