Egypt To Have 5 GW Solar cell and Module Plant, Courtesy China's GCL
According to a statement by Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, the deal with GCL will involve investments of over US$500 million. Kemet's battery manufacturing deal will inmvolve another US$200 million while details on the TBEA inverter deal were not shared. JA Solar had earlier confirmed start of work on a solar PV cell, module and energy storage manufacturing hub in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The setup is a joint venture between JA Solar, the Egyptian firm AH, the UAE investor Global South Utilities, and Infinity Capital from Bahrain. In response to the surge in demand, the region is rapidly adopting a vertically integrated model for solar manufacturing, similar to China’s successful approach.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 21, 2026 04:29 UTC
North Korea’s Kim fires vice premier, lambasts him as ‘a goat yoked to pull an ox cart’
“To speak figuratively in simpler words, he was like a goat yoked to pull an ox cart. North Korea’s economy suffered major setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. North Korean congress expected to touch on economy and nuclear weaponsThe party congress is likely to open later in January or February, according to South Korea’s spy service. During the congress, Kim would likely strengthen a policy of cooperation with Russia, China and other nations to bring out gradual economic developments, Kwak said. Moon said Kim would likely use the congress to formalize his stated goal of simultaneously advancing nuclear and conventional weapons programs.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 21, 2026 02:07 UTC
How Augustine’s North African context shaped his theology
In her book, which is exactly that—a biography—Conybeare reclaims Augustine’s North African identity, exploring how his cultural context set the stage for his writings. In doing so, she challenges centuries of scholarship and thinking on Augustine that dismiss his North African context. AdvertisementNow, Augustine’s Africa was, of course, North Africa, not the whole of the continent of Africa. People acknowledge that Augustine was born in North Africa, and most people know that he went back to North Africa after having a really formative period in Italy. So that’s one distinctively North African practice that Monica brings into the family, which Ambrose encourages her to end and Augustine eradicates from North Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 21:35 UTC
LCIA augments Africa arbitration talent
The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) has recruited four new staff members, including two African lawyers who have joined its secretariat as junior counsel. An international arbitration practitioner in the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region under a number of institutional rules such as the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, ICC International Court of Arbitration and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, Hosny has also acted on arbitration-related litigation and proceedings before the Egyptian courts, and has previously represented construction, telecommunications, and oil and gas sector players. In a post on its web site announcing the news, LCIA director-general Kevin Nash stated: “Institutions are built by people. According to the [Queen Mary, University of London and White & Case] Survey 2025, the LCIA rules are the second most preferred set of rules across the Caribbean and Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. That level of user confidence matters, and [the new arrivals] know these regions very well.”The 25-strong LCIA secretariat now features 14 international arbitration lawyers who speak 15 languages, drawn from 12 jurisdictions.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 17:27 UTC
10 Most-spoken Languages in the World (2 Are From India)
" " The world is a more colorful place thanks to the vast array of languages spoken. ivosar / ShutterstockIf you are searching for the most-spoken languages in the world, you are really asking how people communicate across culture, history, and geography. Linguists usually rank world languages by the total number of speakers, which combines native speakers and second-language speakers. This approach reflects how a widely spoken language functions in international business, education, diplomacy, and daily life.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 16:10 UTC
MBAK Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTC:MBAK) announces new Chief Strategist/Business Development Officer and Business Development Manager for Middle East - North Africa
MBAK Energy Solutions IncSEOUL and SHENZHEN, China and WILMINGTON, N.C., Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MBAK Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTC:MBAK) is pleased to welcome Tony W. Tsai as Chief Strategist and Business Development Officer and Al Vaks as Business Development Manager for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Tony Tsai is a seasoned leader and organizational builder across a range of enterprises. An entrepreneur at heart, he shows a "founder's mindset" in venture development, balancing resilience and adaptability with quality outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. MBAK Energy Solutions, Inc. is engaged in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of non-fossil fuel energy products. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 15:27 UTC
Is Your Payroll System Holding Back Your Global Hiring?
Is Your Payroll System Holding Back Your Global Hiring? When your payroll system can’t handle these nuances, the result is usually the same: a messy collection of spreadsheets, local vendors, and disconnected payroll tools. According to Forrester’s Is Global Payroll Truly Global? For media queries please contact:Victoria Lindsayvictoria@innocomm.co.zaAbout Deel Local Payroll:Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace, revolutionises payroll management. Since 2024, Deel Local Payroll has been part of Deel, operating as an independent subsidiary, serving its customers through the PaySpace platform.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 14:20 UTC
Türkiye’s gateway to international agriculture opens its doors for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and global partnerships
Türkiye’s gateway to international agriculture opens its doors for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and global partnershipsWith the theme “Türkiye’s largest agriculture fair and the gateway to global mechanization”, Konya Agriculture 2026 | 22nd Konya Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanization and Field Technologies Fair will take place from April 7–11, 2026, at the Konya Chamber of Commerce – Tüyap Konya International Fair Center. Known for its unmatched role in agricultural mechanization and innovation, the fair invites decision-makers, buyers, and stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to engage in strategic dialogue and new business development. MENA: A pivotal market for agricultural machineryThe most prestigious gathering of the Turkish agricultural sector is organized by Tüyap Exhibitions Group in collaboration with the Turkish Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (TARMAKBİR) in the city of Konya, Türkiye’s agricultural production hub. Türkiye’s agricultural sector has increasingly served as a dynamic link between global technology and regional demand. This comprehensive showcase highlights the advanced industrial capabilities of Türkiye’s agricultural sector and its alignment with MENA’s modernization goals.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 14:20 UTC
Ethiopian Airlines Confirms the Order of Nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Airplanes
Ethiopian Airlines Confirms the Order of Nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner AirplanesAddis Ababa, 20 January 2026Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading carrier, has confirmed purchase of nine Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with deliveries planned between 2031 and 2033. The 787 and 737 MAX purchase was finalized in December 2025 and boosts Ethiopian Airlines’ order book by 20 fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said: “We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet. Together, we look forward to shaping the future of air travel with advanced, efficient and comfortable airplanes to serve their passengers.”The order with Boeing brings Ethiopian Airlines’ total number of Boeing 787-9 aircraft on order to 20 aircraft. Furthermore, including the previously ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines has significant firm orders as well as options and purchase rights for Boeing 737 MAX and Boeing 777X aircraft.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 14:19 UTC
Morocco’s Farming Sector Faces Critical Labor Shortage Despite Production Growth – The North Africa Post
Morocco’s farming sector faces an acute labor shortage that industry leaders now characterize as more pressing than water scarcity, threatening harvests across multiple crops despite favorable rainfall boosting production. Agricultural employers struggle recruiting workers, particularly for seasonal employment essential to manual operations including harvesting, thinning, and crop maintenance. “Rural areas are emptying of employment. We cannot find workers,” Benali notes, citing olive operations formerly employing 120-140 harvest workers now managing with only twenty. Proposed solutions include improved labor redistribution between regions, though surplus labor areas are increasingly rare.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 13:14 UTC
Communiqué 101: Can African startups win back international media attention?
International media attention, which had once treated Sub-Saharan Africa as one of the next great frontiers of venture capital, started to thin and then drift elsewhere. The devil’s advocateAt the end of the day, it’s worth asking whether startups actually need the media attention. In the early 2020s, increased international media focus on African startups did more than generate headlines. And in a market where international media attention is increasingly selective, chasing coverage indiscriminately can waste resources and dilute strategic focus. The question at the heart of this piece—can African startups win back international media attention—has an answer: yes.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 11:05 UTC
Raleigh council approves plan to build towers up to 37 stories in Midtown
Raleigh City Council on Monday approved a zoning request that clears the way for giant towers at North Hills. Instead of the plan for towers around the existing Midtown core, Helfant says taller buildings in the center would fit better with the surrounding neighborhood. "That's what you see in North Hills East. "I think the public was dealt a very serious blow by the city," Helfant said at that time. "As businesses continue to develop and North Hills continues to grow ... traffic will continue to get worse."
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 10:59 UTC
Africa's key elections to watch in 2026: What's at stake
DW takes a look at key votes scheduled across Africa in 2026 and what's at stake. Presidential elections are scheduled for April 12. April & October: Cape Verde — democratic role modelIn April, parliamentary elections are expected to be held in Cape Verde, followed by presidential elections in October 2026. December: The Gambia — presidential contestThe Gambia is due to hold its presidential elections on December 5, with incumbent President Adama Barrow seeking a third term. Somaliland — elections amid changing statusThe autonomous region of Somaliland is also due to hold parliamentary and municipal elections in 2026.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 10:26 UTC
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un fires vice premier, publicly rebukes officials
Kim condemns ‘incompetent’ party members for delays in government projects in advance of key ruling party meeting. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has fired a senior official tasked with economic policy and condemned “incompetent” party members, according to state media, in a rare public rebuke of officials in the secretive state. The North Korean leader fired Yang “on the spot”, KCNA said, adding that Kim considered the vice premier as “unfit to be entrusted with heavy duties”. The public admonition of officials, which Yonhap described as “rare”, appeared aimed at tightening discipline among officials in advance of the Party Congress. The North Korean leader is “using public accountability as a shock tactic to warn party officials”, Yang told the AFP news agency.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 07:35 UTC
KNOT Technologies Raises $1M Pre-Seed
KNOT Technologies, an Egypt- and UK-based AI-native ticketing and access control platform, has raised $1 million in a pre-Seed funding round. InvestorsThe round was led by A15, an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. KNOT Technologies Use of FundsThe funding will support product development, international expansion, and deeper integrations across the live events ecosystem. About KNOT TechnologiesFounded in 2025 by Ahmed Abdalla and Hussein ElBendak, KNOT Technologies is an AI-native ticketing and access control platform designed to combat fraud, enhance demand visibility, and minimize revenue leakage into unregulated resale markets. Funding DetailsCompany: KNOT TechnologiesRaised: $1.0MRound: Pre-SeedFunding Date: January 2026Lead Investor: A15Additional Investors:Company Website: https://www.knottech.ai/Software Category: AI-native ticketing and access controlSource: https://www.wamda.com/2026/01/knot-technologies-raises-1-million-pre-seed-led-a15
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 20, 2026 07:04 UTC