Barq Group, Elroy Air plan $200mn Chaparral cargo aircraft JV
According to Elroy Air, the aircraft is intended for use in regions with challenging terrain and limited ground infrastructure. The Chaparral completed what the company described as the world’s first flight of a turbogenerator hybrid-electric aircraft in November 2023. Barq Group said local manufacturing would help meet regional demand while supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader industrial and technology development goals. “Our partnership with Elroy Air is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in the future of mobility,” said Ahmed AlMazrui, CEO of Barq Group. The joint venture builds on Elroy Air’s recent domestic production partnership with Kratos in the United States.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 09, 2026 10:04 UTC
Would-be Pharoah builds big at the pyramids
Jonathan Miller, Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Channel 4 News, London, UK"Since the demise of reporting on Africa in Western newspapers, and especially in the UK, in recent years, Africa Confidential has become ever more indispensable to anyone trying to make sense of the continent. Karl Maier, Africa & Middle East Editor, Bloomberg News"We regard Africa Confidential as one of our best and most reliable sources of information and analysis." Intelligence Assessment Service, Privy Council Office, Government of Canada"You are the best reporter on Africa alive. Also well organised and easy to browse through and access to the different articles." Lt. Col. Daniel Martella, Military Planning Service, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 09, 2026 08:29 UTC
Cameroon vs Morocco: AFCON 2025 – team news, start time and lineups
Here’s everything you need to know about Cameroon vs Morocco:What happened in Cameroon’s camp before the AFCON 2025? The winner of the Cameroon vs Morocco match will face the winner of the Algeria vs Nigeria match in the semifinals. Cameroon and Morocco form guidesCameroon: W-W-D-W-LMorocco: W-W-D-W-WHead-to-headCameroon and Morocco have met in 13 previous encounters across competitive and friendly games. Morocco won their first and only title in 1976. Cameroon team newsCameroon’s coach, David Pagou, could be without midfielder Darlin Yongwa after he came off injured only 21 minutes into the last-16 fixture.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 09, 2026 08:15 UTC
Shenzhen to host Dubai Forum as digital bridge to business
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, attends the news conference in Shenzhen on Thursday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]The fifth International Dubai Business Forum will take place on May 14, 2026, in Shenzhen, a booming innovation-driven city in South China, as announced by the host Dubai Chambers on Thursday. Lootah noted that the strategy offers Chinese digital companies, including startups, the chance to explore, establish and thrive in Dubai. Dubai Chambers also plans to attract more AI service providers to the city to promote economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for its residents. The number of active Chinese member companies registered with the Dubai Chambers grew from 2,056 in 2015 to 6,355 by the end of November 2025, an increase of 209 percent.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 09, 2026 07:50 UTC
Comment on the OBBBA tax-credit scholarship program
The comment letter is available here . The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) created a tax-credit scholarship program that looks poised to become one of the largest federal programs in K-12 education. In essence, OBBBA offers a full, 1:1 tax credit to individuals who donate money to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). In response to a request for comments from the Treasury Department and IRS, I have outlined my primary concerns and recommendations. Read the full comment letter here
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 09, 2026 06:20 UTC
Africa in 2026
Vol 67 No 1 | WEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 The declining democratic dividends The wave of military coups is still challenging the regional bloc’s governance prescriptions The results from Benin’s parliamentary elections on 11 January will decide whether there is a strong opposition challenge ahead of April’s presidential elections likely to be won by... READ FOR FREEVol 67 No 1 | GHANAWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 Back to reality President Mahama had the wind in his sails through 2025. This year will bring a mixed bag of golden opportunities and make-or-break need for reform The honeymoon period for President John Dramani Mahama will come to an abrupt end in 2026 as political and economic challenges mount. Top of the list will be...Vol 67 No 1 | WEST AFRICASAHELAFRICA IN 2026 More volatile, more unpredictable, more violent For Goïta, Tiani and Traoré, the year offers bleak prospects of any progress in the war on jihad Niger is the second Sahel state (Burkina Faso was the first in 2023) to announce a draconian national mobilisation. A resolution adopted by its cabinet of ministers on...Vol 67 No 1 | CÔTE D'IVOIREWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 Shrinking political kingdoms After winning his fourth presidential election, Alassane Ouattara is under pressure to organise a succession plan With the presidential and legislative elections done and dusted amidst much indifference (the 28 December legislative elections attracted less than a third of eligible voters), political minds can...Vol 67 No 1 | GUINEAWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 All eyes on Simandou Opening one of the biggest iron ore mines in the world helped General Doumbouya win the election – now people want to see the benefits General Mamady Doumbouya is a happy man at the start of the New Year. Since his election on 28 December as Guinea’s first nonpartisan candidate (he hardly bothered...Vol 67 No 1 | SENEGALWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 The tipping point Will President and Prime Minister agree to set aside differences and work together to meet great expectations and stop jihadists on the border?
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 09, 2026 02:29 UTC
Germany, Morocco, Spain assess levels of coordination & cooperation in security, fight against terrorism, irregular migration – The North Africa Post
Morocco, Germany and Spain have assessed the levels of coordination and cooperation between their respective security departments in areas of common security and intelligence interest, with focus on the fight against terrorism, irregular migration, drug trafficking, cybercrime, as well as coordination in the field of sports security. The agenda focused on continuing tripartite consultations to assess levels of coordination and cooperation in areas of common security and intelligence interest, foremost among them the fight against terrorism, irregular migration, drug trafficking, cybercrime, as well as coordination in the field of sports security. The meeting, held in the presence of senior Moroccan, Spanish and German security officials, reviewed developments in the security situation in the Sahel-Saharan region and their repercussions on the movements of terrorist organizations in the Euro-Mediterranean area. In this regard, participants underscored the importance of maintaining advanced levels of coordination and the exchange of operational and technical data to ensure security and stability at both regional and international levels. The statement also notes that the DGSN organized a visit for the German and Spanish delegations to the African Police Cooperation Center, as an unprecedented initiative in the history of African football competitions.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 09, 2026 01:24 UTC
Donegal whale in 'extraordinary' sighting in US coastal waters
The North Atlantic right whale was recorded near Slieve League in 2024 – the first confirmed recording of the species in Irish waters. North Atlantic right whales are among the planet's most critically endangered large ocean mammals. What is the North Atlantic right whale? North Atlantic right whales are like tanks in the water - heavy, wide and dense. IWDG The whale had been observed near Killybegs in County Donegal in 2024
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 23:46 UTC
AFCON 2025: Quarter-final preview - Algeria vs Nigeria, head to head and how to watch live
After an impressive group-stage campaign, Algeria edged past DR Congo in the Round of 16, a tense contest settled by Adil Boulbina’s superb strike in the 119th minute of extra time. That defensive record will face its sternest test against Nigeria, who boast the competition’s most potent attack with 12 goals in four games. Mahrez, along with Baghdad Bounedjah, Ismaël Bennacer and Ramy Bensebaini, are survivors of Algeria’s 2019 triumph, bringing experience and composure when pressure builds, while young players like Fares Chaibi are proving pivotal to the team's character. Algeria have won 11 of their past 14 internationals, but in their first match outside Rabat, that record will be in jeopardy. Their most recent meeting with Nigeria came in the 2019 AFCON semi-final, when Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick sealed a 2–1 victory on the way to the title.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 23:40 UTC
US pushes Algeria to review stance on Moroccan Sahara – The North Africa Post
The United States is stepping up pressure on Algeria to rethink its position on the Sahara, as Washington reaffirms its full support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory and its autonomy plan. In the interview, Boulos insisted that the US maintains a working relationship with Algeria, but he immediately defined its limits. There was no suggestion that the US would reconsider its stance on the Sahara or link economic cooperation with Algiers to political concessions. Boulos made it clear the US will not trade its long standing support for Morocco for vague promises from Algeria. He praised the adoption of Resolution 2797 and called it a unique opportunity to advance a long delayed peace process.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 22:58 UTC
The New Science of Dehydration
Eighty years later, Adolph’s conclusions about the impossibility of adapting to dehydration are still the dominant view. The other, more controversial idea is that runners and other endurance athletes might be able to adapt to dehydration through repeated exposure. The Gebrselassie ParadoxA key hint that it may be possible to adapt to dehydration comes from the apparent contradiction between lab studies and real-world performance by runners. ADVERTISEMENTAnother possible explanation is that the subjects in laboratory dehydration studies are different from Gebrselassie and other marathon runners—perhaps because the runners have gotten used to dealing with being dehydrated. A 2014 study put subjects through four one-hour dehydration runs to get them used to the feeling of dehydration.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 22:52 UTC
Daily Memo: Details of US Plan for Israeli-Syrian Border
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Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 22:23 UTC
Consumer tech rebounds in 2025—but growth shifts away from North America
The news: 2025 global consumer tech spending grew about 3% YoY to roughly $1.3 trillion, mostly driven by China, the Middle East, and Africa, while North America held steady per NIQ , which tracks consumer buying behavior. That rebound could fade in 2026 in some regions while Europe, the Middle East, and Africa carry growth. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are fueled by trade-up demand for premium and connected living, per NIQ. Innovations in gaming such as handheld devices and accessories continue to drive consumer interest, but these make up a marginal part of overall spending. Implications for marketers: Consumer tech growth is increasingly becoming regional, category-specific, and tied to replacement cycles.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 21:25 UTC
NI Weather: New ice warning for Northern Ireland
Further ice warning in force for Northern Ireland1 day ago Share Save Barra Best, weather presenter Share SavePA Media Brothers Eoin and Rory, from Antrim, with their snowman in Antrim Castle GardensAn overnight ice warning for Northern Ireland has ended. Northern Ireland is set to escape the worst of Storm Goretti but warnings have been issued across southern areas of Britain, as well as France, Belgium, and The Netherlands. In the north east, Duneane Primary School in Toomebridge, Magherafelt Primary School and Oakfield Primary School in Carrickfergus were shut. Wintry weather closed about 200 schools on Monday and more than 200 schools on Tuesday. What is the coldest it's ever been in Northern Ireland?
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 18:21 UTC
Saudi borrowing plan, Bahrain’s austerity steps, KSA opens up
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Source:The North Africa Journal
January 08, 2026 18:00 UTC