Welcome to the Wednesday edition of Suhail Capital, our flagship brief of the latest developments bridging Africa and the Gulf
Gulf Diesel Exports to Africa Fell by 200,000 Tonnes in August
Data from Kpler and Vortexa revealed that African countries are increasingly turning toward Asian nations, such as India, for oil, as the Iran war forces imports of Gulf oil to plummet. Data from LSEG and Kpler revealed that Middle East diesel exports to Africa fell from 800,000 to 600,000 tonnes in August. Most impacted by this was Saudi Arabia, which supplied 40% of the continent’s diesel in 2025.
East Africa remains particularly impacted, as countries in the Horn frequently turned to Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery, shipments from which fell to zero in August, according to Kpler. While such imports are likely to resume if an Iran ceasefire is secured, the long-lasting effects could see a shift in African oil import dynamics, increasing reliance on other regions and on building infrastructure within the continent to improve self-sufficiency, such as the Dangote Refinery.
India Revives Critical Minerals Discussions with Zambia
Officials from India’s Ministry of Mines confirmed that they had reopened discussions with Zambian counterparts on critical minerals cooperation. Previous talks earlier this year stalled over Indian mining rights for an area stretching 9,000 square kilometers. No further details were provided, but Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), a joint venture company owned by the Indian government, is evaluating investment opportunities abroad, including in Africa.
If secured, the agreement could pave the way for deeper GCC-India mining cooperation in Africa, most notably in the case of the UAE, India’s largest economic partner in the Gulf. In July, an Indian consortium including KABIL signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE-based International Resources Holding (IRH) to collaborate on critical mineral exploration worldwide. India’s foray into Zambia could act as a milestone in this partnership, given that IRH holds a 51% stake in Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines.
Germany Turns to Algeria for Alternative Energy Supply
German Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul arrived in Algiers to discuss closer energy and investment collaboration between Germany and Algeria. In a press statement, Wadephul stated that Berlin was in need of energy diversification, and specifically looking for “long-term gas contracts.” Aggregated Gas Storage Inventory reports Germany’s gas storage to be at 53%, below the EU average of 65%, thus driving the need to turn to alternative energy supplies outside of the Gulf.
The move cements the growing European momentum to turn to North Africa—and Algeria specifically—for oil and gas. However, Algeria’s oil infrastructure is still developing to meet this surging European demand; Gulf investments, most notably from Saudi Arabia, will likely accelerate to support this push.
Join the collective shaping the future of frontier markets. To partner with Oasis Media Collective, contact here.