Could Northern Ireland make better use of its waste?
"Now it's become a community personal issue as well, affecting people sitting in their houses so it has to be dealt with and I hope it's dealt with in a proper way. And we don't want to put it on to somebody else," Daly said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 18:47 UTC
DIFC adds record number of companies in 2025 amid 'staggering' growth
The number of active registered companies at the end of last year surged to 8,844, employing more than 50,000 people in the centre. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, DIFC Za’abeel District will help position Dubai among the top four global financial hubs. The first phase of the new district is set to be completed by the end of this decade and will cost Dh20 billion to complete, Mr Kazim said. DIFC plans to fund the development through a combination of internal financing and future cash flows, and to fill any funding gaps through bank financing, Mr Kazim said. Financial sector boomDIFC, which is home to global investment banks, insurers, global consulting companies, family offices, hedge funds, as well as wealth and asset management and financial technology companies, recorded a 28 per cent annual increase in the number of financial sector companies.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 18:18 UTC
‘Laying The Groundwork’: Addressing Africa’s Rapid Urbanization
A seismic influx of people on the continent has demand soaring. By 2050, Africa is expected to represent 25% of the global population—with roughly 2.5 billion inhabitants; a figure also predicted to reach 40% before the end of the century. Simultaneously, a deficiency of opportunities in Africa’s rural regions has kick-started a steady stream of aspiring city-folk. As far as migration patterns go, it all points to urban desire.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 17:48 UTC
Iran’s Regime Is Headed for a Hard Landing
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Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 17:05 UTC
AUSTRIACARD Achieves Key Card Chip Profile Certification, Expands Into Saudi Market
#Fintech AUSTRIACARD Achieves Key Card Chip Profile Certification, Expands Into Saudi Market This accomplishment marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy and demonstrates its commitment to meeting the highest international standards for payment card technology. AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS has achieved a major milestone by obtaining the Card Chip Profile certification (Certificate No. This accomplishment marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy and demonstrates its commitment to meeting the highest international standards for payment card technology. The certification confirms AUSTRIACARD’s technical excellence and adherence to strict quality standards in chip card manufacturing. This certification stands as a testament to our team’s dedication to excellence and our commitment to delivering world-class payment solutions.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 16:35 UTC
Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) non-resident fellowship program 2026/2027 for Young Professionals from MENA Region.
Applications are now open for 2026/2027 Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) non-resident fellowship program. TIMEP’s Nonresident Fellowship Program carves out a space for and invests in individuals whose work advances the transparent, accountable, and just societies that TIMEP is committed to fostering. The 2026-2027 cohort will be made up of up to 12 advocates, researchers, journalists, and lawyers based in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region or with significant ties to it. A typical nonresident fellowship workload involves around 15-20 hours per month. For More Information:Visit the Official Webpage of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) non-resident fellowship program
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 16:14 UTC
Moroccan Parliament Approves ONHYM Transformation Into Joint-Stock Company to Enhance Strategic Positioning – The North Africa Post
Emphasis focuses on asset valorization and resource development before progressively opening company capital to the private sector while maintaining the state as principal investor. The reform follows creation of the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Participations (ANGSPE) and performance monitoring of public establishments and enterprises. Under the new law, ONHYM transitions from public establishment status to joint-stock company structure. Opposition groups considered ONHYM’s transformation a reform tool rather than an end itself, aimed at improving performance and opening capital to the private sector while preserving state strategic sovereignty. The transformation strengthens governance and increases efficiency for ONHYM, positioned to become an economic growth lever, parliamentarians concluded.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 16:08 UTC
KHUFU’S IN EQYPT IS NAMED NO.1 IN THE LIST OF MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026
Hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ceremony culminated in the announcement of the region’s No.1 restaurant, Khufu’s. A spokesperson for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants comments: “We are thrilled to recognise Khufu’s as the No.1 restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026, the first time a restaurant in Egypt takes the top spot. Restaurants in Abu Dhabi also feature prominently with Marmellata Bakery (No.16), Niri (No.38), 3 Fils Abu Dhabi (No.42) – a new entry – and LPM Abu Dhabi (No.47), underscoring the capital’s growing gastronomic appeal. Kuuru (No.6) is named The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia 2026, while Marble (No.12) and Myazu (No.45) affirm their expanding influence on the regional dining landscape. For further information about MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants voting process, click here.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 15:46 UTC
Africa is funding a digital empire it does not control
The global data centre map tells a blunt and uncomfortable story. Compute power is concentrated in the Global North, while Africa sits at the edge of a digital world it increasingly depends on. More than seventy percent of global data centre capacity is concentrated in North America, Europe, and East Asia. As a result, most African data is stored, processed, and governed outside the continent. In the AI era, data is power, compute is leverage, and proximity is advantage.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 15:39 UTC
Ted Cruz takes aim at Iran-backed Polisario Front for threatening U.S. interests in North Africa
The Polisario Front is a separatist militant group founded in 1973 to fight against the Spanish occupation of parts of the Western Sahara. President Donald Trump recognized Morocco’s claim to the Western Sahara in late 2020 at the conclusion of his first administration, as part of the deal brokered for Morocco to join the Abraham Accords. “We continue to monitor activities throughout North Africa,” Borkert said. “I believe both witnesses were instructed: Do not say a negative word about the Polisario Front,” Cruz said on his podcast that evening. “They were instructed to say nothing about the Polisario Front.”“The administration is trying to negotiate a big peace deal in Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 15:29 UTC
Polisario-Iran nexus highlighted in US Senate – The North Africa Post
In June 2025, US Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act (H.R. 4119), directing the State Department to assess whether the separatist movement meets criteria for Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) status. The Senate hearing also revived longstanding congressional concerns about Algeria’s continued acquisition of Russian weapons. In past correspondence highlighted during the session, lawmakers warned that Algerian purchases of advanced Russian systems could trigger sanctions under US law. Legislators cited the CAATSA sanctions framework, noting that Algeria has been among the world’s major buyers of Russian military equipment.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 14:38 UTC
MSC announces new FAK rates from Far East to Europe Mediterranean North Africa and Black Sea
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced new Freight All Kinds (FAK) base rates for cargo moving from all Far East ports, including ports in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, to North Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Black Sea. For the Western Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Eastern Mediterranean, the new rates are USD 3,150 per 20-foot container and USD 4,500 per 40-foot container. Shipments to the Black Sea will be charged USD 3,200 per 20-foot container and USD 4,600 per 40-foot container. Cargo bound for Algeria will be charged USD 4,900 per 20-foot container and USD 7,000 per 40-foot container, while shipments to Libya will be charged USD 4,600 per 20-foot container and USD 6,600 per 40-foot container. For Morocco (Casablanca), the rates are USD 3,800 per 20-foot container and USD 5,500 per 40-foot container, and for Tunisia, USD 4,600 per 20-foot container and USD 6,600 per 40-foot container.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 14:36 UTC
MTN eyes full control of IHS Towers
In a cautionary announcement to investors, MTN said any potential offer would be pitched near IHS’ last closing price on the New York Stock Exchange, noting the share price “has risen recently”. IHS shares closed 5 per cent lower at $8.23 prior to the announcement, giving the company a market capitalisation of approximately $2.8 billion. MTN warned the potential acquisition “could significantly impact” its share price, advising shareholders to “exercise caution” when trading securities “until further notice”. SubscribeStrategy shiftMTN is already a major shareholder in IHS with a 25 per cent stake, while the remaining stake is held by institutional investors and individuals. The operator is also its largest customer, leasing towers across key markets including Nigeria and South Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 14:32 UTC
MENA : fragile but sustained economic recovery in 2026
In addition, ongoing wars and geopolitical tensions continue to have a negative influence on the business environment and long‑term investment flows. For example, projections for Morocco indicate economic growth surpassing the regional average, with GDP expected to expand by around 3.5 % in 2026, reflecting both an improvement in climatic conditions after a period of drought and stabilization in key sectors of the national economy. This economic diversification, particularly in services, construction and tourism, has contributed to strengthening the region’s economic resilience despite persistent external risks. This is particularly relevant for countries such as Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, which traditionally benefit from close economic relations with their Middle Eastern neighbors. Moreover, continued volatility in energy prices and persistent uncertainty in global markets could limit the ability of these economies to attract sustainable foreign direct investment.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 13:15 UTC
Vilpa Max: A New Streaming Platform Elevating Short Films And Emerging Filmmakers In North Africa And Beyond
Vilpa Films, founded by filmmaker and author Alejandro Vilpa, has launched a groundbreaking streaming platform, Vilpa Max, designed to showcase short films from talented filmmakers worldwide. Initially available in the UK, North Africa, and the Middle East, Vilpa Max aims to expand further into other regions in the future. Alejandro Vilpa expressed his vision for the platform, stating, “Vilpa Max is a bridge where talented new voices and Oscar- and Cannes-winning films come together under one roof. We are committed to creating cultural impact and providing opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition.”In addition to leading Vilpa Films, Alejandro is an internationally published author across Mexico, Latin America, and Spain. With Vilpa Max, Alejandro Vilpa is not only promoting short films but also paving the way for emerging filmmakers to gain visibility and support on an international scale.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 05, 2026 12:49 UTC