Blue Foods Boom

Ethiopia's $400M UK-Backed Grid Expansion Transforms GERD's Regional Power Hub Strategy

Egypt Secures $16.7B from International Oil Companies in 5-Year Production Expansion

Egypt's Minister of Petroleum unveiled an aggressive 5-year plan through 2030, anchored by $16.7 billion in commitments from major international oil companies including Eni ($8B), BP ($5B), and ARCIUS ($3.7B). The strategy targets untapped areas in the Western Mediterranean and Desert through a $5.7 billion exploration program drilling 480-500 wells, leveraging advanced technologies like AI and horizontal drilling.

This represents a high-conviction upstream signal amid Egypt's declining production, with new incentive packages and debt settlements ($5B already paid) de-risking investments. Egypt's position as a stable MENA-Africa bridge with integrated export infrastructure, including LNG facilities and the SUMED pipeline, supports ambitious $4.2 billion petrochemical export targets by 2030.

Africa's Blue Foods Sector: $17 Billion GDP Opportunity Awaits Strategic Investment

A World Economic Forum and BCG report identifies Africa's blue foods industry—fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants—as a $17 billion GDP opportunity capable of creating 3.3 million jobs. Despite producing 13.1 million tons annually and supplying 18% of animal protein at lower costs than meat, the sector faces severe constraints including one-third post-harvest losses and feed costs consuming 70-80% of production versus 60% globally.

Country-led momentum is building with Ghana's five-year aquaculture strategy and fund, Nigeria's cold chain investments, and Egypt's hatchery developments, supported by African Union blue economy prioritization and WEF's Food Innovation Hubs mobilizing finance for innovations like insect feeds and digital logistics.

EBRD Makes First Sub-Saharan Investment with $100M Nigeria Trade Finance Facility

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development launched its inaugural sub-Saharan financial sector deal, providing $100 million to Access Bank for trade finance. The facility enhances capacity for guarantees and trade loans across pre-export, post-import, and intra-regional activities, signaling institutional confidence in Nigeria's banking sector amid AfCFTA integration.

Ethiopia Shifts to Performance-Based Investment Incentives

Ethiopia's Council of Ministers approved revised investment regulations replacing tax holidays with performance-driven incentives tied to job creation and technology transfer. The framework targets high-capital sectors like horticulture and mining, offering competitive advantages over Kenya through stronger accountability measures and focus on export-oriented projects.

U.S.-African Union Launch Strategic Infrastructure Working Group

The Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group marks a shift from aid to private-sector-led investments, aligning with Agenda 2063 and AfCFTA goals. The platform prioritizes transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and critical minerals, positioning U.S. investors for early access to AU-vetted projects across the continent.