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North Africa
Italian PM Meloni spins a business web from Rabat to Cairo

Energy, transport, arms… Italy's head of state is asserting her ambitions in North Africa through a network of major firms – most of them state-backed and highly active. It's an approach strikingly similar to that of her French rival.

LogoSubscribers only 23.05.2025
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, on 8 June 2023.

North Africa
Italian PM Meloni spins a business web from Rabat to Cairo

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, on 8 June 2023.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, on 8 June 2023. © Domenico Cippitelli/NurPhoto via AFP

Energy, transport, arms… Italy's head of state is asserting her ambitions in North Africa through a network of major firms – most of them state-backed and highly active. It's an approach strikingly similar to that of her French rival.

LogoSubscribers only 23.05.2025

Senegal, Somalia
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan builds ambitious Africa team in Ankara

With a string of large-scale infrastructure projects, arms deals and major political moves, Turkey is pursuing its foreign policy to move in on Africa. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is at the heart of this ever-expanding web.

LogoSubscribers only 16.05.2025
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (centre) in Washington, DC, on 26 March 2025.

Senegal, Somalia
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan builds ambitious Africa team in Ankara

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (centre) in Washington, DC, on 26 March 2025.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (centre) in Washington, DC, on 26 March 2025. © Murat Gok/Anadolu via AFP

With a string of large-scale infrastructure projects, arms deals and major political moves, Turkey is pursuing its foreign policy to move in on Africa. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is at the heart of this ever-expanding web.

LogoSubscribers only 16.05.2025

Tanzania
Emmanuel Nchimbi spins strategies for Samia Suluhu's re-election bid

Named as the president's running mate for October's election, Nchimbi is leveraging deep-rooted ties within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party. His extensive network is key to bolstering her legitimacy and silencing dissenting voices.

LogoSubscribers only 09.05.2025
Emmanuel Nchimbi during a CCM meeting in Mwanza, 15 August 2024.

Tanzania
Emmanuel Nchimbi spins strategies for Samia Suluhu's re-election bid

Emmanuel Nchimbi during a CCM meeting in Mwanza, 15 August 2024.
Emmanuel Nchimbi during a CCM meeting in Mwanza, 15 August 2024. © Chama Cha Mapinduzi

Named as the president's running mate for October's election, Nchimbi is leveraging deep-rooted ties within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party. His extensive network is key to bolstering her legitimacy and silencing dissenting voices.

LogoSubscribers only 09.05.2025

Mali, South Africa
Barrick Gold boss Mark Bristow's close allies and African network

A leading player in Africa's mining sector since the 1990s, the CEO is quietly preparing his succession, scheduled for 2028. Tensions between his Canadian firm and the military junta in Bamako are an opportunity for him to test his lieutenants.

LogoSubscribers only 02.05.2025
Mark Bristow, Barrick Gold CEO, in Islamabad on 18 July 2022.

Mali, South Africa
Barrick Gold boss Mark Bristow's close allies and African network

Mark Bristow, Barrick Gold CEO, in Islamabad on 18 July 2022.
Mark Bristow, Barrick Gold CEO, in Islamabad on 18 July 2022. © Aamir Qureshi/AFP

A leading player in Africa's mining sector since the 1990s, the CEO is quietly preparing his succession, scheduled for 2028. Tensions between his Canadian firm and the military junta in Bamako are an opportunity for him to test his lieutenants.

LogoSubscribers only 02.05.2025

DRC
The family closes ranks around Tshisekedi

Challenged on several fronts, Félix Tshisekedi has narrowed his close circle. From his brother Jacques, the linchpin for security arrangements, to his son Anthony, with his fingers in mining affairs, not to forget "Maman Marthe", the presidential clan is playing a decisive role behind the scenes.

LogoSubscribers only 25.04.2025
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Paris, in April 2024.

DRC
The family closes ranks around Tshisekedi

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Paris, in April 2024.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Paris, in April 2024. © Ludovic Marin/AFP

Challenged on several fronts, Félix Tshisekedi has narrowed his close circle. From his brother Jacques, the linchpin for security arrangements, to his son Anthony, with his fingers in mining affairs, not to forget "Maman Marthe", the presidential clan is playing a decisive role behind the scenes.

LogoSubscribers only 25.04.2025

Africa
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba deploys Africa task force ahead of TICAD extravaganza

In the run-up to the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which will take place in Yokohama this August, Tokyo has been spearheading a series of initiatives on the continent. Teams from the foreign and trade ministries are taking the lead.

LogoSubscribers only 18.04.2025
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on 9 April 2025.

Africa
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba deploys Africa task force ahead of TICAD extravaganza

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on 9 April 2025.
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on 9 April 2025. © David Mareuil/Pool/AFP

In the run-up to the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which will take place in Yokohama this August, Tokyo has been spearheading a series of initiatives on the continent. Teams from the foreign and trade ministries are taking the lead.

LogoSubscribers only 18.04.2025

South Africa
Dan Marokane and his backers seek to reenergise Eskom

As he tries to restore the credibility of the public utility, where corrupt practices have been rampant, the Eskom boss can count on technical experts well-versed in the inner workings of the company as well as the unflagging support of its chairman and of the electricity and energy minister.

LogoSubscribers only 11.04.2025
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane in Johannesburg, on 26 April 2024.

South Africa
Dan Marokane and his backers seek to reenergise Eskom

Eskom CEO Dan Marokane in Johannesburg, on 26 April 2024.
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane in Johannesburg, on 26 April 2024. © James Oatway/Reuters

As he tries to restore the credibility of the public utility, where corrupt practices have been rampant, the Eskom boss can count on technical experts well-versed in the inner workings of the company as well as the unflagging support of its chairman and of the electricity and energy minister.

LogoSubscribers only 11.04.2025

Libya
Kikli, the powerful Tripoli militia chief with a foot in the business world

The leader of the Ghneiwa militia during the revolution has become a key cog in the government's security apparatus and has also patiently developed an extensive business network in Tripoli. He is now looking to make inroads into the oil sector.

LogoSubscribers only 04.04.2025
Libyan rebels in Abu Salim district in Tripoli, August 2011.

Libya
Kikli, the powerful Tripoli militia chief with a foot in the business world

Libyan rebels in Abu Salim district in Tripoli, August 2011.
Libyan rebels in Abu Salim district in Tripoli, August 2011. © Zohra Bensemra/Reuters

The leader of the Ghneiwa militia during the revolution has become a key cog in the government's security apparatus and has also patiently developed an extensive business network in Tripoli. He is now looking to make inroads into the oil sector.

LogoSubscribers only 04.04.2025

Morocco
Moulay Hafid Elalamy makes his business comeback surrounded by trusted allies

With the acquisition of the Moroccan branch of Société Générale last year, the Saham founder confirmed his return to centre stage. To see through his new projects, this well-connected entrepreneur continues to rely on young protégés who are now established business figures in their own right.

LogoSubscribers only 28.03.2025
Moulay Hafid Elalamy during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, 13 June 2018.

Morocco
Moulay Hafid Elalamy makes his business comeback surrounded by trusted allies

Moulay Hafid Elalamy during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, 13 June 2018.
Moulay Hafid Elalamy during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, 13 June 2018. © Mladen Anotnov/AFP

With the acquisition of the Moroccan branch of Société Générale last year, the Saham founder confirmed his return to centre stage. To see through his new projects, this well-connected entrepreneur continues to rely on young protégés who are now established business figures in their own right.

LogoSubscribers only 28.03.2025

Burkina Faso
Chinese adviser, traditional hunter, banker... a deep dive into Ibrahim Traoré's business circles

To support the country's war effort against jihadist groups, the head of Burkina Faso's junta relies on a new generation of businessmen whose rise he has encouraged. He is also maintaining relations with a number of old-timers from previous governments.

LogoSubscribers only 21.03.2025
Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Niamey in July 2024.

Burkina Faso
Chinese adviser, traditional hunter, banker... a deep dive into Ibrahim Traoré's business circles

Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Niamey in July 2024.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Niamey in July 2024. © AFP

To support the country's war effort against jihadist groups, the head of Burkina Faso's junta relies on a new generation of businessmen whose rise he has encouraged. He is also maintaining relations with a number of old-timers from previous governments.

LogoSubscribers only 21.03.2025

South Africa
Who's who on Armscor's new board

At the end of last year, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga appointed a new board to oversee South Africa's arms procurement agency. While all the new members are well versed in how administration works, very few have a grasp of the realities of the military-industrial complex.

LogoSubscribers only 14.03.2025
South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga in Cape Town, South Africa, July 2024.

South Africa
Who's who on Armscor's new board

South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga in Cape Town, South Africa, July 2024.
South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga in Cape Town, South Africa, July 2024. © Rodger Bosch/AFP

At the end of last year, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga appointed a new board to oversee South Africa's arms procurement agency. While all the new members are well versed in how administration works, very few have a grasp of the realities of the military-industrial complex.

LogoSubscribers only 14.03.2025

South Sudan
Fearful Salva Kiir purges allies to reshape his inner circle

The South Sudanese president, fearing for his job, has ditched a succession of veteran allies and elevated a new set of loyalists to top positions. Uncertainty reigns at the top of the state and especially in the security agencies.

LogoSubscribers only 07.03.2025
President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, in Juba, on 25 October 2017.

South Sudan
Fearful Salva Kiir purges allies to reshape his inner circle

President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, in Juba, on 25 October 2017.
President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, in Juba, on 25 October 2017. © Albert Gonzalez Farran/AFP

The South Sudanese president, fearing for his job, has ditched a succession of veteran allies and elevated a new set of loyalists to top positions. Uncertainty reigns at the top of the state and especially in the security agencies.

LogoSubscribers only 07.03.2025

Cameroon
Christian Mataga and Ghislain Nguewo, Franck Biya's business angels

The sole gateway to President Paul Biya's eldest son, this duo of discreet intermediary and business provider garners as much praise as it causes concern.

LogoSubscribers only 28.02.2025
Franck Biya talks to a journalist during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Yaoundé, 26 July 2022.

Cameroon
Christian Mataga and Ghislain Nguewo, Franck Biya's business angels

Franck Biya talks to a journalist during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Yaoundé, 26 July 2022.
Franck Biya talks to a journalist during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Yaoundé, 26 July 2022. © Ludovic Marin/AFP

The sole gateway to President Paul Biya's eldest son, this duo of discreet intermediary and business provider garners as much praise as it causes concern.

LogoSubscribers only 28.02.2025

Morocco
Inside the empire of ultra-discreet Moroccan tycoon Yariv Elbaz

The mining magnate relies on family connections and trusted associates to run Forafric, and is now concentrating on overseeing a sprawling holding company. A key player in the signing of the Abraham agreements between Rabat and Tel Aviv, Elbaz makes sure his network benefits from them.

LogoSubscribers only 21.02.2025
Yariv Elbaz, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, August 2020.

Morocco
Inside the empire of ultra-discreet Moroccan tycoon Yariv Elbaz

Yariv Elbaz, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, August 2020.
Yariv Elbaz, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, August 2020. © Port Autonome d'Abidjan/Facebook

The mining magnate relies on family connections and trusted associates to run Forafric, and is now concentrating on overseeing a sprawling holding company. A key player in the signing of the Abraham agreements between Rabat and Tel Aviv, Elbaz makes sure his network benefits from them.

LogoSubscribers only 21.02.2025

Nigeria
The tight and dedicated team around head of national security Nuhu Ribadu

Placed at the head of Nigeria's security apparatus, Nuhu Ribadu is meddling in political issues and attempting to deal with the multiple threats facing the country. To do this, he calls on a researcher, a number of specialists and his network in Western capitals.

LogoSubscribers only 14.02.2025
Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja, Nigeria, 10 December 2014.

Nigeria
The tight and dedicated team around head of national security Nuhu Ribadu

Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja, Nigeria, 10 December 2014.
Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja, Nigeria, 10 December 2014. © Olamikan Gbemiga/AFP

Placed at the head of Nigeria's security apparatus, Nuhu Ribadu is meddling in political issues and attempting to deal with the multiple threats facing the country. To do this, he calls on a researcher, a number of specialists and his network in Western capitals.

LogoSubscribers only 14.02.2025

DRC
From music to sport, Tshisekedi's soft power plans to take on Kigali

The Congolese president is looking to develop alternative diplomatic channels, relying on a handful of trusted allies. While Rwanda has taken the lead in this area, the Congolese authorities are determined to make an impact and help change perceptions of the DRC.

LogoSubscribers only 07.02.2025
Gims in Milano, Italy, on May 10 2016.

DRC
From music to sport, Tshisekedi's soft power plans to take on Kigali

Gims in Milano, Italy, on May 10 2016.
Gims in Milano, Italy, on May 10 2016. © Mairo Cinquetti/Alamy Banque D'Images

The Congolese president is looking to develop alternative diplomatic channels, relying on a handful of trusted allies. While Rwanda has taken the lead in this area, the Congolese authorities are determined to make an impact and help change perceptions of the DRC.

LogoSubscribers only 07.02.2025

Benin
The dozen minister advisers who will be Talon's eyes and ears

A mix of longstanding allies, fresh converts and efficient bureaucrats, these new appointees will be playing a highly political role as Patrice Talon seeks to keep close tabs on his ministers ahead of the next presidential election.

LogoSubscribers only 31.01.2025
Benin's President Patrice Talon in Cotonou, July 2022.

Benin
The dozen minister advisers who will be Talon's eyes and ears

Benin's President Patrice Talon in Cotonou, July 2022.
Benin's President Patrice Talon in Cotonou, July 2022. © Ludovic Marin/AFP

A mix of longstanding allies, fresh converts and efficient bureaucrats, these new appointees will be playing a highly political role as Patrice Talon seeks to keep close tabs on his ministers ahead of the next presidential election.

LogoSubscribers only 31.01.2025

Madagascar
Ex-president's network boosted son's bid for Antananarivo mayoralty

Former president Marc Ravalomanana and his wife have both served as mayor of Madagascar's capital. Now their son Tojo is going for the job. He made good use of his famous surname and his parents' political connections while on the campaign trail.

LogoSubscribers only 20.12.2024
The Anosibe central market in Antananarivo, on 8 November 2018.

Madagascar
Ex-president's network boosted son's bid for Antananarivo mayoralty

The Anosibe central market in Antananarivo, on 8 November 2018.
The Anosibe central market in Antananarivo, on 8 November 2018. © Marco Longari/AFP

Former president Marc Ravalomanana and his wife have both served as mayor of Madagascar's capital. Now their son Tojo is going for the job. He made good use of his famous surname and his parents' political connections while on the campaign trail.

LogoSubscribers only 20.12.2024

Algeria
Army chief Saïd Chengriha asserts himself in relation to Tebboune

The chief of staff has tightened his grip on the Algerian army in recent years, partly through various appointments. But he still has to deal with the choices made by the president's office and with senior army figures who do not owe their positions to him.

LogoSubscribers only 13.12.2024
Army chief of staff Saïd Chengri in Algiers on 12 October 2022.

Algeria
Army chief Saïd Chengriha asserts himself in relation to Tebboune

Army chief of staff Saïd Chengri in Algiers on 12 October 2022.
Army chief of staff Saïd Chengri in Algiers on 12 October 2022. © ANIS/APP via MaxPPP

The chief of staff has tightened his grip on the Algerian army in recent years, partly through various appointments. But he still has to deal with the choices made by the president's office and with senior army figures who do not owe their positions to him.

LogoSubscribers only 13.12.2024

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