As before, the FARA filing states that SPB will sub-contract work on the case to the little-known Erme Capital, which is based in Malta. Over $4m was redirected by SPB to ERME Capital during the previous contract. ERME Capital is managed by Pedro Pinto Ferreira and Maria Mergner, both friends of Angola’s former vice-president Manuel Vicente. The Trump administration sent a high-ranking delegation to the inauguration of President Mamady Doumbouya in January. Its main competitor in Guinea, the world’s biggest iron ore mine at Simandou, started production late last year.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 08, 2026 23:09 UTC