Tunisia

The New Guard
Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Tunisia

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

EthiopiaMahlet Afework, the haute couture entrepreneur who's in fashion

Central African RepublicAnge-Gabriel Patassé, government's trusted commander

TunisiaWael Chouchane wants to reconnect Tunis with the EU

Crippled Union for the Mediterranean seeks resources

The only organisation capable of uniting all the countries of the Mediterranean basin is embarking on a vast reform programme by conducting an upward reassessment of its budget.

BMICE seeks to relaunch Maghreb banking cooperation

Although the Arab Maghreb Union has become obsolete, the Maghreb Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade is trying to lay the groundwork for better integrated regional banking. But the results have been mixed.

Tawfik Jelassi's move to head UNESCO remains a pipe dream

Previously considered a serious candidate to succeed Audrey Azoulay, envisaged in november, the former Tunisian minister for higher education was not supported in the end by his country, who chose instead to endorse Egypt's candidate.

Investigation into Lotfi Bel Hadj and Nabil Karoui creeps forward

While UReputation has recently been back in the news with revelations about Paris Saint-Germain's "digital army", its former technical director is under investigation in Tunis.

Slaheddine Lahmar's Socotu hard hit by Tunisian port woes

With Tunisia's port infrastructure slipping down the world rankings year on year, the country's leading logistics company is having to sell off a major asset.

Internal warfare kicks off at the country's largest trade union

Faced with a growing wave of in-house disagreement, Noureddine Taboubi, Secretary General of the UGTT, is clinging to power.

Ennahdha's financial arm shut down

Launched when the main Islamist movement was in power, Namaa Tunisie is no more. Almost the entire party's staff is now behind bars.

Macron seeks new Mediterranean ambassador

After five years marked by successive crises with the Maghreb countries, Karim Amellal is preparing to step down as ambassador and interministerial delegate for the Mediterranean.

Judges investigate Makram Jelassi, ex-Justice Minister adviser

Longtime confidant of Leïla Jaffel, the magistrate is suspected of setting up an extortion scheme to help prominent figures flee the country.

Construction group SNC-Lavalin completes withdrawal from North Africa

AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin) is ending its activities in the Maghreb. The Canadian group has been hit by a number of corruption scandals, particularly in Tunisia and Libya.

Business tycoon Fathi Neifar seeks respite in Dubai

Head of a major conglomerate with businesses in the hotel, construction and real estate industries, Neifar has packed his bags for the UAE at a time when Tunisian courts are looking into some of his financial operations.

Minister Mustapha Ferjani's grand plans for public healthcare

Some observers viewed Ferjani's appointment as health minister last August as a reflection of tensions with the president, of whom he had been a trusted ally until then. But his star is now once again on the rise at the Carthage Palace.

Intelligence head General Habib Dhif's retirement put on hold

The National Intelligence, Security and Defence Agency is struggling to find its new boss. One name however is emerging from behind the scenes: Brigadier General Salah Ben Abdessalem.