(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Cairo intensified preparations for a reopened Rafah corridor and Gaza reconstruction. Morocco's foreign minister met Russia's top diplomat to discuss Sahara and energy issues. Nigeria confirmed a new elections chief and announced a digital audit of its voting systems. Ghana's small-scale gold exports surpassed $8 billion year-to-date. The DRC enforced cobalt export quotas while also facing a bank-branch hostage crisis. South Africa's cabinet approved a R2.23 trillion ($128.9 billion) energy investment plan. DHL launched a Sh45 billion ($348 million) Africa expansion drive from Nairobi. Zambia signed a $1.4 billion urea phase-two contract. Ethiopia's central bank presented its reform pitch to global investors. North Africa Egypt - Rafah corridor and reconstruction logistics accelerate Egypt's government said preparations are under way with Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing for controlled movement of goods and people. Officials highlighted debris-clearance, ordnance-removal, and early-recovery plans tied to Egypt 's contracting and manufacturing sectors. The push aligns humanitarian priorities with domestic industry policy. What it means: Cairo is anchoring its status as the indispensable logistics hub for post-war reconstruction. Why it matters: A stable corridor would unlock large EPC contracts and boost Egypt's foreign-exchange earnings from the Eastern Mediterranean trade route. Morocco - Bourita meets Lavrov in Moscow on Sahara and energy ties Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met Sergey Lavrov to discuss Western Sahara, Sahel stability, and energy cooperation. Rabat continues to balance ties with major powers while expanding its defense and industrial partnerships. The visit underlines Morocco's intent to hedge strategically as global rivalries reshape regional dynamics. What it means: Morocco is diversifying security and investment partnerships while preserving autonomy in foreign policy. Why it matters: Any shift in global positions on the Sahara could affect UN diplomacy, regional alliances, and investor confidence. West Africa Nigeria - Senate confirms new INEC chair, orders tech audit of results portal Law professor Joash Amupitan was confirmed as Nigeria's new electoral commission chair. He pledged to audit and modernize the results portal after transparency failures in 2023. INEC also disclosed that printing a fully digital voter register will cost ₦1.51 billion ($1.03 million). What it means: Leadership renewal and digital upgrades should reduce litigation risk and improve election logistics. Why it matters: Credible elections strengthen governance and help lower Nigeria 's political-risk premium in financial markets. Ghana - Small-scale gold export receipts surpass $8 billion year-to-date The Gold Board reported over $8 billion in small-scale gold export earnings so far this year as formalization and compliance improved. Authorities say the FX inflows have helped stabilize reserves and the cedi. The gains also reflect better tracking of output through licensed channels. What it means: Formalization is converting previously lost output into banked, taxable revenue. Why it matters: Increased gold FX strengthens the balance of payments and fiscal stability under Ghana's IMF program. Central Africa DRC - Cobalt export quotas take effect to manage inventories and prices Congo's new cobalt export-quota system began today, replacing temporary bans with volume limits to curb oversupply and stabilize global prices. The policy covers producers and traders through year-end with review clauses for 2026. What it means: Market players face stricter reporting and export-permit scrutiny. Why it matters: The DRC supplies about three-quarters of global cobalt, so tighter controls influence EV-battery supply chains and global metal pricing. DRC - Hostage incident at Rawbank branch in Kinshasa Police ended a hostage situation at Rawbank's Victoire branch after armed attackers stormed the building. Several injuries were reported before the standoff ended. Authorities described it as a criminal act and ordered a review of bank-security protocols. What it means: Financial institutions may tighten physical-security and emergency-response plans. Why it matters: Urban security lapses increase operational costs and investor caution in Central Africa's largest market. East & Horn of Africa Kenya - DHL announces Sh45 billion ($348 million) Africa expansion centered on Nairobi DHL unveiled a Sh45 billion ($348 million) Africa strategy, naming Nairobi as its key regional logistics hub. The plan includes renewable-energy logistics, air-cargo capacity, and infrastructure for perishable exports. What it means: Nairobi's position as a trade and transport gateway is being reinforced by new multinational investment. Why it matters: Enhanced freight and cold-chain capacity supports non-traditional exports and raises Kenya's competitiveness in global supply networks. Ethiopia - Central bank pitches reform program to global investors The National Bank of Ethiopia briefed global funds and lenders on liquidity management and disinflation plans at the IMF and World Bank meetings. Officials emphasized moves toward a single-digit inflation target and gradual liberalization. What it means: Addis Ababa is working to rebuild policy credibility and reopen access to capital. Why it matters: Monetary stability and transparent engagement are prerequisites for renewed private-sector lending and FDI inflows. Southern Africa South Africa - Cabinet approves IRP 2025: R2.23 trillion ($128.9 billion) energy build planned The government approved its Integrated Resource Plan 2025, projecting R2.23 trillion ($128.9 billion) in investment for new generation, transmission, and distribution through the decade. The roadmap includes renewable corridors and grid-access reform to enable private producers. What it means: Implementation will depend on tariff policy and grid-finance mobilization. Why it matters: Reliable, lower-cost electricity is central to restoring growth and investor confidence in Africa's most industrialized economy. Zambia - $1.4 billion urea plant phase-two contract signed alongside 85 MW power launch President Hakainde Hichilema witnessed the signing of a $1.4 billion expansion for a major urea complex as an 85-MW power plant came online. The deal aims to boost fertilizer production and industrial self-sufficiency. What it means: Domestic fertilizer output will reduce import bills and create synergies with mining inputs. Why it matters: Industrial integration between energy and agribusiness strengthens Zambia's growth and FX stability.

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