Archives

The New Guard
Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Morocco

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

Angola Nelito Ekuikui, UNITA's new youth leader

Cameroon Stéphane Tiki, sales rep for French-speaking companies

Ivory Coast Danielle Benoist, Ivorian VP Tiémoko Meyliet Koné's spin doctor

Morocco Loubna Tricha, queen of professional integration

DRC
China's MMG Kinsevere launches arbitration against Gécamines

China Minmetals' DR Congo subsidiary MMG Kinsevere has launched an arbitration procedure in Paris against its partner, Gécamines. It wants $145m from the state-owned company, which it claims is blocking the expansion of its Kinsevere mine.

Nigeria
From banker to governor: Who helped Dauda Lawal take Zamfara?

On 29 May, Dauda Lawal will become the first governor of Zamfara State elected under the banner of the opposition People's Democratic Party. Announced as a surprise rival to incumbent Bello Matawalle, the ex-banker owes his victory in no small part to his myriad good connections.

Guinea
The low-key UN team monitoring the 28 September trial

Guinea's high-profile 28 September trial is coming under increased attention from a number of key UN officials. Behind the scenes, they are keeping an eye on any ethnically motivated statements that could trigger incidents.

Senegal
Presidential candidate Seck hires lobbyist in Washington

Officially, the contract has no direct link to the former Prime Minister's political activities.

Tanzania
President Samia already gearing up for 2025 poll

Samia Suluhu Hassan is laying the campaign groundwork two years before Tanzania goes to the polls to choose its next head of state. She knows she needs time to win over supporters of her two predecessors.

Sudan
Osama Daoud Abdellatif's agricultural empire turns towards the Gulf

The Sudanese conglomerate DAL Group, backed by Emirati funds, is pursuing its investments in pivot-irrigation agriculture in the Sudanese desert. The firm had plans to integrate that development into the container terminal project north of Port Sudan, opposite Saudi Arabia.

Botswana
HB Antwerp diamond deal caught in political crossfire between Masisi and Ian Khama

In Botswana, a diamond partnership between Belgian trader HB Antwerp and state firm ODC has roused the opposition rallied behind former president Ian Khama after President Masisi revealed having been personally involved in the negotiations.

Morocco
Poultry baron Driss Chaouni Benabdallah shores up his position in agriculture

Zalar Holding poultry firm boss Driss Chaouni Benabdallah is extending his agricultural activities via his holding company CB Fruit Group. Since 2017, he's been involved in arboriculture and avocados along with businessman Ali Berbich.

Egypt
French unis and business schools make major moves into Egypt's lucrative private education sector

New educational facilities worth tens of millions of euros are to open in the Egyptian capital. Paris's policy of promoting French language learning is facilitating this move in a growing sector.

Algeria
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's trip to France postponed

Breaking news published on 18/04/23 at 15:40 - The Algerian president's visit to France, originally scheduled for 2 and 3 May, has been postponed until June. The trip has been the subject of negotiations between Paris and Algiers over the past few days.