Morocco has a new government, and it is led by the country's first female prime minister. Latest news from Azerbaijan and UA.NEWS both reported the milestone, while The New Arab noted that King Mohammed VI made the appointments. Women hold six ministerial portfolios in the new cabinet, which Middle East Online described as a stronger presence for women in Moroccan political life. Morocco World News reported that Abdellatif Loudiyi keeps the defence administration portfolio, which he has held for nearly 16 years. The same outlet profiled several of the newcomers: Hassan Tariq as Secretary-General of the Government, Abderrahim Chahid as employment minister, Salah-Eddine Abkari as minister delegate for youth, and Madiha Khayr as minister delegate for vocational training.
The new ministers inherit an economy that foreign manufacturers are watching. The head of Dacia's Romanian operations told Morocco World News that Moroccan factories pay less than half of what Romanian plants pay for energy. That cost gap carries more weight this week, because oil rose to $110 a barrel for the first time since May, NBC News reported.
Egypt also had good economic news. Moody's raised the country's ratings to B3 and kept a positive outlook, according to TradingView. MarketScreener said the one-notch upgrade reflected strong fiscal consolidation and structural reforms that have made the economy more resilient. Cairo is also changing the rules for the Suez Canal. The Insider reported that Egypt has tightened transit rules for ageing ships, and that the change affects Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Egypt's regional role drew criticism as well: a political analyst quoted by ENA English argued that Egypt's involvement in Sudan threatens Sudanese sovereignty and regional stability.
That criticism comes as tension rises across the Horn of Africa. Al Jazeera asked whether diplomacy can settle the long-running differences between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as the United States calls for dialogue. Ethiopia was also at the top of the day's humanitarian briefing from OCHA.
In Nigeria, the main story was the electoral commission ahead of the 2027 vote. President Bola Tinubu reappointed Bala Bila as an INEC commissioner and named six other appointees, Channels Television reported. In Kano, Kwankwasiyya supporters protested and petitioned INEC because the NDC governorship candidate had been left off the list, according to Channels Television. Meanwhile, Biodun Oyebanji was sworn in for a second term as governor of Ekiti and promised to create opportunities for residents, Premium Times reported.
Elsewhere, governments are looking for new partners and new infrastructure. Ghana is seeking wider trade and investment opportunities through BRICS, Graphic Online reported, and President John Mahama has presented the bid as a way to diversify partnerships and deepen South-South ties. Mwiza Mseteka, group CEO of the Lobito Corridor Development Platform, told Africa24 TV that Africans are positioning themselves to deliver projects that will improve the lives of people along the corridor. In Kenya, President William Ruto launched housing and market projects in Kitale as part of a push in the North Rift, The Star reported, although other coverage said one of his meetings in Sigor was cut short after residents threw bottles and stones.
In sport, health rules are keeping some players off the field. Zambia's internationals in the NWSL will miss several games because of US travel restrictions linked to Ebola, according to ESPN and USA Today. Morocco, by contrast, beat Libya 6-0 to win every match in its AFCON futsal group, Morocco World News reported, and Goal.com said one Moroccan player has excited the Saudi media by closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Finally, police in South Africa arrested four people after finding a suspected drug lab in a house in Soweto, News24 reported. In entertainment, Femi Adebayo announced a cast for Jagun Jagun 2 that includes Funke Akindele, Kwam 1 and Pasuma, according to Premium Times, and the film is due out on 4 December.
