Morocco’s Phosphate Trade Win, DR Congo’s Mining Guard, Sudan’s Private Sector Revival Plan
Insights Dispatch - May 1, 2026
Welcome to the Friday edition of Insights Dispatch, our flagship brief overviewing the three latest geopolitical & market developments connecting the Middle East & Africa to the world
MOROCCO: New American Act Easing Phosphate Trade
WHAT HAPPENED?
US Republican Senator Roger Marshall has introduced a new bill aiming to cut tariffs and duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco. Titled the “Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act,” the bill was brought to fruition in part by lobbying efforts of 64 agricultural groups.
WHY IT MATTERS?
The Middle East crisis is shocking not only supply chains of energy, but fertilizer, as well. The consequence has heightened the significance of phosphate, which Morocco holds roughly 75% of the world’s global supply, according to Al Majalla.
WHAT’S NEXT
If approved, the bill will cut fertilizer costs by over 20%, helping to ease farmer uncertainty as the Iran crisis rages on.
DR CONGO: $100M Mining Guard Setup to Protect Critical Minerals
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a $100 million security force to protect critical minerals sites. Dubbed the “Mining Guard”, the group will consist of 20,000 troops by 2028. In a statement, the General Inspectorate of Mines stated that the group would have funding from both the US and UAE, although the US Embassy in the DR Congo denied backing the group.
WHY IT MATTERS?
DR Congo holds vast critical mineral wealth; it holds 48% of the world’s cobalt reserve, according to the Africa Minerals Development Centre. This has made the DRC a key battleground in the global race for critical minerals, particularly given that Chinese companies dominate 80% of the country’s cobalt output, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Other countries, including those in the Gulf, are likely to offer backing to the Mining Guard in exchange for access to DRC mines.
SUDAN: UNDP’s Economic Revival Strategy Released
WHAT HAPPENED?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled a new economic strategy to revitalize Sudan’s private sector. Titled “Sudan Private Sector Engagement Strategy 2026-2028”, the strategy describes five key interventions, such as the expansion of solar energy, to address underlying economic concerns, including electricity shortages.
WHY IT MATTERS?
Sudan’s economy has largely collapsed after three years of war. According to UNDP, average revenues of MSMEs fell by 35.8% and the economy overall has shrunk by over 40%. Yet, the report also found that 71% of closed organizations intend to reopen within a year if conditions improve. The UNDP strategy aims to construct the economic basis for this comeback.
WHAT’S NEXT?
UNDP has cautioned that long-term economic recovery is dependent on a resolution to the conflict. However, with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ruling out any negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, it seems as though Sudan’s economic disarray is likely to continue.
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