Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco
King's digital darling, Zaki Narjisse, pursues breakthrough in tech

Netopia Solutions has just acquired local firm Harmony Technology, notably with the aim of taking advantage of the consulting firm's particularly extensive client portfolio.

Ivory Coast
Alassane Ouattara's security apparatus undergoing reorganisation

From the Ministry of Defence to the general staffs of the army and the gendarmerie, discussions are underway to appoint the key figures in the president's security apparatus.

Morocco
Luxury French caterer Potel et Chabot sets up shop in Casablanca

The high-end caterer, part of the Accor group, is setting up in Morocco with its subsidiary Potel et Chabot Maroc, notably to launch its business during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco
5G coverage for AFCON 2025 will be shared between four major manufacturers

Although the national telecoms agency has yet to allocate 5G licences across the whole country, it has nevertheless decided to open the market for coverage of stadiums and their surrounding areas for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco
Royal palace "favourite geek" Zaki Narjisse's lucrative deals

While his company Netopia Solutions is developing the application that will enable Moroccans to purchase tickets for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in the country, the Moroccan businessman has seen his reputation tarnished by bad publicity.

Morocco
To gear up for its return, Uber is counting on its long-standing lobbyist

The American transport giant has once again turned to the Public Affairs and Services agency and its director, Hatim Benjelloun, to set up in Morocco once more.

Morocco
Uber will have to wait patiently to return to the kingdom

The US transportation services giant had hoped to gradually build up its business on its return to Morocco, particularly ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. But, the latest talks between the group and national and local authorities suggest that this may be put off until March 2026.

Kenya
Ruto turns to little-known Linzi FinCo to raise funds for AFCON 2027 stadium

Already involved in the country's affordable housing policy, the Liaison Group subsidiary, which has close links with the executive, has been put in charge of completing the financing of the future Nairobi sports arena.

Cameroon
Sports minister plays for time in stadium dispute with Canada's Magil Construction

Narcisse Mouelle Kombi has sought to escape new arbitration proceedings brought before the International Chamber of Commerce by builder Magil. His request however has fallen on deaf ears.

Cameroon
First Lady Chantal Biya's son Franck becomes director at Tradex subsidiaries

Franck Hertz has just joined the boards of Tradex Equatorial Guinea and Tradex DRC. His main backer is Nathalie Moudiki, recently appointed inspector general of the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures.

Morocco
MP delegation expected in Paris to talk football World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations

A Moroccan permanent delegation is expected in Paris from 25 to 28 May with a view to preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the FIFA men's World Cup in 2030.

Gabon
Panthers risk FIFA sanctions for failing to settle ex-manager's salary arrears

The affair may threaten their chances of qualifying for the next World Cup.

Central African Republic
Sports Minister Doneng loses power struggle with football federation

Héritier Doneng, who is close to Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, pulled a media stunt by trying to impose Rigobert Song as the national football team coach. But he was forced to back down after the country's soccer federation and FIFA opposed the move.

Palace Intrigues
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Guillaume Soro, Alassane Ouattara

Intrigues big and small – every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

Ivory CoastGuillaume Soro's old acquaintances in Gabon

GabonNguema kept in dark about World Bank arrears

SomaliaRabat mediates to keep coach Rachid Loustèque onside

Ivory Coast
Abidjan to acquire three Thales military radars

The Ivorian army is due to take delivery of a first Ground Master 200 radar by March. Abidjan plans to order three in total from the French group.

Morocco
Behind the setting-up of FIFA's new North and West Africa hub

FIFA's new Africa office will open in September in Salé, near Rabat. The kingdom is fully supporting it.