11 July 2025
Trump Meets Presidents of 5 African Nations in Bid to Boost Trade
According to MSN, U.S. President Donald Trump recently (July 9, 2025) met the presidents of 5 African nations- Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon- in what the White House describes as a, “push to deepen trade, including that involving precious metals”. During the public portion of the lunch in the State Dining Room, Trump said the United States was "working tirelessly to forge new economic opportunities involving both the United States and many African nations." The luncheon was part of a three-day summit of the nations in Washington, D.C.
Trump sells shift from 'aid to trade' in White House meeting with African leaders
According to MSN, Trump promises African presidents of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon, a pivot from aid to trade during a White House meeting Wednesday as the region reels from the impact of sweeping U.S. aid cuts. Trump said he sees “great economic potential in Africa” as the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau boasted of their countries' natural resources and heaped praise on the U.S. president, including their thanks for his help in settling a long-running conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Trump's New Tariff Strategy: A Global Trade Shake-Up
According to MSN, the recent announcement by President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% has sent ripples through the global trade community. These tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, are part of a broader strategy to rectify trade imbalances and promote American exports. In a series of letters, some shared on Trump's platform Truth Social, the President outlined the new tariff structure, emphasizing that these measures are not cumulative with existing sector-specific tariffs.
Kenya Debt Payments to China in a Rare Sh23bn Fall
According to BusinessDailyAfrica, Kenya’s debt repayments to China fell by KSh23 billion in the first eleven months of the 2024–2025 fiscal year, dropping to KSh69.2 billion from KSh92.2 billion in the same period the previous year, a rare decline amid rising overall external debt service costs. The decrease is attributed to the expiration of grace periods on major Chinese loans, such as those financing the Standard Gauge Railway, and possibly to deferments or restructuring under bilateral arrangements. Despite the fall, China remains a key creditor, accounting for 18.5% of Kenya’s external debt. Meanwhile, Kenya’s total external debt service payments rose by KSh76 billion to KSh582 billion, signaling continued pressure on public finances despite the temporary relief from reduced Chinese repayments.
Kenya Reatains Lowest Mitumba Tax in EAC Amid Soaring Imports
According to BusinessDailyAfrica, Kenya has retained the lowest import duty on second-hand clothes (mitumba) within the East African Community (EAC), maintaining a 35% tariff despite a surge in imports, which hit a record KSh27.8 billion in the first five months of 2025. This is significantly lower than the 40% rate adopted by most EAC partners under the common external tariff aimed at protecting local textile industries. Kenya’s decision to maintain the lower rate is seen as a move to keep mitumba affordable for consumers, but it has drawn criticism from regional manufacturers who argue it undermines efforts to promote local production. The continued rise in mitumba imports highlights the tension between trade liberalization, consumer needs, and industrial policy across the EAC bloc.
ECOWAS recently held a sensitization session on the use of standardized procurement documents, aiming to improve compliance, transparency, and operational coherence across its institutions. The initiative, supported by the African Development Bank through the Institutional Capacity Building Program, seeks to harmonize procurement practices in line with international standards. Participants included procurement officers and administrative staff from ECOWAS institutions, who were trained on the newly adopted standard bidding documents and procedures. The session is part of a broader effort to strengthen institutional efficiency, reduce procurement-related risks, and enhance accountability across the regional organization.
The Task Force on the ECOWAS TLS to Take Stock of Eight Years of Action in the Field
The ECOWAS Task Force on the Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) recently convened to review eight years of implementation, assessing progress and identifying persistent challenges in promoting intra-regional trade. The meeting brought together stakeholders from member states, the private sector, and regional institutions to evaluate the effectiveness of the ETLS, which is designed to facilitate the free movement of goods within the bloc. While progress has been made in reducing trade barriers and enhancing economic integration, participants noted ongoing issues such as non-tariff barriers, delays at border crossings, and uneven application of the scheme by member states. The Task Force emphasized the need for renewed political commitment, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to fully realize the benefits of the ETLS.
South Africa: President Notes U.S. Tariff Announcement
According to AllAfrica, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the recent decision by the United States to delay implementing new tariffs on certain South African exports, following constructive diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The U.S. had considered imposing duties on goods such as aluminum and steel due to concerns over South Africa’s trade policies and global overcapacity. However, after discussions highlighting South Africa’s commitment to fair trade and cooperation, the U.S. Trade Representative announced a postponement of the tariff measures. President Ramaphosa praised the outcome as a sign of the strength of U.S.-South Africa relations and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to resolve trade disputes and support economic growth.
The President in-Office of OHADA’s Council of Ministers Visits Key Institutions
The President-in-Office of OHADA’s Council of Ministers recently conducted an official visit to key OHADA institutions in Cameroon, including the Permanent Secretariat, the Higher Regional School of Magistracy (ERSUMA), and the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA). The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration, assess institutional operations, and reaffirm the Council’s commitment to supporting OHADA’s mission of legal and judicial harmonization across member states. During meetings with leadership and staff, the President emphasized the importance of institutional synergy, resource mobilization, and capacity building to enhance the effectiveness of OHADA’s legal framework in promoting regional integration and economic development.
Lesotho Declares two-year State of Disaster Amid U.S. Tariff Fallout
According to AfricaNews, Lesotho has declared a two-year state of disaster in response to severe economic disruptions caused by new U.S. tariffs on its textile exports. The tariffs, part of broader trade measures recently introduced by the United States, have significantly impacted Lesotho’s textile industry, which is a major source of employment and foreign exchange. Prime Minister Sam Matekane announced the emergency declaration to mobilize resources, stabilize the economy, and support affected workers and businesses. Officials emphasized the need for urgent international assistance and regional cooperation to help mitigate the crisis, warning that prolonged trade restrictions could lead to widespread job losses and increased poverty.
Ghana Cracks Down on Gold Smuggling with new Multi-Agency Task Force
According to AfricaNews, Ghana has launched a new multi-agency task force to combat rampant gold smuggling, which is costing the country billions in lost revenue. The task force, comprising officials from the national security apparatus, customs, the police, and mining regulators, aims to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and intelligence-sharing across borders. Authorities believe large quantities of gold are being illegally exported without proper documentation or taxation, undermining government efforts to formalize the sector. The initiative reflects the government's broader strategy to tighten regulation of the gold industry, increase state revenues, and ensure that the benefits of Ghana’s mineral wealth are retained within the country.
China and Ethiopia Reaffirm Alliance at Meeting on Sidelines of BRICS Summit
According to AfricaNews, China and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 2025 BRICS summit. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized deepening cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and investment, highlighting longstanding diplomatic and economic ties. The leaders expressed mutual commitment to multilateralism and South-South cooperation, with China pledging continued support for Ethiopia’s development goals. The meeting underscored both countries' alignment on global issues and their shared interest in strengthening economic integration within the BRICS framework and across the Global South.
Events – 07/11/2025
Next Steps for the UN Convention on Tax: Mapping Priorities. Online Webinar. 16 July, 2025.