Worldwide: Government, Public Sector

Russia's Africa Corps successfully defended Niger's military junta from a coup attempt in August 2024, demonstrating Moscow's deepening security role in the Sahel region. This analysis examines how Russia's entrenchment as a regime protector complicates US counterterrorism objectives and critical mineral access strategies, while exposing the Alliance of Sahel States' inability to provide mutual defense without external support.

The European Union's 20th and 21st sanctions packages against Russia mark a fundamental shift in enforcement strategy, moving beyond traditional designation lists to systematically target the financial infrastructure enabling Russia's war economy. Financial institutions now face heightened compliance obligations requiring them to identify how transactions, financing arrangements, and digital assets may indirectly facilitate sanctioned economic activity across payment channels, banking relationships, crypto-

The Gulf of Guinea has witnessed a significant transformation in maritime security threats, with illegal fishing emerging as a critical challenge following the decline in piracy incidents. This analysis examines how Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing has evolved into a major economic and security concern for Nigeria and neighboring West African states, exploring the legal frameworks, enforcement gaps, and systemic weaknesses that enable this lucrative criminal activity to persist despite inte

The transformation of Nigeria's Shippers' Council into the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency represents the culmination of nearly five decades of port reform, driven by sustained advocacy and litigation. This article examines how Dr. Olisa Agbakoba's regulatory campaign, executive action, and landmark maritime litigation shaped the creation of an independent economic regulator for Nigerian ports, while exploring the complex jurisdictional relationship between NPERA and the Nigerian Ports Authority.

South Africa loses nearly half its treated water to leaks, faulty meters, and unbilled connections - a crisis costing municipalities billions annually. Performance-based contracts offer a solution by tying contractor payment to measurable water loss reduction, but implementing them requires navigating complex procurement regulations and choosing the right contracting model.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced four key instruments to strengthen Nigeria’s cloud governance, digital infrastructure, and investment landscape: the National Cloud Computing Guideline 2026, National Cloud Technical Guideline 2026, National Digital Infrastructure Assurance Framework (NDIAF), and National Cloud Investment Strategy. The Guidelines, signed by the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, on 4 August 2026, are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.1

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced four key instruments to strengthen Nigeria’s cloud governance, digital infrastructure, and investment landscape: the National Cloud Computing Guideline 2026, National Cloud Technical Guideline 2026, National Digital Infrastructure Assurance Framework (NDIAF), and National Cloud Investment Strategy. The Guidelines, signed by the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, on 4 August 2026, are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.1

Nigeria's solid minerals sector has reached a pivotal moment with the inauguration of West Africa's largest lithium processing plant and the discovery of major mineral deposits in Kaduna State, alongside billions in committed investments. Minister Dele Alake's seven-point reform agenda is driving regulatory tightening, revenue growth, and a shift from raw exports to local processing, yet the question remains whether these developments represent genuine transformation or another fleeting opportunity constrai

Nigeria's Blue Economy holds the potential to generate over ₦3 trillion annually through strategic development of its 853-kilometer coastline, vast inland waterways, and maritime resources.

The focus for South African entrepreneurs is rightly on building the business, finding customers and generating revenue. Offshore structures and international expansion often feel like something to think about later. The reality, however, is that many technology businesses reach a point where the structure that worked on day one is no longer the structure that best supports future growth.

The Mauritius National Budget 2026/2027, presented under the theme "For A Future Ready Economy," outlines a comprehensive vision for economic transformation through strategic measures in financial services, taxation, and digital innovation. This budget brief provides detailed analysis of key policy announcements affecting investment, business facilitation, and regulatory frameworks that position Mauritius as a competitive International Financial Centre.

On 16 May 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria launched the 2026 FX Manual, marking the first comprehensive review of Nigeria's foreign exchange regulatory framework in nearly a decade.