16 May 2025
Archbishop Makgoba Urges U.S. to Save PEPFAR and AGOA Amid Trump-Era Uncertainty
According to All Africa, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has issued a heartfelt appeal in New York, urging Americans to pressure their leaders to preserve PEPFAR and AGOA, two landmark U.S. initiatives vital to African development and health. At a gala dinner, Makgoba warned that 2025 could mark a turning point in U.S.-Africa relations if these programs are allowed to expire under the Trump administration. He emphasized the life-saving role of PEPFAR, which has supported 26 million people, and the economic importance of AGOA, which has enabled duty-free U.S. market access for African exporters. Using Lesotho’s textile industry as a case study, he highlighted the devastating consequences of reciprocal tariffs and policy rollbacks. Contrasting Elon Musk’s recent comments on empathy with Desmond Tutu’s philosophy of interdependence, Makgoba called for a renewed American commitment to justice, compassion, and global solidarity.
Africa CEO Forum as an Opportunity for ‘Africa-Focused Trade and Investment’
According to All Africa, the upcoming Africa CEO Forum will be a platform for promoting Africa-centered trade and investment. Set to convene business and political leaders in Kigali, Rwanda, the forum aims to deepen intra-African economic integration and draw attention to opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Rwandan officials and organizers emphasize the importance of shifting global investor focus toward African-led growth, innovation, and industrialization. The event is framed as a catalyst for meaningful partnerships that prioritize African agency in shaping the continent's economic future, especially in areas like green energy, technology, and manufacturing.
Angola’s Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Update
The U.S.-Angola Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), signed on May 19, 2009, establishes a formal platform for dialogue and cooperation to strengthen trade and investment ties between the United States and Angola. The agreement outlines shared objectives, including the promotion of economic growth, market access, protection of intellectual property rights, and the development of transparent and predictable regulatory frameworks. It encourages adherence to international trade norms, supports Angola’s integration into the global trading system, and aims to resolve trade-related issues through regular consultations. The TIFA also prioritizes capacity building, technical assistance, and cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure to support Angola’s economic diversification and reform agenda. According to Corporate Counsel on Africa, the 17th CCA U.S.-Africa Business Summit will be held in Luanda, Angola, on June 22-25, 2025, bringing together U.S. and African public and private sector leaders in one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economies and the United States’ third-largest trading partner in the region. Angola has strengthened ties with the U.S. through a trade and investment framework agreement (TIFA) aimed at fostering greater trade and investment. Notably, 2025 marks Angola’s 50th Independence anniversary, and President Lourenço will assume the Chairmanship of the African Union, further solidifying Angola’s continental leadership.
Proposed East African Federation
According to Business Daily Africa, the proposed East African Federation—a political and economic union of East African Community (EAC) member states—has the potential to become a powerful regional bloc. Business Daily Africa discusses the unification would create a large single market with over 300 million people, enabling stronger trade, enhanced global bargaining power, and collective management of security and development challenges. There are also proposed benefits, such as reduced trade barriers, shared infrastructure, and harmonized policies, but also acknowledges the challenges ahead, including political will, legal harmonization, and balancing national interests. Ultimately, the author presents the federation as a strategic move to elevate East Africa’s influence on the global stage.
Ongoing efforts are being made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote the effective implementation of its Free Movement Protocol. The initiative seeks to facilitate the seamless movement of persons, goods, and services across member states to boost regional integration and economic growth. In a recent stakeholder engagement held in Abuja, ECOWAS officials consulted with civil society organizations, border authorities, and national institutions to identify obstacles such as border delays, lack of awareness, and inconsistent national policies. The meeting emphasized the importance of public education, cross-border cooperation, and harmonized regulations. Ultimately, ECOWAS aims to ensure that the protocol benefits citizens by advancing regional mobility, trade, and development.
AU Preparing to Launch Consumer Protection Guidelines for SAATM
According to All Africa, the African Union (AU) is preparing to launch consumer protection guidelines for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). These guidelines aim to safeguard passenger rights and promote fair treatment across the continent’s aviation sector as part of the AU’s broader agenda to liberalize air travel in Africa. The initiative supports increased competition, lower airfares, and better connectivity among African countries. Officials emphasize that strong consumer protections are critical to building public trust and making SAATM a functional and reliable air travel system, which is essential for economic integration and mobility under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AU and AfCFTA on Prioritizing Trade
According to All Africa, African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat are prioritizing the development of trade in services across the continent. During a high-level meeting in Nairobi, officials stressed that boosting service sectors, such as finance, transport, tourism, and communications, is essential to achieving the goals of the AfCFTA. They emphasized that trade in services can drive economic diversification, create jobs, and enhance Africa’s competitiveness. The meeting focused on aligning national strategies with AfCFTA protocols, building institutional capacity, and ensuring member states can effectively implement service liberalization commitments.
McCaul Critique Ruto and China
According to Kenyans.co.ke, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, Michael McCaul, criticized Kenyan President, William Ruto’s, growing alignment with China, expressing concern over Kenya's increasing engagement with Chinese financing and infrastructure projects. McCaul argued that such partnerships could undermine democratic governance and debt sustainability, urging Kenya to prioritize transparent and mutually beneficial ties with the United States instead. The criticism comes amid broader U.S. efforts to counter China’s influence in Africa through initiatives like Prosper Africa and renewed diplomatic outreach. Kenyan officials have not yet formally responded, but the remarks signal potential tensions in U.S.-Kenya relations over foreign policy orientation.
Launch of U.S. DOS Bureau of African Affairs Commercial Diplomacy Strategy
The U.S. Department of State has featured a speech by Assistant Secretary of State, Molly Phee, announcing the launch of the ‘Commercial Diplomacy Strategy’ for Africa. The strategy aims to deepen U.S. economic engagement across the continent by aligning diplomatic tools with trade and investment goals. It focuses on promoting fair competition, supporting U.S. businesses in Africa, and advancing sustainable, inclusive growth. Phee emphasized the importance of partnerships under frameworks like Prosper Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and TIFA agreements. The strategy is positioned as a response to increasing global competition in Africa, particularly from China, and reflects a broader U.S. commitment to fostering African-led development through stronger commercial ties.
U.S. Cements ‘Trade Not Aid’ Strategy for Africa
According to BusinessLive, the U.S. has renewed push to deepen commercial ties with African nations by prioritizing trade and investment over traditional aid. As part of this shift, U.S. officials are emphasizing partnerships that promote mutual economic growth, leveraging frameworks like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Prosper Africa, and various TIFAs (Trade and Investment Framework Agreements). The article notes that this approach is designed to counter China’s expansive economic footprint on the continent by supporting transparent, private sector-led development. U.S. diplomats and trade officials highlight sectors like energy, technology, infrastructure, and agriculture as key areas for investment. The strategy aligns with broader efforts to foster sustainable development, respect for governance standards, and stronger U.S.-Africa economic alliances.
Ramaphosa Heads to U.S. to Ease Tensions With Trump
According to MSN, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, discusses a diplomatic trip to the United States aimed at addressing strained relations with former President, Donald Trump, during his administration. The tensions stemmed from disagreements over trade, foreign policy, and land reform in South Africa, which Trump had publicly criticized. Ramaphosa’s visit sought to reaffirm bilateral ties, emphasize South Africa’s commitment to fair trade and democratic governance, and promote economic cooperation. The article situates the visit within the broader context of U.S.-Africa relations, noting concerns in Washington about China's growing influence on the continent and the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with key African states like South Africa.
U.S. Renews Call for Africa-Led Growth Investment
According to All Africa, recent remarks by U.S. officials have emphasized support for Africa-led economic growth through mutually beneficial trade and investment partnerships. Speaking during a regional business forum, American representatives stressed the importance of shifting away from aid dependency and toward sustainable development driven by African priorities. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to working through frameworks like AGOA, Prosper Africa, and Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs) to support private sector growth, good governance, and regional integration. The message reinforced the view that African countries should shape their own economic futures, with the U.S. positioned as a partner offering transparent, long-term collaboration rather than extractive engagement.
Kwahu Professionals to Boost Trade and Professional Development
According to Graphic Business, Kwahu Professionals Network (KPN) has partnered with the Ghana-America Trade Advisory Chamber (GATAC) to enhance trade, investment, and professional development between Ghana and the diaspora, particularly in the United States. Announced at KPN’s Diaspora Business and Networking Event in New Jersey, the partnership aims to create opportunities for business collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange. Leaders from both organizations emphasized their commitment to leveraging diaspora connections to drive economic growth and empower professionals and entrepreneurs in both Ghana and abroad.
Events – 05/16/2025
“Unlocking Kenya's Manufacturing Potential: Innovation, Sustainability, Trade & AfCFTA.” Invest Africa. Nairobi, Kenya. 22 May 2025.
“Igniting MSME Growth in Africa.” Invest Africa. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. 30 May 2025.