The African Continent - 13 February 2026

This daily brief provides a concise, intelligence-driven overview of key political, security, energy, and economic developments shaping the regional and international landscape. It synthesizes verified reporting and strategic signals to highlight emerging trends, policy shifts, and risk indicators relevant to decision-makers, analysts, and stakeholders. The brief is designed for rapid consumption while preserving analytical depth, enabling timely situational awareness and informed assessment of evolving dynamics.

SOMALIA

• The African Union reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity, and Somalia won a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term. The decision was announced by African Union bodies in Addis Ababa.

• President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received a United Kingdom delegation in Mogadishu. The meeting discussed political and security cooperation.

• Egypt and Türkiye took steps to increase their military presence in Somalia. The move aims to strengthen the security structure in Mogadishu.

EGYPT

• The Egyptian government announced a plan to reduce public debt and confirmed that the economic reform program will continue. The statement was made by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

• Egypt and the European Union signed a €124 million agreement to modernize the electricity grid and develop green ammonia production. The agreement aims to strengthen Egypt’s energy infrastructure.

• Shell Egypt launched its 2026 natural gas drilling program using the Stena IceMAX and Al Watan vessels. The operation is being conducted in the Mediterranean.

• Egypt and Eni agreed to connect the Kronos field in Cyprus to Egyptian infrastructure. The project aims to enhance regional gas integration.

• Alexandria Port and “Ports” company signed a strategic partnership agreement to modernize port operations and increase capacity. The agreement focuses on Egypt’s port infrastructure.

ALGERIA

• Algeria and Niger fully normalized diplomatic relations with the return of their respective ambassadors. The process was confirmed by both governments.

• President Abdelmadjid Tebboune dismissed Tiaret Governor Said Khalil. The decision was taken within the framework of internal administrative measures.

• The Algerian government accelerated investments in a green hydrogen corridor extending toward Europe. The project aims to strengthen energy supply security.

• Sonatrach and the Burkina Faso Hydrocarbons Company held a strategic energy coordination meeting in Ouagadougou. The talks focused on petroleum product supply and cooperation.

MOROCCO

• The IMF projected Morocco’s economy to grow by 4.9% in 2026. The forecast was announced in an official report.

• Morocco was elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council. The election took place in Addis Ababa.

• Maroc Telecom increased its 2025 net profit to 6.97 billion dirhams ($760 million), marking a 288% rise compared to the previous year. The increase was largely due to the low base effect created by the 6.37 billion dirham payment to Wana in 2024 over a local-loop unbundling dispute.

• Germany and Morocco launched a strategic energy project to transmit clean electricity across the Atlantic. The initiative was announced by both governments.

• The Moroccan government initiated technical negotiations with the European Union on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The process is being conducted by Moroccan authorities.

SOUTH AFRICA

• President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the army will be deployed to support police in combating rising gang violence and organized crime. The decision is linked to South Africa’s internal security agenda.

• Sibanye-Stillwater signed a new power purchase agreement (PPA) with Etana Energy to increase renewable energy supply. Solar and wind-generated electricity will be transmitted through the National Transmission Company grid to the company’s mining operations nationwide.

• Sandvik acquired South Africa-based ThoroughTec Simulation. The acquisition focuses on simulation technologies.

• The Competition Commission approved Norfund’s investment in Anthem. The decision was taken under South Africa’s investment regulatory framework.

• The government reportedly took steps to advance a high-speed rail project. The process is associated with the South African government.

• A 134-year-old South African sugar company was reported to be at risk of bankruptcy. The situation was raised by sector representatives.

NIGERIA

• The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that presidential elections will be held on 20 February 2027 and state governorship elections on 6 March 2027. The electoral timetable was officially declared.

• Dangote Refinery reached a daily processing capacity of 650,000 barrels. The development increases Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.

• The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) tightened cheque regulations and imposed sanctions on banks. The measure aims to strengthen financial discipline.

• The federal government launched the BOGA Fund Program to address the energy crisis affecting small and medium-sized enterprises. The program aims to support economic diversification.

• Germany’s diplomatic representative in Abuja confirmed that the Tinubu administration revived the Siemens energy agreement. The development is linked to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure agenda.

LIBYA

• The Central Bank of Libya announced that oil revenues reached $265 million. The figure was disclosed as part of official financial reporting.

• The Libyan army conducted an advanced military exercise. The drill aimed to enhance combat readiness.

• The Libyan Investment Authority held a meeting with Chinese officials to review frozen assets under the UN framework. The process was led by the Libyan Investment Authority.

SUDAN

• The African Union Peace and Security Council reaffirmed its support for Sudan’s sovereignty and called for an immediate ceasefire. The statement was issued following a meeting in Addis Ababa.

• The Sudanese government requested the lifting of the suspension of its African Union membership. The demand was announced by the Sudanese authorities.

• The Ministry of Finance and Al-Tadhamon Islamic Bank signed a service agreement to modernize digital payment systems under the “Makbuzum” platform. The agreement was concluded by Sudan’s Ministry of Finance and the bank.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

• President Felix Tshisekedi accepted the ceasefire principle proposed by Angolan President João Lourenço. The Kinshasa administration confirmed 18 February 2026 as the target date for the ceasefire.

• MONUSCO’s acting head Vivian van de Perre met AFC/M23 leaders in Goma to discuss the implementation of the Doha ceasefire process. MONUSCO announced it will participate in verifying the permanent ceasefire and dispatch its first aerial reconnaissance mission to Uvira.

• ERG Africa and EGC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize mining activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The agreement was announced by ERG Africa and EGC.

REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

• A new think tank named CAS-RC was established in Brazzaville to develop policy in defense, security, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. The initiative is led by PCT MP Antoine Obam’Ondon and plans to hold its first workshops in May.

• Hydrocarbons Minister Bruno Itoua confirmed at the Paris Energy Forum that export operations under the LNG Phase 2 project have begun. The statement was linked to the Republic of the Congo’s energy agenda.

KENYA

• President William Ruto announced that the Somalia border, closed since 2011 for security reasons, will reopen in April 2026. The reopening of the Mandera Border Post aims to revive cross-border trade, with additional security measures planned against the al-Shabaab threat.

• The Kenyan government reinstated mandatory cargo transfer operations from Mombasa to improve port efficiency. The decision was implemented by Kenyan authorities.

• Kenyan and Chinese delegations held strategic cooperation talks in Nairobi. The discussions were conducted by the Kenyan government and Chinese officials.

MOZAMBIQUE

• The Mozambican government established an Implementation Office for the Beira Development Corridor Project. The decision was announced by Mozambican authorities.

• Mozambique is advancing the Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project with support from the African Development Bank. The process is being carried out by AfDB and Mozambican institutions.

• South32’s CEO announced that the critical energy supply agreement affecting the operational continuity of the Mozal aluminum plant has reached its deadline. The statement was issued by South32.

UGANDA

• The Bank of Uganda increased its domestic gold purchases to strengthen foreign reserves. The IMF issued a warning that the strategy carries financial risks.

• The Danish government pledged 84.8 billion shillings in grants to enhance climate resilience in Uganda’s rural communities. The commitment was announced by Danish authorities.

NAMIBIA

• The government finalized the national local content policy that will impose local supply, skills transfer, and value-add requirements on energy and mining investments ahead of the targeted first oil production in 2030. The policy was advanced by Namibian authorities.

• A uranium mine in Namibia was reported to expect a strong production year amid rising global nuclear demand. The development was reported within Namibia’s uranium mining sector.

GUINEA

• The state-owned company Nimba Mining, established in 2025, began negotiations with a new buyer for its 2026 production after completing a 1.5 million-ton contract with Switzerland-based Mercuria. The company aims to produce 10 million tons of bauxite in 2026 at a rate of approximately 6,000 tons per day and direct shipments through Kamsar Port primarily to Chinese customers.

BOTSWANA

• The Ministry of Finance plans to raise corporate and income taxes in the 2026/27 fiscal year after diamond exports fell from $7.3 billion in 2022 to $1.95 billion in 2024 and the budget deficit approached 9% of GDP. The ministry noted that increased tax pressure could affect projects such as Sandfire’s Motheo copper mine.

• Sandfire’s Motheo copper mine contributed 4 billion pula in 2024 and set a production target of 60,000 tons of copper for 2026. The target was announced by Sandfire.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

• The government aims to open more than 570 confirmed mineral occurrences, including cobalt, lithium, coltan, nickel, and rare earth elements, to global investors. Mining Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou stated that a World Bank-supported Mining Code reform will create a more stable and investment-friendly framework.

ANGOLA

• BW Energy’s plan to acquire 20% and 10% stakes in Blocks 14 and 14K was suspended after an existing partner exercised its pre-emption rights. The development reflects rising global competition for Angola’s offshore oil blocks while the company maintains its long-term presence strategy.

• The industrial sector launched a public tender for the import of 250,000 tons of cement. The tender was announced within Angola’s industrial supply planning framework.

• Financial institutions within the SADC region initiated efforts to establish a regional development bank to finance cross-border infrastructure and trade projects. The process was linked to Angola’s regional economic agenda.

CAMEROON

• Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a port development concession agreement in Cameroon. The agreement was announced by Abu Dhabi Ports Group.

BURKINA FASO

• Arkab held talks in Ouagadougou with the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Quarries of Burkina Faso. The discussions were conducted between Algerian and Burkinabe officials.

SIERRA LEONE

• Ecobank and Sierra Rutile signed a $40 million financing agreement for a mining project. The agreement was announced by Ecobank and Sierra Rutile.