North Africa
What a Start!
The year 2009 was such a dismal year that many people questioned how worst it can get. In asking this question, there was an assumption that things are going to get better as we enter 2010. Three months into the new year and we are already seeing signs of stress everywhere, and North Africa is not spared from this movement.
Dubai’s Illusive Dream and Impact on North Africa: Seeing through the Arabian Mirage
Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi once said “a country is never as poor as when it seems filled with riches,” and that may be very true for Dubai....
Head of Algerian Police Killed by Officer, New Chief Appointed
Long-serving Algerian national police chief, Ali Tounsi was shot dead on February 25, 2010 by a senior police officer....
Where to Invest in the Moroccan Economy
Although 2009 was a difficult year for those looking to place their money in Moroccan general investment and in equities in particular, 2010 may not bring immediate relief either, but opportunities could be up for grabs....
General Larbi Belkheir Dies
The End of an Era: Algerian army General Larbi Belkheir, a figure that has been largely insignificant in today’s Algerian politics, died on January 25, 2010 at the age of 72. Belkheir has been a central figure in the Algerian ruling system in the past, though his activities and exact role are shrouded in mystery. ...
A Nuclear North Africa
Oil and gas remain critical sources of power and energy for North African nations. In the medium term, hydrocarbons will remain the predominant sources of energy, whether it is for the OPEC countries of Algeria and Libya or the less-oil-endowed nations of Tunisia and Morocco. But in the longer term, the nuclear option appears interesting to all as oil reserves are depleted and securing new sources of energy is a strategic priority. ...
The Big Jelly Ball of Global Insecurity: Terrorism is now a Permanent Fixture
The recent attempt by a young Nigerian man to down a US airliner brought back the topic of terrorism on the front pages of newspapers around the world. While the attempt failed given the fast reaction of passengers, as well as the poor execution of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the alleged terrorist, the impact has been important; the visibility of Al-Qaeda and global terrorism has increased considerably as a result. Although no one was harmed, Al-Qaeda managed a good media coup whether it directly planned it or not. The would-be terrorist has also prompted a lot of attention on Yemen, its poverty, mismanagement and potential to become a new haven for international terrorism in a manner similar to Afghanistan or even Somalia. ...
Capturing Business Opportunities in North Africa While Avoiding Risk
The North Africa Journal is pleased to provide a free presentation on how to capture business opportunities in North Africa while avoiding risk....
Irrational Behavior
I certainly don’t want to minimize the difficulty facing the Algerians and Egyptians as they dance around the crisis that came out of a football match this week. But I predict that it will soon be water under the bridge. ...
Spain Coming Opportunity for Leadership in the Mediterranean
Owing to booming oil revenues and aggressive sovereign wealth funds, rich Gulf countries have been leading the way as foreign investors in North Africa since 2003, as well as in the southern Mediterranean zone, displacing western investors. But the ongoing global economic crisis appears to be reshuffling the cards once again. The southern Med (SoMed) region is also hit by the financial turmoil that started in the US market. As such, foreign direct investments (FDI) moving into SoMed dropped by an estimated 40% in 2008 in value terms to settle at €35.5 billion, according to ANIMA Investment Network....
Microsoft's North Africa Opportunity and Challenge
With shrinking computer sales, the engine of Microsoft (MS) revenue with operating system sales, every penny counts no matter where it comes from. Software giant Microsoft is expanded its focus on the North Africa region seeking to up its revenue from that emerging market. But although the Maghreb is a region full of opportunities, in particular as Microsoft begins to push for its latest operating system Windows 7, the company is facing a set of challenges, from convincing North Africans to upgrade, to actually making a dent on piracy, and competing against open source software....Unions Pressure Belgian Government to Allow Arms Export to Libya
This is rather ironic that a labor union would be used to pressure a government to give a company license to export arms....Globalization and Libya's Invesments: Not Always a Safe Bet
Briefs: Libya may be wanting to reintegrate the global community, but it needs to watch out for the mine fields out there....
Emirates Telecommunications Has Funds for Meditel Buyout
Emirates Telecommunications (Etisalat) recently announced that it has enough funds to acquire Morocco's second-largest carrier Meditel, citing bankers close to the deal. Other bidders include companies like Oger Telecom, controlled by the Saudi Oger Group, Qatar Telecommunications (Qtel). According to Reuters, confirmed bids are due by September 14. A decision should be known at the end of September. ...
No Smoking Gun in the Megrahi Release, But Big Projects in Libya Await British Companies
Despite arguments that the release of Al Megrahi was not motivated by economic gains, it is hard to believe that UK companies may not fully benefit from it, even if there is no paper trail on a deal between the UK and Libya. Ask British executive working in Libya and you will find an interesting consensus. British businesses have themselves made public statements that the release has removed “the last remaining obstacle to the Libyan market opening up to British firms,” according to a British construction industry publication (Building). ...
Global Economic Contraction and Impact on Morocco: The Good and the Bad
While many sectors of the Moroccan economy are struggling to cope with the reality of the global economic meltdown, ......
Uncompetitive Moroccan Travel Industry
For millions of people, the months of April through June are travel planning period. In particular for the diasporas that is looking to go back home to North Africa during the summer season, but also for foreign tourists as well. This latter category is a critical target for the Moroccan tourism industry, which is apparently finding difficulties offering competitive prices in a highly budget-sensitive period....
Inside Bouteflika's Presidential Election Resources
The North Africa Journal : As expected, Abdelaziz Bouteflika won a third presidential mandate following a campaign that was unchallenged and underwhelming. ...
Avoiding Risk and Finding Opportunities on the Casablanca Stock Exchange in 2009
The North Africa Journal: The Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) started the year 2009 on a volatile path and with no clear orientation. In this context, analysts recommend investors to adopt a selective strategy offering low risk in an uncertain market. ...
A Troubled Bluefin Tuna in North Africa
The stocks of bluefin tuna along the southern shores of the Mediterranean coast are quickly depleting. This is also the case in the entire Mediterranean Sea, not just the souther rim. Over fishing and capture practices that some qualify as savage hunting are all leading to the fast disappearance of tuna stocks in the region. Of a particular worry is the aggressive stance of industrial fishing fleets that do not hesitate to seek and capture tuna even in the reproductive zone of the Gulf of Syrte, offshore Libya. Because of the profitable nature of this activity, fraud and lack of transparency are paramount, while the canning industry in the region is facing its own troubles. ...
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