Vitol Part of Consortium for South Africa LNG-to-Power Project
Vitol Group is part of a consortium proposing a gas-to-power project in South Africa, as the country looks to replace aging coal stations. South Africa is planning to replace retiring coal-fired stations, that generate most of the nation’s electricity, with renewable energy sources and gas. LNG use will largely depend on imports by pipeline from Mozambique since there’s virtually no domestic oil and gas production. Vivo is one of the biggest fuel retailers in sub-Saharan Africa and in 2024 expanded into South Africa with the acquisition of Petroliam Nasional Bhd.’s stake in Engen Ltd.“We can confirm that the project has received Strategic Integrated Project status from Infrastructure South Africa,” the Vivo spokesperson said. South Africa’s auction program to build gas projects – 2,000 megawatts of capacity in its first round – has hit multiple delays.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 17, 2026 04:33 UTC
This North Dakota Downtown Is Made For Strolling
Historic Destinations In North DakotaThese seven towns in North Dakota have a timeless allure with rich history and endless landmarks. Start in City ParkA gazebo in Valley City, North Dakota. Similar North Dakota DowntownsView of downtown Minot, North Dakota. (Image Credit: Photo Spirit via Shutterstock.com)Regardless of how beautiful Valley City is, it is not the only downtown in North Dakota that is easily accessible on foot. More Downtown Exploration In North DakotaThese are eight of the best downtowns in North Dakota.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 17, 2026 04:24 UTC
Morocco Is Ready to Tell Its Own Stories
I would rather go back to my country, where I identify with my culture and tell our story.”What he found on returning to Morocco were “very small opportunities for financing films. That’s why I got into the world of production services,” he says. In 2005, he created Kasbah Films to support Moroccan and international auteur cinema and to provide executive production services for major foreign productions filmed in Morocco. Titled “Moroccan Series on the Rise: From Local Success to Global Ambitions,” the event promises an overview of Morocco’s TV fiction landscape spanning drama, comedy and crime. Alami, a pivotal figure in the Moroccan film industry, launched her production services company in 1998.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 17, 2026 00:40 UTC
MENA water crisis: Desalination is vital, but not enough
Water demand could rise 20%–50% by 2050. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), tackling water scarcity will require more than just building desalination plants. Water demand in the region could increase by 20% to 50% by 2050. At the same time, the water deficit could multiply fivefold, requiring an additional 25 billion cubic meters to meet needs. In Morocco, the government announced in November 2025 that it aims to meet 60% of its drinking water needs through treated seawater by 2030, up from 25% today.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 17, 2026 00:13 UTC
State oil firm posts multi-billion profits before tax reforms bite
The NNPC’s ‘Gas Master Plan 2026’ published in January, concluded that the country will require about US$22 billion in investment to expand its gas pipeline infrastructure. It also promised to be able to sell 80% of gas produced by 2030 compared to current levels of 60%. Last week, the NNPC published post-tax profits of 5.76 trillion naira ($4.26bn) for 2025. Ojulari set out ambitious plans at the International Energy Week events in London last week, principally via the Morocco–Nigeria gas pipeline project, alongside the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline. He added that the NNPC was in talks with a Chinese firm over a potential partnership involving one of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 23:03 UTC
Daily Memo: US-Iran Developments, Israeli Defense Industry
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Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 15:21 UTC
Weekly News Roundup: February 16, 2026
AlUla’s New Museum Reveals Name and VisionSaudi Arabia’s Arts AlUla has announced the curatorial vision of the forthcoming AlUla Contemporary Art Museum, which is tentatively slated to open in 2030. Co-curated by the teams of the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum and the Centre Pompidou, the presentation embodies the thematic and curatorial ethos of the future institution. Installation view of “Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia since the 19th Century” at the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, National Gallery Singapore. The UOB Southeast Asia Gallery aims to reorganize both its curatorial framework and exhibition layout, departing from thematic and chronological presentations to encourage a more multifaceted and “intuitive” viewing experience. Moreover, the refurbished galleries will feature modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art from the collection alongside new artist commissions.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 14:30 UTC
A$45 million placement to advance the Mumbezhi Copper Project
Prospect Resources Limited is pleased to announce that it has received binding commitments from new and existing institutional and sophisticated investors for an equity placement to raise A$45 million via the issue of approximately 118.4 million shares. I would like to thank existing shareholders and new investors who participated in the placement for their backing. The Placement comprises:An unconditional tranche to raise approximately A$38.2 million via the issue of approximately 100.5 million New Shares, to be issued under the Company’s existing placement capacity via ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A (Unconditional Tranche). New Shares issued under the Placement will rank pari passu with existing Prospect ordinary shares. Mumbezhi Phase 3 drilling programmeProspect plans to commence its Phase 3 drilling programme at Mumbezhi in Q2 2026.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 14:12 UTC
BD (US) and B. Braun SE (Germany) are Leading Players in the Middle East & Africa Injectable Drug Delivery Market
The Middle East & Africa injectable drug delivery market is projected to reach USD 22.54 billion by 2031 from USD 16.46 billion in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. This drives the demand for biologics, vaccines, biosimilars, and long-acting injectables across the Middle East & Africa region, thereby boosting growth in the injectable drug delivery market. The prominent injectable drug delivery device manufacturers are BD (US), B. Braun SE (Germany), Terumo Corporation (Japan), Baxter (US), Cardinal Health (US), among others. The injectable drug delivery formulation manufacturers in the Middle East & Africa are Sanofi (France), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Pfizer Inc. (US), GSK plc (UK), and Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (UK), among others. Market Ranking (Device Manufacturers)The top injectable drug delivery device companies in the Middle East & Africa are BD (US), B. Braun SE (Germany), Terumo Corporation (Japan), Baxter (US), and Cardinal Health (US).
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 13:28 UTC
Another U.S. Congressman Backs Labelling Polisario Terrorist Organization – The North Africa Post
Republican congressman Pat Harrigan has joined the U.S. lawmakers pushing for branding the Polisario, Algeria-backed armed militia, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) as Iranian proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the houthies…The support of Harrigan adds more pressure on Algeria and Polisario, sending them a strong message saying the bipartisan draft legislation, “Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act”, remains on track and keeps moving through the legislative process. The FTO legislation is sponsored by Representative Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Democrat Jimmy Panetta. They are backed by congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN) and Randy Fine (R-FL) and Lance Gooden (R-TX). The H.R.4119 will restrict the Polisario movements abroad, freeze its funds in international banks, confiscate its assets, and ban any activities or gatherings related to the separatist group. Any entity or country associated with funding, supporting, or cooperating with the Polisario will face criminal charges and economic sanctions.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 12:48 UTC
Egypt: Gold prices fall on Sunday; ounce records $5,044
Arab Finance: Gold is witnessing a drop in both global and local markets, with the international ounce recording $5,044.4 for buying and $5,041.1 for selling on Sunday. The 24-karat gold price stood at EGP 7,686.09 for purchase and EGP 7,622.09 for sale, according to Dahab Masr’s data by 3:35 pm. Meanwhile, the 21-karat price reached EGP 6,726 for buying and EGP 6,670 for selling.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 12:37 UTC
Most favoured no more
PREVIEWPressured by western economies the WTO is to review of ‘most favoured nation’ trade provisionsTrade ministers are set to reopen the World Trade Organization’s fundamental principles on most favoured nation status at a March summit in Cameroon after WTO director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala gave her support for the idea. Both the United States and the European Union have questioned the viability of the current MFN but for different reasons. The MFN sets a principle of equal treatment in trade terms between countries. The past 12 months have been deeply uncertain for African countries who have also been caught up in the Sino-American trade war. China launched its offer of tariff- and quota-free trade for almost all African states just weeks after the Trump ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs last April.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 11:02 UTC
Critical Mineral Resources Plc - Director change
16 February 2026Critical Mineral Resources PlcAppointment of ChairmanCritical Mineral Resources plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Géraud Moussarie as Chairman of the Board. Géraud brings significant leadership experience in the management of natural resources and infrastructure projects across North and West Africa. Landmark Appointment strengthens governance and strategic capabilityHighly experienced Africa focused energy, infrastructure and mining executive with a track record across North and West Africa. Served as BP Senegal Country Manager, overseeing in-country development of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore gas project. As we progress this ambition, we have prioritised strengthening the Board with leaders that have operated at the highest level across Africa’s natural resources and infrastructure landscape.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 07:39 UTC
Morocco to Focus on Flood Hit Zones: Massive Investments Proposed
King Mohammed VI instructed the government to launch “a broad support program for affected families and communities”, according to a government statement. The four deluge-stricken provinces — Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane — were designated disaster zones, with a budget of 3 billion dirhams (about US$328 million) earmarked for the response. Authorities carried out preventive and emergency evacuations, but four people died last weekend in the Tetouan area when a flash flood swept away their vehicle. The Gharb and Loukkos river basins, which empty into the Atlantic and irrigate the four provinces, are among Morocco’s most important agricultural zones. Read Also:https://trendsnafrica.com/floods-in-northern-morocco-due-to-heavy-downpours-thousands-evacuated-to-safer-zones/They are home to large cereal farms, livestock holdings and major plantations of red fruits, vegetables and sugar beets for export.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 02:41 UTC
North Korea opens a housing district for families of its soldiers killed in Russia-Ukraine war
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Monday it completed a new housing district in Pyongyang for families of North Korean soldiers killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, the latest effort by leader Kim Jong Un to honor the war dead. Analysts see it as an effort to bolster internal unity and curb potential public discontent. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers last week it estimated 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded during their deployment in the war, but did not provide a breakdown of fatalities. The agency said last year it believed roughly 600 had died. The spy agency believes North Korean forces are gaining modern combat experience and Russian technical support that could improve the performance of their weapons systems, according to lawmakers who attended last week’s closed-door briefing.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 16, 2026 00:06 UTC