Joao Lourenco

Angola
Luanda seeks to return to AU Peace and Security Council

President João Lourenço can count on a handful of trusted men and women to support his country's bid to return to one of the most important institutions of the African Union.

Angola
Lebanon's Dar Group wins two major contracts

Despite having no embassy in the country, Lebanon's diaspora is well established in Angola thanks to its long-standing ties with the latter's government.

Madagascar
Reappointment of Ntsay provokes tensions

The announcement of Madagascar's next prime minister, initially scheduled for 2 January, was a little longer coming than expected. But the reappointment of Christian Ntsay has caused some tensions.

Angola
Ambassador-less China keeps close eye on Luanda

With Lourenço ostensibly seeking closer relations with Washington, Beijing has yet to appoint an ambassador in Luanda, six months after the departure of Gong Tao.

Angola
Alrosa stakes indirect claim in SML

The Russian diamond giant will only have indirect shares in the new kimberlite mine in Luele in north-eastern Angola. An unknown Emirati company is its third-biggest shareholder with 19.5%.

Angola
Hilton secures site for first Angola hotel but still faces hurdles

After years of fruitless attempts, the US hotel group Hilton Hotels & Resorts has almost succeeded in penetrating the Angolan market, with the help of an associate of the former ruling dos Santos clan. But obstacles still lie ahead.

Angola
Israel Discount Bank opens line of credit for Mitrelli project

The bank is to finance its first public infrastructure project in Angola, spearheaded by the Israeli conglomerate Mitrelli.

Angola
Angola's first blast furnace gathers steam

With the help of Brazilian specialists, Angola has found a first African buyer for its ground-breaking pig iron production. Discussions are underway with other countries.

Gabon
Dubai to be Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's next international stop-off

Less than three weeks after visiting Saudi Arabia to take [...]

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Lula, Mahamadou Issoufou, Florence Parly

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

Ivory CoastPatrick Achi's final tête-à-tête with Alassane Ouattara?

CongoBrazilian president Lula unable to attend Sassou's environmental summit

NigerMahamadou Issoufou, an uncomfortable presence on International Crisis Group's board of trustees

BeninFrance's ex-armed forces minister visits Cotonou

Angola, Botswana
Luanda seeks to outmanoeuvre Botswana in race for 2025 AU presidency

President João Lourenço is nurturing hopes of beating Botswana to the African Union presidency in 2025 and is already lobbying behind the scenes.

Palace Intrigues
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Brice Oligui Nguema, Tidjane Thiam

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

Republic of Congo French media boss visits Denis Sassou-Nguesso at home

GabonCharles Mba behind Tidjane Thiam's visit to Libreville

GabonGeneral Oligui Nguema's on a mission to woo region's leaders