Stories that Matter | March 2025

North Africa

Algeria, Libya and Tunisia are One Step Away from Electrical Interconnection
Achieving electrical interconnection is the objective that Algeria, Libya and Tunisia have set themselves to provide better guarantees for their citizens, especially in the summer months when peaks in energy use generate long blackouts.

Even though Algeria’s electrical capacity is much higher than that of Libya and Tunisia, the interconnection project could, on the one hand, increase their energy dependence on Algeria; and, on the other hand, it would represent a factor of pressure in relation to external affairs, both Tunisian and Libyan. Furthermore, Algeria’s strong position could impose energy policies and condition supply according to its interests.

Sonelgaz Group recently established a new roadmap with the aim of achieving a reliable electrical interconnection with Tunisia and Libya, in what would be its most ambitious project since it was founded in 1969.

In the words of the Director of Studies, Habib Mohamed El Akhdar, talks are ongoing and firm agreements will soon be reached to initiate the studies necessary to make the plan a reality.

He also emphasised that Sonelgaz’s development plan also focuses on international expansion, specifically to the North African region and neighbouring countries. He confirmed that the company has the capacity to support a significant portion of ECOWAS member countries in the electricity sector.

Source: Atalayar

Egypt

Egypt Signs USD 7 Billion Hydrocarbon Facility Agreement
The Egyptian government and Shard Capital Partners have entered into an agreement to construct a petrochemical processing facility.

The facility is to be constructed in an industrial district in the city of New Alamein, on Egypt’s north coast. An estimated 20,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase for the site, which once operational should result in 3,000 permanent positions, employing the latest technology to produce 3.1 million tons of crude-oil-derived products per year.

Shard Capital Partners capital markets adviser Bill Blain said in a statement: “Signing this agreement marks a historic milestone for Shard Capital and reflects our deep commitment to advancing Egypt’s petrochemical sector. We are proud to be part of this critical project that will revolutionise the industry by leveraging cutting-edge American and European technologies to ensure maximum efficiency in converting raw materials into specialised petrochemicals while delivering exceptional returns for both the complex and Egypt.”

Yasser Hashem, name and managing partner of Shard Capital’s legal representative Zaki Hashem added: “We are honoured to have played a significant part in Shard Capital Partners’ transformative venture. This project represents a key milestone not only for Shard but also for Egypt’s economic future.”

Source: African Law & Business

Ethiopia

Ethiopia Set to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 68.8 Percent By 2030
Ethiopia has set an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68.8 percent by 2030, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa recently said.

Speaking at a consultative meeting on the private sector’s role in climate change solutions and the green development agenda, Assefa said Ethiopia is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 68.8 per cent by 2030 as part of an effort to implement its climate resilience strategy, the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation reported. She said Ethiopia has integrated climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into key sectors, including agriculture, energy, industry, transport, and urban development, Xinhua news agency reported.

Assefa highlighted that Ethiopia aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Source: ET Energyworld

Malawi

Global Firms Target Malawi’s USD 30 Billion Mineral Boom
Malawi could generate up to USD 30 billion from mineral exports between 2026 and 2040, with annual revenues expected to hit USD 3 billion by 2034, according to the World Bank. The financial institution projects the sector to account for 12 percent of the country’s GDP by 2027, driven by new projects and the expansion of existing production initiatives.

As prospects within Malawi’s mining industry continue to grow, the upcoming African Mining Week in Cape Town will serve as a key platform to connect Malawian stakeholders, regulators and global investors, driving investment inflows and fostering strategic collaborations to accelerate sectoral development.

Malawi has recorded several industry growth milestones in 2025, with global partners expediting exploration and production projects in line with the country’s Agriculture, Tourism and Mining Strategy, designed to attract new investments for economic growth.

Source: Financial Fortune

Morocco

Morocco to Invest USD 1.5 Billion in Expanding Its Largest Airport Ahead of 2030 World Cup
Morocco plans to invest USD 1.55 billion in constructing a new terminal at Casablanca’s largest airport, aiming to triple passenger capacity ahead of the country’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the airports authority announced.

Designed as a key African hub, the terminal will be integrated with a high-speed rail network connecting Kenitra to Marrakech, according to a statement from the airport’s authority ONDA. The rail project, however, is a separate initiative that has already been unveiled, Reuters reported.
Morocco is laying the groundwork for ambitious infrastructure upgrades, including air, road, and rail projects, to support its 2030 World Cup co-hosting duties.

The expansion of Casablanca Airport is a key component of Morocco’s strategy to double its total airport capacity to 78 million passengers, ensuring the country is equipped to handle increasing traffic in the lead-up to the tournament.

According to the airport’s authority ONDA, Casablanca Airport’s capacity will increase from the current 10.5 million passengers to 35 million by 2029.

Morocco welcomed a record 17.4 million visitors last year, marking a 20 percent increase from the previous year, and aims to attract 26 million tourists by 2030. Meanwhile, Moroccan airline RAM plans to expand its fleet fourfold to 200 aircraft by 2037.

Source: Business Insider Africa

Nigeria

Nigeria, Brazil Sign USD 8 Billion Green Initiative Partnership
Nigeria and Brazil have officially launched the commercial phase of the USD 1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP), a major initiative to improve agriculture and attract private investment. The project is part of a larger USD 8 billion plan to modernise Nigeria’s farming sector.

As Africa’s largest agricultural project, GIP focuses on sustainable, low-carbon farming and aims to create the right conditions for increased food production in Nigeria, making it more efficient and competitive.

The MoU details reveal that the USD 1.1 billion first phase of the GIP was signed in 2018, while the USD 4.3 billion second phase and the USD 2.5 billion JBS agreement were signed in Brazil last year during President Bola Tinubu’s visit.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), stated that Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the signing of the commercial phase of GIP 1 as a key step in President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food security in Nigeria.

Source: Business Day

Tanzania

Tanzania Registers Over 2,000 Investment Projects worth TZS 67 Trillion In Four Years
The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) has recorded 2,099 investment projects valued at TZS 67 trillion (approx. USD 25.7 billion) over the past four years under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

This progress was highlighted by the Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, during a press briefing in the Coast Region.

Mr Msigwa revealed that 1,982 of these projects have already commenced operations, contributing significantly to Tanzania’s industrial growth.

He noted that from March 2021 to February 2025, investment levels reached new heights, with the manufacturing sector taking the lead.

“The data clearly shows a consistent rise in industrial establishments each year. This positive trend affirms that Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda under President Samia’s leadership is on the right track,” he stated.

Mr. Msigwa stated that the manufacturing sector holds the largest share of registered investments, with 951 projects valued at Sh27 trillion recorded between March 2021 and February 2025. This sector alone is expected to create 124,339 jobs, contributing to a total of 539,488 job opportunities across all projects.

Source: The Citizen

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Reports

Economic Report on Africa 2025 | UN Economic Commission for Africa
Africa stands at a critical juncture in its development, with immense potential driven by a youthful population, rich natural resources, and expanding consumer markets. However, while economic growth has rebounded post-pandemic, it remains below pre-pandemic levels, limiting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, presents a transformative opportunity to accelerate trade-led integration and drive inclusive, sustainable development. The Economic Report on Africa 2025 (ERA 2025) examines AfCFTA’s implementation, highlighting achievements, challenges, and its potential to reshape Africa’s economic landscape. The report underscores AfCFTA’s role in addressing key challenges such as energy access, food security, industrialisation, and digital trade.

By fostering intra-African trade, the agreement can reduce commodity dependence, boost manufacturing, and strengthen Africa’s position in global value chains. Additionally, AfCFTA enhances Africa’s resilience amid global economic fragmentation by deepening regional integration and strengthening trade ties with emerging markets. To fully realise AfCFTA’s potential, Africa must undertake strategic investments, implement well-coordinated policies, and pursue structural reforms. If effectively executed, AfCFTA could significantly enhance trade, drive economic diversification, and position Africa as a global growth hub, contributing to the vision of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

Click here to read and download the full report.

Africa Capital Report | Stears
Private capital in Africa stands at a pivotal moment. The macroeconomic landscape is evolving, investor sentiment is shifting, and the very nature of risk is being redefined. Yet, one truth endures—Africa’s markets remain dynamic, essential, and brimming with potential that cannot be overlooked.

In 2024, we saw capital move in new directions. Debt and structured financing became a more prominent feature of the landscape. Southern and East Africa continued to lead in deal volume, but new energy and infrastructure plays in West Africa started changing the balance. Meanwhile, private investors are navigating a more complex environment, balancing opportunity with currency risks, regulatory uncertainties, and the sheer unpredictability of global markets

This report is crafted to analyse macroeconomic conditions, policy shifts, and long-term trends, offering investors valuable insights into Africa’s evolving private capital landscape. By examining these dynamics, the report provides a clear understanding of the investment opportunities and risks unique to each country, equipping investors with the tools to make informed decisions. This report is based on rigorous economic analysis, proprietary investment data, and insights gathered through extensive engagement with key economic and investment stakeholders across Africa.

Click here to read and download the full report.

Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics | Africa Development Bank
Over the next three decades, Africa’s urban population will experience rapid growth, doubling the number of people living in cities. According to data from Africapolis, by 2050, the continent’s urban population will have grown from 704 million to 1.4 billion, and 2 out of 3 Africans will live in an urban area. As urban agglomerations expand, the demand for land, housing, infrastructure, and services will increase rapidly.

With the right urban planning, governance and investment strategies, Africa’s cities can become hubs of growth, innovation and opportunity. This report provides the most comprehensive view, to date, of Africa’s future urbanisation dynamics. It will support a comprehensive agenda for policymakers, governments, development partners and international stakeholders. By planning now, Africa can manage its urban growth in ways that promote sustainability, inclusivity and resilience, setting the stage for a prosperous urban future.

Click here to read and download the full report.

Reuse in the Global South| Ellen MacArthur Foundation, WWF
Reusable packaging is critical to tackling plastic pollution while reducing other environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. Previous Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports, such as Unlocking a Reuse Revolution, Upstream Innovation, and Reuse–Rethinking Packaging provided a clear rationale for the adoption of reusable packaging business models as part of a circular economy.

This report, written in partnership with WWF, focuses on reuse in the Global South. Filled with case studies from innovative companies, it demonstrates the myriad economic and social benefits of reuse systems, as well as the positive environmental impact. The Global South’s established reuse systems offer proven foundations for circular solutions.

By building on this practical expertise rather than adopting single-use models, we can accelerate the transition to a circular economy and avoid increased waste and pollution. Scaling reuse systems demands coordinated action across the value chain. This report shows how businesses, policymakers, and the informal sector, can collaborate to create the enabling conditions for reuse to thrive at scale.

Click here to read and download the full report.