Inside the U.S. DFC, Trump’s answer to China’s Belt and Road
February 14th, 2026
Via The Africa Report, a look at how – established in his first term and supercharged in his second – the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is rewriting the rules of engagement in Africa – explicitly placing American security above humanitarian goals: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), work is underway on the Lobito rail […]
Read more »Saudis Announce New Investments in Syria, a Sign of Deepening Ties
February 9th, 2026
Courtesy of The New York Times, a report on new Saudi and Syrian deals ranging from aviation to telecommunications, offering a much-needed boost to Syria’s battered economy: Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday sweeping investments in Syria’s telecommunications, energy, and aviation sectors, the latest sign of a deepening relationship between the two countries. The deals represent […]
Read more »Somaliland Pitches Minerals, Strategic Location To Trump
February 9th, 2026
Via Semafor, a report on Somaliland’s outreach to the U.S. around minerals and its strategic location: Somaliland plans to use the momentum from Israel’s recognition of the breakaway state to press its case to Washington and other major capitals, pitching the territory as a strategic, resource-rich partner to US President Donald Trump, its leader said […]
Read more »Dubai-Based Firm Bets $1.6 billion on Africa’s AI Data Centres and Farmland
February 7th, 2026
Via Business Insider Africa, a report on a Dubai-based consumer electronics manufacturer, Maser Group, which is making a major strategic pivot into agriculture and artificial intelligence infrastructure across Africa, committing $1.6 billion to farmland development and data centres in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya over the next two years. Dubai-based consumer electronics firm Maser Group is […]
Read more »Turkmen Gas: A Missing Piece in Europe’s Long-Term Energy Security Puzzle
February 7th, 2026
Via The Diplomat, a look at the potential for Turkmen gas to play a vital role in Europe’s long-term energy security: As Europe continues its transition away from dependence on Russian pipeline gas, policymakers and energy strategists are confronted with a new reality: short-term crisis management has not yet yielded a stable, long-term supply framework. […]
Read more »Cuba Scrambles To Build Asian Ties Beyond China Under U.S. Pressure
February 7th, 2026
Via Nikkei Asia, a look at Cuba’s desperate efforts to build Asian ties beyond China: The Cuban government is rushing to diversify and enhance ties in Asia, as U.S. President Donald Trump cranks up pressure on the Caribbean island nation following his raid on Venezuela. While China is a traditional ally and leading source of […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.