World Bank

Ethiopia
$500m World Bank-funded energy access project flounders

More than three years after the launch of a project in Ethiopia to improve access to electricity, sector professionals are beginning to lose patience. Several tenders have had to be re-run, and access to funding is proving difficult in an already gloomy economic climate.

Morocco
Despite being in prison, Abdenbi Bioui wins million-dollar road contract

Despite being found guilty and in prison for drug trafficking, the former MP Abdenbi Bioui has won a tender worth several million dollars in the North-East of the country.

DRC
The drilling contracts scandal that's causing embarrassment all the way to the presidency

President Félix Tshisekedi was initially enthusiastic about new solar-powered water pumps and street lighting, but the contracts have given rise to violent score settling in the presidential entourage amid accusations of overcharging.

Madagascar
Chinese firms monopolise roadworks

August will see the start of major new road projects, all of them to be carried out by Chinese operators following international tenders.

Congo
Brazzaville seeks private firm to supply electricity

An interministerial committee has been set up to assist the Congolese government in selecting the company to which the supply and marketing of electricity will be entrusted under a leasing contract.

DRC
AfDB seeks to make voice heard on Inga III mega-dam

The African Development Bank is seeking to take advantage of Australian miner Fortescue's failed bid to lead the Grand Inga development by advocating for a reduced-scale project. A delegation from the pan-African institution is expected shortly in Kinshasa.

The New Guard
Madagascar, Senegal, Mauritania

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

MadagascarHands-on foreign minister Rasata

SenegalLamine Lo promotes Dakar PPPs

MauritaniaMouhidine Seiv, pioneer of AI for HR

Tunisia
Tunis calls on legal consultant Éloïse Obadia in bid to ward off international arbitrations

In an effort to limit foreign investors' recourse to international arbitration, Tunis has enlisted the services of a former senior counsel to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.

DRC
National electrification agency hopes for funding boost from new Suminwa government

Created in July 2020 by Félix Tshisekedi to tackle the country's low level of electricity supply, ANSER struggled during the president's first term to find the money it needed to achieve its goals.

Tunisia
Tunis plans to revive floundering aeronautical industry

To revive the struggling aeronautical industry, Jalel Tabib, who heads the foreign investments agency FIPA, plans to extend the country's World Bank-backed Aftercare support programme to the sector.

Cape Verde
Praia eyes Airbus aircraft

The archipelago, which has had to cut its domestic flights since April due to a reduced fleet, could soon acquire new airliners. Ensuring adequate connections is a major challenge for its tourism-driven economy.

Niger
Niamey turns to UN for medical equipment

Niger's health ministry has signed a $14.6m contract with UNICEF and UNOPS.

Madagascar
Chinese road maintenance firms see off French heavyweights

The World Bank has just awarded a contract to the Chinese state-owned giants China Railway Construction Corp and China Harbour Engineering Co for the maintenance of two national roads.

Uganda
Energy distributor Umeme's future hangs in the balance

The country's largest electric power distributor is exploring several options before its concession expires next year. Given its market dominance, it also remains hopeful it could secure a last-minute renewal from the government.

Madagascar
Mamy Ravatomanga's shadow looms over Madarail

The businessman, who is close to the president and used to own 75% of Madarail, is once again taking an interest in the railway company, but this time as a facilitator.