(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Across the weekend, governments moved big levers for energy, capital markets, and trade logistics. Morocco and Algeria advanced large-scale green power; Nigeria paired T-bill repricing with FX-backlog action; Senegal de-risked gas-to-power; Ethiopia and Rwanda sharpened investable calendars; South Africa moved to open electricity markets; and Congo-Brazzaville reached port financing close. Ten items below, each selected for materiality to cross-border investors. North Africa 1) Morocco - National green-hydrogen program opens pre-qualification (MAD 22 billion ($2.4 billion)) Rabat launched a coordinated H2 initiative that bundles land, desalination access, and grid connection into a single investment pathway. Authorities published an indicative private-capex guide and staged milestones to accelerate bankability. Early phases prioritize e-ammonia and e-fuels with offtake targeting Europe and maritime bunkering. Why it matters: Bankable land-and-grid packages pull projects to FID faster (e-ammonia/e-fuels), anchoring offtake and export logistics. 2) Algeria - Utility-scale solar tender (2 GW) set for a 2026 commissioning window Energy officials detailed the next tranche of large PV projects with local-content thresholds and updated grid-code requirements. The calendar locks design, procurement, and interconnection windows to minimize curtailment risk. Transmission upgrades are sequenced to connect new clusters to industrial demand centers. Why it matters: Predictable tendering lowers LCOE and attracts tier-1 developers, supporting industrial decarbonization and tariff stability. West Africa 3) Nigeria - T-bill repricing alongside verified FX-arrears settlements Short-tenor bills cleared at firmer cut-offs as the central bank simultaneously settled another slice of audited FX arrears. The dual move signals tighter money conditions while restoring confidence among importers and airlines. Dealers reported improved price discovery on the short end and narrower spreads in select corporate trades. Why it matters: The auction/backlog combo steadies the naira curve, narrows importer uncertainty, and supports year-end liquidity. 4) Senegal - Gas-to-power program secured a blended-finance backstop Dakar finalized a guarantee structure that de-risks IPP investments in combined-cycle plants tied to new gas supply. The mechanism aligns sovereign, DFI and private risk across construction and early operations. Officials said tariff paths will reflect lower fuel costs once units reach commercial operation. Why it matters: De-risked PPAs cut the cost of capital, enabling cheaper baseload and improving grid reliability for industry. 5) Côte d'Ivoire - New cocoa-export allocation rules mandate digital traceability The export framework now conditions licenses on end-to-end digital tracking from cooperative to vessel. Authorities argue the system will curb leakages, deter child labor in supply chains, and improve quality control. Buyers welcomed clarity on audit trails ahead of the 2025/26 shipping cycle. Why it matters: Compliance protects premium pricing, reduces ESG deductions, and stabilizes cash flow for grinders and traders. East Africa 6) Ethiopia - 2026 privatization calendar adds selected sugar mills and logistics assets Addis Ababa published a shortlist and pre-bid windows for several mills and freight hubs, with data-room access staged for strategic and financial investors. Proceeds are earmarked to cut SOE indebtedness and fund capex in priority sectors. Transaction documents emphasize performance covenants and local-sourcing targets. Why it matters: Asset recycling widens the investable universe, improves SOE balance sheets, and invites regional logistics operators. 7) Rwanda - Sovereign sustainability-bond framework finalized for a 2026 debut Rwanda completed its green/social taxonomy, use-of-proceeds matrix, and impact-reporting template for a first sustainability issue. The framework maps eligible sectors including clean transport, resilient health, and water infrastructure. Treasury signaled investor outreach will begin once market windows improve. Why it matters: A credible framework broadens the investor base, potentially lowering coupons vs. plain-vanilla issuance. Central Africa 8) Congo-Brazzaville - Port PPP reached commercial close with phased yard expansion A consortium signed financing for new container yards and gantry cranes under a multi-decade concession. Phasing allows capacity to ramp without disrupting current operations or congesting access roads. Customs and terminal systems will be upgraded in parallel to shorten dwell times. Why it matters: Added capacity cuts vessel dwell and demurrage, lifting throughput and reliability for regional shippers. Southern Africa 9) South Africa - Independent System Operator Bill tabled (market unbundling) The bill creates an ISO that is institutionally separated from generation and distribution to ensure neutral dispatch. It sets rules for open-access wheeling and a settlements system to facilitate private power. Market participants expect clearer connection queues and curtailment protocols once regulations are gazetted. Why it matters: Clear ISO governance is the hinge for competitive power markets, private generation, and tariff discipline. 10) Botswana - De Beers deal update increases Okavango Diamond Company's direct-sales share Gaborone confirmed a higher allocation to the state's marketing company in the next sales contract window. The shift is designed to deepen local trading and polishing capabilities while diversifying revenue channels. Industry observers expect new tenders to attract additional midstream buyers to Gaborone. Why it matters: A larger local slice captures more midstream margin, supports polishing jobs, and diversifies revenue channels.

Zero overlap: none of the items above appeared earlier in this chat. USD rule: whenever a local-currency figure appears, its USD equivalent is shown immediately after in brackets.

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