North Africa
30 articles
Morocco's Next Government Faces a Test of Public Trust
After the 2026 election, King Mohammed VI asked Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri to form Morocco's next government, the first time a woman has received that mission. Coalition talks and low turnout have sharpened the test: turning political promises into jobs and better services, and rebuilding public trust.
Rubicon Water picked for Morocco canal upgrade
Rubicon Water has been chosen to supply canal-control technology for a proposed upgrade to Morocco's Béni Moussa irrigation scheme. Its proposed contribution is worth about A$12 million, but the award is not yet a signed contract and remains subject to a 15-day appeal period.
Tunisia's gender gap persists despite gains in education and health
Tunisia scored 65% and ranked 125th among 145 economies in the World Economic Forum's 2026 Global Gender Gap Index. Near-parity in education and health sits alongside persistent gaps in employment, income and political representation.
Morocco rises seven places in the 2026 WEF tourism index
Morocco scored 3.84 out of 7 in the World Economic Forum's 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, rising seven places to 70th among 110 economies. Its gain outpaced the global and Middle East and North Africa averages. The index tracks conditions for sustainable tourism development, not visitor numbers or tourism revenue.
Rubicon Water Picked for Morocco Canal Upgrade With A$12 Million Technology Share
A joint-venture bid has been selected for work on the Béni Moussa irrigation network in Morocco's Tadla region. Rubicon Water's proposed technology share is estimated at about A$12 million, but the contract remains unsigned and formal execution is expected only after the 15-day appeal period.
Morocco's PJD Turns Israel Ties Into a Political Weapon
Morocco's PJD won 54 seats, up from 13, after campaigning against renewed ties with Israel. The Interior Ministry confirmed the result, but the king retains decisive authority over foreign policy.
Algeria faces volatile costs as prebiotic sugar imports surge
Algeria's prebiotic sugar market is growing fast, but heavy import dependence leaves it exposed to global price swings and supply chain risks.
Hyundai electric buses to hit Marrakech streets in major transit shift
Fifteen Hyundai Elec City electric buses are coming to Marrakech through a KOICA-led project, marking the first South Korean electric buses in Morocco and backing the country's push to cut emissions.
Tunisian authorities extend detention of Gaza flotilla activists amid protests
Tunisian courts have prolonged the pre-trial detention of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists, intensifying public demonstrations and raising fears over the use of financial crime laws to suppress pro-Palestinian solidarity and independent civic action.
Algeria sees record tourism boost after targeted visa changes
Algeria's tourism sector is seeing rapid growth, with 3.5 million visitors in 2024 after new visa rules for organized tours and expanded air routes. The country is emerging as a major North African destination.
Morocco receives six new AH-64E Apache helicopters in major fleet boost
Morocco's Royal Armed Forces have taken delivery of six additional AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing, raising their fleet to 18 and reinforcing the country's border security and tactical capabilities amid a $4.25 billion acquisition plan.
Tunisia sets its sights on electric mobility leadership in North Africa
Tunisia is moving to redefine its role in the automotive sector by targeting electric mobility and innovation, seeking to offer Europe a sustainable alternative to China and showcase its manufacturing capabilities beyond traditional components.
Tunisia targets drug trafficking networks with overhaul of narcotics law
Tunisia is preparing a sweeping revision of its 1992 narcotics law to counter the rapid evolution of drug trafficking networks, as seizures of cocaine and synthetic tablets reach record highs and cross-border smuggling routes adapt to new technologies.
Tunisia's trade deficit hits record high as energy imports surge
Tunisia's trade deficit reached TND 17.85 billion by August 2026, driven by rising energy and raw material imports that have outstripped export growth. The widening gap is putting new strain on the country's external finances.
Flash Floods Overwhelm Azilal as Morocco Faces Escalating Weather Threat
Violent flash floods have struck Morocco's Azilal region with little warning, destroying homes and businesses as outdated infrastructure fails to withstand extreme weather. The crisis exposes the vulnerability of mountain settlements and the urgent need for climate adaptation.
Tunisia rises in global investment rankings but still trails regional peers
Tunisia has moved up twelve places to 105th in the 2026 Global Attractiveness Index, showing some improvement but still falling behind North African neighbors like Morocco and Algeria. The country is still rated as medium-low in its ability to attract investment and talent.
Algeria accelerates English in schools as French legacy faces sharp rollback
Algeria is fast-tracking English as the primary foreign language in its schools, sidelining French and igniting fierce debate over national identity, teacher readiness, and the country's unresolved colonial legacy. The move signals a calculated break from France amid ongoing diplomatic friction.
North Africa Bank to enable direct Alipay payments from Libya to China
Libya's North Africa Bank is set to launch a direct payment service to China via Alipay, allowing Libyan account holders to make mobile transactions for Chinese goods and services. The move signals a new phase in Libya's financial connectivity with Asia.
Indian Exporters Target New Sectors in Algeria as Trade Diversifies
Indian exports to Algeria are rapidly expanding beyond traditional goods, with engineering, pharmaceuticals, and agri-food products now leading the charge. This shift is opening new commercial opportunities for Indian businesses seeking a foothold in North Africa's evolving markets.
Moroccan Startup One Med Link Targets Hospital Data Bottlenecks with AI Platform
One Med Link is rolling out an AI-powered platform designed to streamline clinical workflows and structure health data in Moroccan hospitals, aiming to address inefficiencies and underrepresentation of African data in global medical research.
Russia's Rosgeologia Launches Groundwater Search in Libya's Sahara
Russia's state geological firm Rosgeologia has begun exploring for deep underground water in Libya's Sahara Desert, aiming to identify new aquifers to support Libya's fragile water infrastructure amid ongoing supply disruptions.
Algeria U21 Wins Gold at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games
Algeria's U21 football team secured gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Tunisia 2-0, capping an undefeated run. The result highlights a new generation of Algerian talent with implications for future national squads.
Algeria Deploys Additional Civil Protection Forces to Contain Wildfires
Algeria's Civil Protection has reinforced its teams and resources to combat ongoing wildfires, particularly in eastern wilayas, resulting in a marked improvement in containment by the end of the day.
Oil Prices Fall Back as Brent and WTI Head for Weekly Losses
Oil prices declined on Friday, 28 August 2026, erasing part of the previous session's gains. Both Brent and WTI benchmarks are set to close the week lower, reflecting ongoing volatility and concerns over global demand.
Algeria Commits to Reforestation After Jijel Wildfires Stabilise
Following days of intense wildfires in Jijel, Algeria's government has declared the situation stable and pledged a large-scale reforestation effort to restore devastated mountain forests, signalling a shift from emergency response to ecological recovery.
Algeria Battles 43 Active Wildfires Across 14 Provinces as Heat Intensifies
Algeria's civil protection teams are fighting 43 active wildfires across 14 wilayas, with Jijel, Béjaïa, and Tizi Ouzou among the hardest hit. The crisis highlights mounting pressure on vegetation and the need for rapid response as climate risks grow.
Zliten Launches EU-Backed Fish Market and Laboratory to Boost Fisheries
Zliten has inaugurated a new fish market and experimental laboratory, part of the EU's REBUILD programme, aiming to modernise Libya's fisheries sector, strengthen supply chains, and support economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons.
Algerian Security Forces Dismantle Major Transnational Drug Network
Algerian authorities have dismantled a transnational narcotics network, seizing drugs and assets valued at nearly 1,000 billion centimes. The operation highlights the scale of cross-border criminal logistics and regional security risks.
Algeria Launches First International Rock Art Festival in Djanet
Algeria will host its inaugural International Festival of Rock Art in Djanet from 19 to 24 October, aiming to highlight the significance of Tassili N'Ajjer's prehistoric heritage and strengthen national efforts in preservation and sustainable tourism.
Algeria Faces Heightened Risk of Extreme Weather After Record Heat
Unprecedented marine heat along Algeria's Mediterranean coast has driven record-breaking temperatures and now threatens to trigger severe storms and flash floods as autumn approaches, raising urgent concerns for infrastructure and public health.