Africa is imperfect solution to Europe’s gas woes 28 Apr 2022 The continent’s vast reserves and growing liquefied gas supplies can cut some of the bloc’s energy dependence on Russia. Yet lack of infrastructure, domestic needs and rigid contracts limit Africa’s ability to boost exports quickly. Political instability is a further headache.
Africa growth outlook puts democrats on back foot 3 Jul 2019 Ballooning populations mean per capita wealth is falling in key democracies Nigeria and South Africa. That’s a recipe for trouble. Alongside a stronger performance by autocratic Egypt, it also makes worrying reading for those who believe a democratic Africa is a more stable one.
Algeria’s Arab Spring presents binary risk outcome 15 Mar 2019 Revolution is in the air again in North Africa, leaving Algerians - and Europe - holding their breath. Freed from the clutches of an ailing gerontocrat, the energy producer could become a dynamic economic powerhouse. Or the army and Islamists could restart a brutal civil war.
Cowed LafargeHolcim sets sights appropriately low 2 Mar 2018 The new boss of the world’s largest cement maker has scrapped a share buyback and set the group’s EBITDA growth target at 5 pct. Jan Jenisch can probably do better. Still, given LafargeHolcim’s various headaches since its merger the conservatism is understandable.
Big Oil will struggle to buy more security 21 Jan 2013 The deadly attack on a BP and Statoil-operated gas field in Algeria underscores oil majors’ impotence. The companies would happily throw money at the problem, but corporate cash cannot buy safety. Tackling militant threats is an issue for governments, no matter how ill-equipped.
Crises reveal post-Arab Spring instability 18 Jan 2013 The Arab Spring and Western mistakes have made North Africa more fragile politically and economically, leading to the French intervention in Mali and the Algerian hostage crisis. But investors who want to pull out now really shouldn’t have been there in the first place.