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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

Nigeria
Borno governor Babagana Zulum's crack team

The powerful governor of the north-eastern state of Borno, which is plagued by security issues, has surrounded himself with a dynamic team to help him in his dealings with financial backers. It's a team that could serve him well in his bid for national office.

LogoSubscribers only 06.12.2024
Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, in Maiduguri in February 2020.

Nigeria
Borno governor Babagana Zulum's crack team

Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, in Maiduguri in February 2020.
Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, in Maiduguri in February 2020. © Audu Marte/AFP

The powerful governor of the north-eastern state of Borno, which is plagued by security issues, has surrounded himself with a dynamic team to help him in his dealings with financial backers. It's a team that could serve him well in his bid for national office.

LogoSubscribers only 06.12.2024

Africa
Saadé family's CMA CGM entrusts military and diplomatic veterans with its Africa ops

Rodolphe Saadé and his sister Tanya run the world's third-largest shipping firm from Marseille with an iron fist. For CMA CGM's African operations, the siblings rely on former diplomats, ex-military, and merchant navy veterans.

LogoSubscribers only 29.11.2024
Rodolphe Saadé, chief executive of CMA CGM, in Marseille in September 2019.

Africa
Saadé family's CMA CGM entrusts military and diplomatic veterans with its Africa ops

Rodolphe Saadé, chief executive of CMA CGM, in Marseille in September 2019.
Rodolphe Saadé, chief executive of CMA CGM, in Marseille in September 2019. © Boris Horvat/AFP

Rodolphe Saadé and his sister Tanya run the world's third-largest shipping firm from Marseille with an iron fist. For CMA CGM's African operations, the siblings rely on former diplomats, ex-military, and merchant navy veterans.

LogoSubscribers only 29.11.2024

South Africa
Coalition partner Steenhuisen uses his team to stand up to dominant ANC

The Democratic Alliance leader is struggling to make his voice heard within South Africa's new ten-party coalition. Steenhuisen, who now serves as agriculture minister, relies on a small circle of loyalists to try and counterbalance the dominant ANC.

LogoSubscribers only 22.11.2024
John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, in Benoni, South Africa, on 26 May 2024.

South Africa
Coalition partner Steenhuisen uses his team to stand up to dominant ANC

John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, in Benoni, South Africa, on 26 May 2024.
John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, in Benoni, South Africa, on 26 May 2024. © Jemal Countess/UPI via MaxPPP

The Democratic Alliance leader is struggling to make his voice heard within South Africa's new ten-party coalition. Steenhuisen, who now serves as agriculture minister, relies on a small circle of loyalists to try and counterbalance the dominant ANC.

LogoSubscribers only 22.11.2024

Zimbabwe
Finance minister Ncube struggles to make mark as Harare's debt negotiator

Mthuli Ncube was little known before he became finance minister in 2018, though he came with an impressive contact book from his time at the African Development Bank. However, he has struggled to make Zimbabwe more democratic as demanded by the country's international financial backers.

LogoSubscribers only 15.11.2024
Zimbabwe's finance and economic development minister Mthuli Ncube in Harare on 11 March 2020.

Zimbabwe
Finance minister Ncube struggles to make mark as Harare's debt negotiator

Zimbabwe's finance and economic development minister Mthuli Ncube in Harare on 11 March 2020.
Zimbabwe's finance and economic development minister Mthuli Ncube in Harare on 11 March 2020. © Shaun Jusa/Xinhua via MaxPPP

Mthuli Ncube was little known before he became finance minister in 2018, though he came with an impressive contact book from his time at the African Development Bank. However, he has struggled to make Zimbabwe more democratic as demanded by the country's international financial backers.

LogoSubscribers only 15.11.2024

Libya
Business magnate Mohamed Taher Issa tempted by political role

As many call for a new government, the Misrata businessman is no longer hiding his hostility towards Prime Minister Dabaiba and could decide to step into the political arena on his own account.

LogoSubscribers only 08.11.2024
Businessman Mohamed Taher Issa on 7 May 2022 in Misrata.

Libya
Business magnate Mohamed Taher Issa tempted by political role

Businessman Mohamed Taher Issa on 7 May 2022 in Misrata.
Businessman Mohamed Taher Issa on 7 May 2022 in Misrata. © Islam Alatrash/SOPA Images/Sipa/Reuters

As many call for a new government, the Misrata businessman is no longer hiding his hostility towards Prime Minister Dabaiba and could decide to step into the political arena on his own account.

LogoSubscribers only 08.11.2024

Africa
Kamala Harris's African networks

Africa may not be high on the Democrat candidate's list of priorities, but her advisers are starting to think about a strategy for the continent in the event that she wins on 5 November. Her approach is unlikely to depart radically from the Biden administration's.

LogoSubscribers only 01.11.2024
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Accra, Ghana, on 28 March 2023.

Africa
Kamala Harris's African networks

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Accra, Ghana, on 28 March 2023.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Accra, Ghana, on 28 March 2023. © Misper Apawu/Pool via Reuters

Africa may not be high on the Democrat candidate's list of priorities, but her advisers are starting to think about a strategy for the continent in the event that she wins on 5 November. Her approach is unlikely to depart radically from the Biden administration's.

LogoSubscribers only 01.11.2024

Ethiopia
Who's who in the entourage of Takele Uma, Abiy's new Ethio-Djibouti Railway boss

The Ethiopian PM has appointed the former Addis Ababa mayor and minister of mines, whom he dismissed last year, to revitalize the struggling railway. An early supporter of Abiy, Takele has surrounded himself with loyalists, which risks raising some hackles.

LogoSubscribers only 25.10.2024
The chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Takele Uma Banti, in Addis Ababa in May 2022.

Ethiopia
Who's who in the entourage of Takele Uma, Abiy's new Ethio-Djibouti Railway boss

The chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Takele Uma Banti, in Addis Ababa in May 2022.
The chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Takele Uma Banti, in Addis Ababa in May 2022. © Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu via AFP

The Ethiopian PM has appointed the former Addis Ababa mayor and minister of mines, whom he dismissed last year, to revitalize the struggling railway. An early supporter of Abiy, Takele has surrounded himself with loyalists, which risks raising some hackles.

LogoSubscribers only 25.10.2024

Morocco
Christophe Lecourtier, the well-connected ambassador tasked with reconciling Rabat and Paris

Good connections within the French right and Franco-Moroccan business circles have helped the French ambassador gain acceptance in the country he professes to love, despite past tensions between Paris and Rabat. He is now seen as the lynchpin of their rapprochement, particularly on Western Sahara.

LogoSubscribers only 18.10.2024
The French ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, in Paris in November 2022.

Morocco
Christophe Lecourtier, the well-connected ambassador tasked with reconciling Rabat and Paris

The French ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, in Paris in November 2022.
The French ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, in Paris in November 2022. © Eric Tschaen/REA

Good connections within the French right and Franco-Moroccan business circles have helped the French ambassador gain acceptance in the country he professes to love, despite past tensions between Paris and Rabat. He is now seen as the lynchpin of their rapprochement, particularly on Western Sahara.

LogoSubscribers only 18.10.2024

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