Across the Gulf, national oil companies are rewriting the playbook on how energy infrastructure is financed. Instead of simply operating pipelines and power plants as state-owned assets, they are unlocking billions of dollars in fresh capital by selling minority stakes, all while keeping control over the networks that underpin their
NextStar Energy (NSE), a joint venture between South Korea’s LG Energy Solution Ltd (LGES) and Stellantis, has completed construction of its C$5bn ($3.5bn) electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Windsor, Ontario; marking a milestone for North America’s EV manufacturing landscape. The company has secured an occupancy permit, enabling production to
Vietnam’s coffee industry is set to benefit from a surge in global coffee prices, presenting an opportunity to expand its share in international markets. According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, coffee prices worldwide rose by roughly 40 percent in 2024, largely
This initiative is a collaborative undertaking involving Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Ltd., which holds a 55% stake in OML 18, along with Sahara Group, Eroton Exploration & Production, and Bilton Energy. The project centers on a Very Large Crude Carrier that has been converted into a double-hull Floating Storage
As international scrutiny intensifies over Tehran’s nuclear activities, Iran is doubling down on its partnership with Russia to advance a new generation of nuclear power projects, even as the threat of renewed United Nations sanctions looms large. This week, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy OrganiSation of Iran (AEOI),
The reinstatement of United Nations sanctions on Iran this week, triggered by the “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, is being sold to the world as a necessary step to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. It is nothing of the sort. It is the latest act in a
Africa’s AI economy is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase from an estimated US$4.51 billion in 2025 to US$16.53 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.42%. This expansion, detailed in a new Mastercard whitepaper, is anticipated to significantly transform labor markets. Mastercard
In recent years, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, have significantly intensified their economic engagement with Africa. Beyond traditional trade and remittance flows, this engagement reflects a calculated strategy to diversify investments away from oil dependency, secure access to critical resources, and
Nigeria, already Africa’s leading natural gas exporter, is embarking on a significant expansion of its gas production and export capabilities. This new phase is marked by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) signing six long-term gas supply agreements (GSAs). These 20-year contracts, which collectively cover 1.29 billion standard cubic feet of gas
In May 2025, the European Commission formally launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of passenger car and light‐truck tyres from China, following a complaint by EU tyre manufacturers claiming unfair price practices and harm to European producers. If the inquiry confirms dumping and injury, Brussels may adopt provisional measures