The African Continent - 23 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.

LIBYA

• Production at the Sinawen oil field has resumed after a shutdown lasting more than three years (since 2022), following the completion of maintenance works and export pipeline repairs. The commissioning of the Hamada–Zawiya pipeline in October 2024 supported the restoration of output. The National Oil Corporation stated that the move is part of its strategy to maintain stable national production at 1.3–1.4 million barrels per day.

• The tanker Derna, carrying 2,300 tons of LPG, arrived at the Benghazi oil terminal. Brega Company also announced that distribution stability was strengthened by the 1,700-ton Al-Tahadi shipment received on February 7.

• Sirte Oil Company completed the C345H well at the Zalten field, featuring a horizontal section exceeding 1,300 feet and delivering more than 2,000 barrels per day.

EGYPT

• The Egyptian government has invited international investors to bid for a planned 500 MW solar power project in the West Nile region, part of its strategy to expand renewable capacity and diversify energy supply.

• Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi stated that Egypt aims to increase economic returns in mining—particularly phosphates—through value-added industrial projects and new investments. Discussions covered the national airborne mineral exploration project, new exploration investments in gold and other minerals, and licensing processes.

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced plans to export a total of 600,000 cubic meters of LNG in four shipments on behalf of foreign partners including Shell and Petronas before summer. The exports, scheduled between late February and April 2026 and directed to Europe, are expected to generate approximately $200 million in revenue.

• According to the Global Solar Council, Egypt added 500 MW of new solar capacity in 2025 and launched its first large hybrid project combining 1.1 GW of solar power with 100 MW / 200 MWh of storage.

• Capricorn Energy projected its 2026 Egypt production at 18,000–22,000 boe per day following the consolidation of eight concessions into a single joint venture with EGPC. The company reported a 2025 exit rate of 21,003 boe per day.

• The 3,000 MW, 1,350-kilometer Saudi Arabia–Egypt interconnection line is scheduled to be commissioned in the coming weeks.

• It was announced that 80% of the approximately 10,000-kilometer highway linking Cairo to Cape Town has been completed. The project aims to strengthen the trade corridor from the Mediterranean to South Africa and support continental integration.

• Petroleum Marine Services signed 44 new contracts in 2025 with a total value of $310 million, surpassing the previous year’s $191 million performance and supporting rising gas activity in the Eastern Mediterranean.

SOUTH AFRICA

• Analysts reported that exploration spending in South Africa declined from 6.2 billion rand in 2006 to 781 million rand, reflecting a broader drop in mining investment.

• Sygnia CEO Magda Wierzycka announced preparations to establish a venture capital fund aimed at ensuring that domestic artificial intelligence startups remain in the country.

• Access Bank launched a “Rehabilitation Financing” model to support African mining projects, targeting an expansion of its portfolio to approximately $300 million over three years. The bank adopted an ecosystem-based financing approach grounded in sustainability and cross-border partnerships.

ANGOLA

• ENDIAMA announced that it submitted a fully financed bid to acquire a strategic minority stake in De Beers as part of Anglo American’s sale process, while the government clarified it does not seek majority control.

• President João Lourenço inaugurated a gas processing plant in Soyo built with an investment of approximately $4 billion and a daily processing capacity of 400 million cubic feet.

• Eni began full-field production at the Ndungu field under Block 15/06, targeting 60,000 barrels per day. Together with Agogo, peak production capacity is expected to reach approximately 175,000 barrels per day.

• By presidential decree, the start of the 150 MW Quipungo Solar Power Plant was postponed by 24 months to December 2027. The project, awarded to Masdar under a 30-year BOT model, has not yet achieved financial close or completed tariff procedures.

NIGERIA

• An analysis called for increased LNG export investment in Nigeria, citing Dangote’s $20 billion refinery and UTM Offshore’s $5 billion floating LNG project as examples.

• It was reported that at least 25 oil blocks in Nigeria will see their licenses expire in 2026, and that a new Presidential Decree introducing bidding requirements under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has created uncertainty in the sector.

• Sahara Group, at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit, highlighted Africa’s energy renaissance potential and reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable energy investments across the continent.

• NNPC CEO Bayo Ojulari described the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline as a cornerstone project for Africa’s long-term energy security and regional integration.

• Bismarck Rewane will address the role of the African Energy Bank in continental energy financing at the 23rd Aret Adams Conference in Lagos.

GHANA

• Tullow Oil signed an agreement to acquire the FPSO Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, which serves the TEN fields in Ghana, from Modec for $205 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027.

• Ghana Gas increased its gas processing capacity from 100 million standard cubic feet per day to 120 MMScf/d, strengthening energy supply security, and completed its 2025 scheduled maintenance in 10 days.

• The Ministry of Food and Agriculture and B5 Plus Limited signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a large-scale cashew processing plant under a Build-Operate model. The project aims to boost domestic value addition rather than exporting raw cashews.

• President John Mahama, speaking at a regional security conference in Accra, engaged with representatives of the Alliance of Sahel States, including Burkina Faso and Mali, and called for keeping dialogue channels open. Ghana appointed a special envoy to restructure the Accra Initiative and present a new cooperation framework within six months.

MOZAMBIQUE

• ExxonMobil announced that the early works package for the 18 million ton-per-year Rovuma LNG project is expected to be signed in March 2026, with the main EPC contract planned to be awarded to one of two consortia in June or July 2026.

SOMALIA

• The Hargeisa administration stated it is prepared to offer the United States exclusive access to mineral resources and the possibility of establishing a military base, accelerating its push for international recognition. While the United States maintains its policy of recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland was condemned by Mogadishu as a violation of sovereignty.

• The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu urged Somali leaders to sustain political dialogue and reconciliation, stressing that a unified political process would strengthen counterterrorism efforts and state-building.

TANZANIA

• Tanzania commissioned its first large-scale solar power plant in Shinyanga Kishapu, with a capacity of 50 MW, and began supplying electricity to the national grid by early March.

• Uganda and Tanzania launched the tender process for a $250 million, 400 kV, 257-kilometer interconnector project.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

• Aurum Resources announced a 26% increase in its JORC-compliant resource estimate at the Boundiali gold project, raising total resources to 3.03 million ounces. Together with the Napié project, consolidated resources reached 3.90 million ounces.

BURKINA FASO

• Ghana and Burkina Faso signed seven bilateral agreements in Ouagadougou to strengthen security cooperation and cross-border coordination.

• Iran declared its intention to deepen defense cooperation with Burkina Faso and increase military and diplomatic engagement within the framework of the Alliance of Sahel States.

SUDAN

• The Sudanese government condemned the reception of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Uganda as a violation of international law, noting that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni met Dagalo under African Union mediation efforts.

MOROCCO

• UAE-based MJM Investments Limited applied to acquire the Samir Refinery—closed since 2015 and in liquidation since 2016—with a $3.5 billion offer, subject to comprehensive technical due diligence.

LIBERIA

• Liberia announced plans to increase iron ore production from 10 million tons in 2025 to 25–30 million tons in 2026, supported by ArcelorMittal’s infrastructure investments exceeding $3.5 billion.

TUNISIA

• The Tunisian government announced it will launch 16 new road projects in 2026 with investments of 2.8 billion dinars, raising the total road and bridge development plan to 7 billion dinars.

GENERAL AFRICA

• The Tel Aviv administration appointed a new economic development ambassador for Africa to increase annual trade volumes, which currently stand at only a few hundred million dollars. Michael Lotem’s mandate is to expand business opportunities across the continent despite limited financial and human resources.

• Zambia and Mozambique commissioned the Chanida–Cassacatiza cross-border fiber optic link, connecting their national networks to enhance internet stability, strengthen data flows, and support regional digital integration.

• According to a Clean Air Task Force report, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have committed over $175 billion to clean energy projects across Africa since 2010, with pledges accelerating particularly after 2022 and focusing on solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

• African countries agreed to expand regional partnerships to enhance geological data capacity and accelerate financing in critical minerals, aiming to support value chain investments in mining, energy, and logistics.