North Africa

North Africa, with its predominantly Muslim population and strong political ties to the Middle East is a very separate entity from Sub-Saharan Africa. All the neighbouring countries in the region share geographical, cultural and economic similarities, and present a favourable context for intra-regional financial integration and bilateral ties. While some have small populations, are major oil exporters and typically import labour, others have large populations and face unemployment issues. The disparities between the North African countries are wide ranging, however the presence of extremist Islamist activity and al- Qa'ida is felt equally across the whole region.

Interest in North Africa from the upstream oil and gas industry has been growing in recent years. Foreign investors who have been operating in the region for decades are maximising their drilling efforts and are looking to new, unconventional reserves. However, security of foreign companies and personnel operating in North Africa remains under threat as Islamic fundamentalism shows no signs of abating.

While North Africa's hydrocarbon producers are ideally located to service the vast EU market and are in turn an expanding market for European exporters, they are also a stepping stone for large numbers of Sub-Saharan economic migrants trying to reach Europe. Trade and illegal migration are the cornerstones of the relationship between the countries of the Mediterranean's northern and southern shores. The continued strength in oil and gas prices have given a boost to exploration and development activities in Northern Africa, although the current economic downturn and decline in global oil demand has pushed back some plans.

The founders of Menas Associates began working in the region in the early 1960s, undertaking a wide variety of specialist consultancy projects for IOCs, government agencies and various foreign investors. We have four decades of experience in projects relating to Libya, Algeria and Egypt, and an extensive network of in-country contacts and regional specialists who tailor our reports to reflect client needs and interests.