Core Countries and Territories
161 articlesAlgeria's Lower House Votes to Expand Death Penalty to Arson and Child Abduction
On 1 October, Algeria's lower house approved changes that would make deliberate forest and field arson, and child abduction in specified circumstances, punishable by death. The bill still has further legal steps to clear, and the vote does not end the execution moratorium in place since 1993.
Tunisia's Ennahda condemns media curbs on political prisoners
Ennahda says prison authorities have restricted political prisoners' access to independent media as Ahmed Nejib Chebbi begins an open-ended hunger strike. The protest renews calls for prisoners' release and an end to political trials, amid wider debate over press freedom and the 2022 cybercrime decree.
Tunis Talks Connect Italian and Tunisian AI Startups with Energy Efficiency
At the third Innovation Talks in Tunis, Italian and Tunisian startup founders discussed how AI and other technologies could improve industrial monitoring and energy efficiency. The event took place as energy and innovation ties between the two countries continue to grow.
Libya's Teachers Keep Public Schools Shut Over Pay
A teachers' strike has delayed the start of public classes for about 1.6 million students across Libya. Educators want pay aligned with state salary scales, overdue wages, overtime compensation and health coverage.
Tunisia replaces jail terms with fines for first false-news offences
A September 2026 amendment to Tunisia's cybercrime law sets fines of 10,000 to 20,000 dinars for a first covered offence. Repeat violations can still bring prison time and a much higher fine.
Morocco's OAPAM Takes Inclusive Education Agenda to Johannesburg
OAPAM will present Morocco's experience at the Johannesburg conference. Delegates will discuss assistive technology, early intervention and accessible learning materials.
Amnesty links Spain's Pegasus attacks to Morocco's intelligence service
Amnesty says an iMessage account linked to Morocco's Pegasus system was used in the 2021 attacks on Spain's defence and interior ministers. It names the DGST as the end user behind operations against Moroccan and foreign targets, but does not identify an individual perpetrator.
Niger Credits Algeria With Helping It Withstand Pressure
At the UN General Assembly, Niger's prime minister said Algeria had helped Niamey withstand sanctions and outside pressure. The claim comes as Niger, Algeria and Nigeria advance plans for a trans-Saharan gas pipeline.
US report points to Morocco as an investment hub
A 2026 U.S. investment-climate report points to Morocco's trade access, infrastructure and open financial system as draws for foreign capital. It also notes that the country has no screening process for investment in critical industries.
Tunisia's shortages expose the limits of its recovery
Tunisia's economy grew 2.4% in the first half of the year, but shortages of staple foods and bottled water persist. Import and distribution delays, tight public finances, and recurring water and power disruptions continue to strain household supplies.
Morocco's New Coalition Is Unlikely to Shift Israel Ties
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri must build a coalition after PAM won 97 of 395 seats. Morocco's state-level foreign-policy channels make a sharp break with Israel unlikely, even as her government faces pressure over jobs, water and public opposition to closer ties.
Gulf Investors Put More Money into Libya and Algeria
Qatar's $1 billion Libyan oil deal and Gulf-backed projects in Algeria are drawing capital to North Africa's energy sector. Libya's new licensing round offers fresh openings, but political divisions and infrastructure needs remain central to the investment risks.
Tunisia Risks Shortages With New Import Curbs
Kais Saied's order to curb imports comes as Tunisia's trade and energy deficits deepen. Without stronger domestic production, restrictions could push scarcity into informal markets instead of easing the country's dependence on imports.
Morocco positions itself as a Mediterranean clean-tech hub
A European Commission assessment names Morocco's industrial base, port infrastructure and phosphate resources as potential links to European clean-technology supply chains. New AfDB support and planned investments add momentum, but announced funding is not the same as operating capacity.
Morocco's Families Carry the Cost of an Ageing Population
HCP data show that 31% of Morocco's seniors have no income, a share that rises to 51.6% among older women. As the population ages, families are left to cover gaps in pensions and social care, issues that also featured in the 2026 election debate.
Tunisia-Algeria trade climbs 166% to $2.76 billion
Bilateral trade reached around $2.76 billion after rising 166% over five years. A September business mission looked at ways to ease border logistics and build partnerships and joint production.
Algeria's megaprojects face a test beyond construction
Faouzi Djoudi says Algeria's rail, road and logistics projects must link the coast with the interior and the South, while supporting productive hubs and domestic value chains. Recent phosphate and railway projects put that argument to a practical test.
Morocco Moves Toward Israel Embassies Despite Street Protests
Morocco is preparing to exchange ambassadors with Israel and deepen economic ties, even as organizers report protests in at least 45 cities. The move tests Rabat's effort to maintain strategic ties while supporting Palestinians.
Morocco's Argan Oil Market Is Forecast to Grow Through 2035
IndexBox projects Morocco's argan oil market will grow at a 5.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2035, reaching an index of 176 against a 2025 baseline. The forecast depends on sustainable production, reliable provenance and protection of a premium product from adulteration.
Peru backs Morocco on Western Sahara and plans Dakhla consulate
Peru has endorsed Morocco's sovereignty claim over Western Sahara and its Autonomy Initiative, and plans to open a consulate in Dakhla. The proposed mission could also help connect Peruvian products with African markets.
Tripoli forum sets Korea-Libya investment talks in motion
Libyan institutions and Korean companies are due to meet in Tripoli on September 27 and 28. The forum will pair bilateral meetings with talks on investment and joint projects.
Morocco's postcolonial challenge: trusting its own history
Morocco's past draws on Amazigh foundations and Arab-Islamic heritage. The challenge is to recover confidence in that layered identity while resisting new forms of external dependence.
Libya opens doors for foreign companies with new approvals
Libya's Ministry of Economy and Trade has cleared 52 new approvals for foreign companies to start, renew, or change their operations. The move is meant to draw in global investment, bring in new technology, and build stronger economic ties.
Egypt boosts healthcare funding with EGP 108 billion for 2026/27
Egypt will put EGP 108 billion into public healthcare for 2026/27, raising spending by 27% as the government puts health at the center of its national plans.
Morocco's low election turnout shows growing gap between voters and politicians
Turnout in Morocco's 2026 legislative elections dropped to just 38 percent. The numbers reveal a deepening divide between ordinary people and the political class as inflation and joblessness eat away at trust in the system.
Libya sets sights on African halal trade with MIHAS 2026 debut
Libya's first showing at MIHAS 2026 in Kuala Lumpur marks a push to build trade with Malaysia and tap into its halal certification system, aiming to make Libya a key entry point for halal goods into Africa.
Morocco sends officers to Gaza stabilization force in regional first
Morocco has broken ranks by sending senior officers and police to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. This makes it the first Arab state to join the US-backed mission to demilitarize and rebuild the enclave after years of conflict.
Tunisia faces scrutiny over prison deaths during extreme heat
Tunisia's parliament and top rights groups are demanding answers after 23 prisoners died during a brutal heatwave. Overcrowded cells, poor ventilation, and blocked oversight have sparked warnings of a human rights crisis in the country's jails.
Pakistan and Libya pursue deeper partnership in trade and education
Pakistan and Libya are looking to step up cooperation in trade, education, and business. Both governments say dialogue and diplomacy are needed as the region faces new pressures.
Azerbaijan crude oil shipments to Tunisia surge past four hundred thousand tons
Azerbaijan's crude oil exports to Tunisia jumped to 429,376.15 tons from January to August 2026, with shipment values up 2.6 times year-on-year. This trade now makes up nearly 3 percent of Azerbaijan's total oil exports.
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