(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Energy and deal-flow led today's tape. Brazzaville is fast‐tracking a new gas code and a licensing round, Dakar wants a second refinery, Abidjan expanded its exploration map, and Maputo gained another FLNG go‐ahead.

Addis drew U.S. backing for a $10 billion hub airport, Nouakchott signed its first IPP, and Rabat/Abuja moved to formalise a company for the trans‐Sahel gas corridor.

On the political side, opposition groupings in Somalia coalesced and Harare opened a UNSC bid. Here's the region‐by‐region read-and why it matters.
North Africa
Morocco/Nigeria: Company to be set up for the $25 bn Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline
Officials said the joint company that will drive the long‐planned, 7,000‐km pipeline will be formally established, moving the project into a clearer execution phase.

Why it matters: A corporate vehicle is key for FEED, financing, and risk allocation across >10 transit states-unlocking bankability for West Africa –to–Europe gas flows.
West Africa
Senegal: Government targets construction start on a new oil refinery in 2026
The SAR chief said Senegal seeks $2–5 bn for a second refinery and has received initial financing offers from Asia and Turkey, with construction planned to begin next year.

Why it matters: Domestic refining lowers import bills, bolsters FX buffers, and supports downstream jobs as Sangomar output ramps.


Côte d'Ivoire: Abidjan awards 11 new mining exploration permits
Authorities granted new permits to local and international firms, expanding the pipeline of gold and critical‐minerals projects.

Why it matters: A broader exploration base sustains production and fiscal receipts while diversifying beyond cocoa.
Mauritania: First‐ever IPP-$300 m, 60 MW solar–wind hybrid plant
Nouakchott signed an IPP deal with Iwa Green Energy to build a 60 MW hybrid facility, the country's first private power project.

Why it matters: Private capital into generation eases grid constraints and reduces diesel import dependence.
East Africa
Ethiopia: U.S. backs $10 bn Bishoftu international hub airport plan
Addis Standard reports U.S. support for Ethiopian Airlines' planned new hub south‐east of Addis Ababa-flagged as a marquee Horn‐of‐Africa infrastructure initiative.

Why it matters: A new hub would expand cargo/passenger capacity, anchor aerospace services, and reinforce Ethiopia's role in Africa–Asia routes.
Somalia: Regional leaders and opposition form 'Somali Future Council' in Nairobi
Jubaland and Puntland leaders joined opposition figures to coordinate positions on Somalia's political transition and security.

Why it matters: Consolidated opposition platforms can reshape bargaining with Mogadishu ahead of reforms and security handovers.
Rwanda: Kigali launches national CyberHub to build cybersecurity skills
Government and partners unveiled a CyberHub to train talent and support startups in cyber defence and digital innovation.

Why it matters: Cyber capacity is now core economic infrastructure; skills pipelines lower enterprise risk premiums and attract digital FDI.
Central Africa
Republic of Congo (Congo‐Brazzaville): New gas code 'this month', licensing round before year‐end
At Africa Energy Week, the hydrocarbons minister said Brazzaville will pass a gas code to woo investment and launch an oil‐and‐gas licensing round; Eni's Nguya FLNG is set to lift LNG capacity.

Why it matters: Clearer gas rules plus acreage access can accelerate LNG exports and monetise associated gas, improving fiscal stability.
Southern Africa
Mozambique: Eni takes final investment decision on 'Coral North' FLNG
Eni signed off on a second floating LNG unit (≈3.5 mtpa) in the Rovuma Basin, doubling offshore LNG capacity independent of onshore security risks.

Why it matters: Additional FLNG boosts export earnings and underpins long‐term gas monetisation despite insurgency‐related delays onshore.
Zimbabwe: Harare launches campaign for 2027–28 UN Security Council seat
Zimbabwe formally kicked off its bid for a non‐permanent UNSC seat, highlighting multilateral priorities.

Why it matters: A successful bid would elevate diplomatic profile and could influence investor sentiment on governance and reform.
Corporate & Markets
Botswana: Grocer Choppies reports profit surge to P1.8 bn
Choppies said FY profit hit P1.8 bn , with revenue up by P1.2 bn and 30 new stores added; management guided for sustained growth.

Why it matters: Regional retail expansion signals resilient consumer demand pockets and improving supply‐chain logistics in Southern Africa.

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