Welcome to the African Weekly Roundup, presented by CGO, where we bring you the most impactful news and deep-dive analysis from across Africa.
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- February 25, 2025 | Trump admin contemplates scaling back US Africa Command operations: The Trump administration is considering eliminating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) as part of Pentagon downsizing, according to CNBC. The plan could make AFRICOM a subcommand of European Command to simplify operations and facilitate troop withdrawals from Africa. Critics argue this would weaken US influence, benefiting rivals like Russia and China. The Pentagon has not confirmed the reorganization. AFRICOM, established in 2007, oversees US military relations with 53 African nations. The move follows Trump's Pentagon shakeup, including the dismissal of top military officials over diversity and inclusion policies. Read more on The New Arab.
- February 26, 2025 | The US is missing again as G20 finance chiefs meet in South Africa: G20 finance ministers met in South Africa, but key figures, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, were absent. South Africa, the first African G20 president, prioritizes debt relief, climate action, and green energy. The Trump administration criticized its agenda, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissing it as "DEI and climate change." Despite tensions, leaders aim for consensus on global economic challenges amid worsening debt crises and climate concerns. Read more on AP.
- February 26, 2025 | Colonising Africa: What happened at the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885? 140 years ago this month, the Berlin Conference (1884-1885) marked the formal division of Africa among European powers, accelerating colonization. No African leaders were involved. Nations like Britain, France, and Germany staked claims, disregarding local cultures and political structures. The conference legalized colonial rule, leading to resource exploitation and lasting instability. While African nations gained independence by the mid-20th century, colonial borders fueled conflicts and economic struggles. Many countries still grapple with the effects of imposed divisions, with political instability and neo-colonialism persisting in regions like Mali and Burkina Faso. Read more on Al Jazeera.
- February 27, 2025 | Japan-India-Africa Business Forum Held: Japan hosted the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum in Tokyo, with over 2,000 participants from 46 countries. Minister Muto Yoji launched the Japan-India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa, promoting investment and inter-regional connectivity. The forum emphasized India as a business hub, enhancing Japan-India ties, and expanding Japanese companies into Africa. Japan aims to foster sustainable growth through industrial clustering, job creation, and human resource development in Africa. Read more from Japan’s METI.
- February 28, 2025 | US cuts send South Africa's HIV treatment 'off a cliff': The US abruptly cut HIV funding to South Africa, triggering chaos as organizations scramble to support 900,000 patients. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi called it a "wake-up call" but vowed no patient would go without medication. Pepfar, credited with saving 25 million lives, covered 17% of South Africa’s HIV program. Experts warn the cuts could cause 500,000 deaths and disrupt research. Activists fear a return to past treatment struggles. Read more on BBC.
Time to tear down Africa’s visa barriers: Africa continues to struggle with visa restrictions, limiting free movement and economic integration. The Africa Visa Openness Report 2024 revealed mixed progress, with 17 countries improving scores, but overall openness slightly declining from 2023. Only 28% of African countries offer visa-free travel within the continent. While nations like Benin and Rwanda lead in openness, major economies like Egypt and Kenya rank poorly. Experts urge regional economic communities (RECs) to pioneer visa-free policies. Recommendations include regional visa systems, e-visas, and streamlined policies to boost mobility. The 2025 Visa-Free Roadshow aims to sustain momentum for change. Without greater openness, Africa risks undermining its development and integration goals. Read more on African Business.
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??? Which story do you think will have the biggest impact on the continent in the weeks and months to come? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below. ??
