“To increase its share of world trade, Africa has to add more value instead of exporting … unprocessed products,” she said, calling for stronger local value chains so more processing and manufacturing happens on the continent. “What Africa needs is for the value chains to be created on the continent … and therefore, creation of jobs.”

Okonjo-Iweala said Africa has the resources to shift its model, pointing to the continent’s hold over about 30% of the world’s critical minerals and around 60% of renewable solar potential, assets that could support industrial development if paired with investment, infrastructure and trade-friendly policies.

While the country has been trying to diversify, its exports remain heavily concentrated in primary goods. Data cited from UNCTAD’s Data Hub and the World Bank’s WITS shows Malawi’s merchandise exports have fallen from about $1.3 billion in 2014 to roughly $950 million in recent years, and commodities still dominate the basket.

Between 2021 and 2023, commodities accounted for about 91% of Malawi’s export earnings, driven largely by agricultural products such as tobacco, underscoring how difficult it has been to build a pipeline from farm or mine to factory.

Business leaders say the shift to value-added exports is possible, but will need targeted support. Daisy Kambalame, chief executive of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said moving up the value chain would boost foreign earnings and competitiveness, but only if the manufacturing base is strengthened.

Malawi’s government has rolled out policies such as the National Export Strategy (2021-2026) and a “Buy Malawi” push to encourage local production and wider export markets.

Meanwhile, 64.8% believe that Starmer’s trip, the first by a British prime minister to China in eight years, is widely seen as a move to provide greater certainty in Britain’s foreign relations.

According to the poll, 85.8 percent of participants believe China’s market presents significant opportunities for British businesses. Bilateral trade in goods between China and the UK reached $103.7 billion in 2025. 

Respondents also emphasized the importance of a stable bilateral relationship, with 83% saying cooperation should be guided by mutual respect, equality and shared benefit.

On resolving differences, 68.2% of respondents said disputes could be addressed through rational dialogue grounded in respect and practical cooperation. More than half of respondents, 56.9 percent, said China and the UK should uphold the post-war international order and the multilateral trading system.

Meanwhile, 67.4 percent expected both countries to demonstrate responsibility as major powers and collaborate within multilateral frameworks to tackle global governance challenges.

What went down in Beijing

Starmer’s visit follows a string of high-level foreign trips to China, including by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European leaders, and India’s Narendra Modi, amid growing tensions with the United States under the second Trump administration.

On the trade front, Starmer secured 30-day visa-free access for Britons traveling to China and lower tariffs on whisky. British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca also announced a $15 billion investment in the country.

However, no significant progress was reported on sensitive issues such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, or China-Russia ties. Some critics in Britain and the U.S. voiced concerns over human rights and espionage, which Beijing denies.

Despite these limitations, the CGTN poll indicates strong public confidence in the benefits of Starmer’s visit, particularly in promoting stability, dialogue, and economic opportunities in China-UK relations. It drew on responses from 9,086 overseas netizens within 24 hours.

Nigeria is undertaking sweeping reforms to improve its business environment, attract foreign capital and reduce long-standing economic pressures such as high inflation, unemployment and weak industrial output.

Officials say securing new partnerships is critical because Nigeria needs more investment, technology transfer and trade opportunities to make these reforms deliver real benefits for ordinary citizens.

Tinubu said Nigeria is determined to build “an economy that works for everyone,” including the most vulnerable.

A major goal of the discussions with Türkiye is to increase trade volumes. Tinubu said both countries are working toward a target of $5 billion in annual trade, and agreed to remove barriers limiting business growth.

To drive these efforts, Nigeria and Türkiye have established a Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which Tinubu said will unlock new flows of capital and support industrial expansion. The committee is expected to focus on investment attraction, private-sector participation and economic cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and manufacturing.

Nigeria’s government has also been implementing reforms in the energy sector, which it sees as central to economic recovery. Tinubu welcomed Türkiye’s recognition of Nigeria’s “reform momentum,” saying it reflects growing international confidence in the country’s direction.

Energy investment is seen as especially important for Nigeria, which continues to face power shortages and needs stronger infrastructure to support growth.

Beyond economics, Tinubu said defence cooperation with Türkiye will strengthen Nigeria’s ability to tackle insecurity, including terrorism and other threats that discourage investment.

Russian officials see local-currency trade as a way to strengthen cooperation with Zambia in sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture and infrastructure, while lowering transaction costs and reducing demand for US dollars, Lusaka Times reports.

Supporters of the idea say settling trade in domestic currencies could ease pressure on Zambia’s foreign exchange reserves, especially during periods of limited dollar liquidity. 

However, economists and financial institutions have urged caution. They warn that local-currency trade requires strong financial systems, stable exchange-rate mechanisms and clear settlement frameworks to manage risks linked to currency fluctuations.

Zambia’s economy remains closely tied to dollar-based pricing, particularly because its main export, copper, is traded on global markets in US dollars. Government officials have said any move toward local-currency trade would be guided by economic prudence, regulatory readiness and consultations with banks and businesses.

She said these shifts present a chance for Nigeria to secure new investments that could create jobs, strengthen manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

“There is an opportunity now to attract these supply chains,” she said , stressing that Nigeria must deliberately market itself to investors. “Everything we can do to showcase Nigeria as a country worthy of investment is what we should be doing.”

Okonjo-Iweala said Nigeria needs to move beyond economic stabilisation and focus more directly on job creation, noting that reforms currently underway must translate into employment and industrial growth. She urged the government to identify sectors where Nigeria has strong potential and actively court investors from major economies, including China and the United States .

“As companies seek to diversify supply chains, a lot of that movement is still within Asia,” she said, adding that Nigeria should aim to attract a meaningful share of that relocation, even if it cannot capture all of it. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted renewable energy and textiles as examples of industries where Nigeria could manufacture locally instead of importing finished products.

“Let’s build solar panels in Nigeria. We are importing, but we can also manufacture,” she said. “In fashion, let them come to invest. Many of the textiles we wear are not made in Nigeria; they are imported.”

She said Nigeria’s success would depend on having clear strategies to target.

“Competition from the United States aims to undermine our export interests, demand maximum concessions and openly weaken and subordinate Europe,” Macron said. “This endless accumulation of new tariffs is fundamentally unacceptable.”

Macron also warned against what he described as a return to imperial-style economic dominance, saying global challenges required cooperation rather than confrontation.

“This is not a time for new imperialism or new colonialism,” he said. “It is a time for cooperation to address global challenges for our citizens." 

China investment push

Against that backdrop, Macron said Europe should deepen economic engagement with China, particularly through increased Chinese investment in key sectors.

“China is welcome,” he said, adding that Europe needs more Chinese foreign direct investment that contributes to growth and technology transfer. He cautioned, however, against projects that rely heavily on subsidies or fail to meet European standards.

Macron also criticised trade wars and protectionist policies , warning they could damage global growth. “Economic coercion and tariff retaliation do not create winners,” he said. “They only produce losers,” he emphasised.

Trump rejects G7 meeting

Macron’s remarks come after President Trump dismissed a call by the French leader for an emergency G7 meeting, amid rising tensions over Washington’s interest in acquiring Greenland.

In the message, Macron said France and the United States were aligned on Syria and could work together on Iran, but expressed confusion over Trump’s position on Greenland.

“My friend, we are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland,” Macron wrote. He proposed hosting a G7 meeting in Paris and holding bilateral talks with Trump during the visit.

Speaking to reporters to mark the completion of his first year of a second term, Trump said he would not attend the proposed meeting and questioned Macron’s political future.

“No, I wouldn’t do that,” Trump said. “Because Emmanuel is not going to be there very long and there’s no longevity there.” 

Trump later posted a screenshot on Truth Social of a message sent by Macron inviting him to Paris for talks following the World Economic Forum.

Fredrick Aloo, national chairman of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa), said modern logistics rely heavily on constant internet connectivity. “Cargo cannot move without communication. Tracking, document submission and coordination all depend on internet access,” he told the Nation.Africa .

Cargo handlers said messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and SMS, which are widely used to communicate with drivers and clients, have become inaccessible. In addition, GPRS tracking systems that rely on mobile data to monitor transit cargo have been disrupted, making it harder to ensure security and timely delivery.

The internet shutdown has also affected customs and logistics platforms used in cargo clearance, raising concerns about congestion at key border points such as Busia and Malaba. Transporters say the suspension of outbound data roaming has further limited drivers’ ability to navigate routes and receive real-time updates.

Some transporters have also begun scaling back operations. Roy Mwanthi, a transporter based in Mombasa, said his company was prioritising local cargo until the situation stabilises. “Cleared transit cargo will move to the border, but to avoid losses and safety risks, we are focusing on local deliveries for now,” he said.

Uganda’s communications regulator ordered mobile network operators to block public internet access from Tuesday evening, with the reason that the shutdown was intended to prevent misinformation and protect national security during the election period.

A total of 68 African nationals have been repatriated from Ghana’s Ashanti Region to their respective countries following court rulings over criminal activities, including involvement in the Q-Net scam and prostitution. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene announced in a Facebook post on December 18, 2025, that those deported included 42 Nigerians, 13 Cameroonians, seven Beninese, three Ivorians, and three Burkinabe nationals. He said the repatriations were carried out in line with due process and commended the Ghana Immigration Service for its professionalism, diligence, and collaboration with the courts and other security agencies in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining public safety.

Ghana to receive additional $385m from IMF programme

Ghana is set to receive an additional $385 million under its Extended Credit Facility programme after the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the fifth review of the arrangement. The disbursement brings total IMF support under the 39-month, $3 billion programme approved in May 2023 to about $2.8 billion. In a statement issued from Washington, DC, the IMF said Ghana’s performance under the programme had been generally satisfactory, with all quantitative targets for the review met. The Fund noted that economic growth through September 2025 exceeded expectations, inflation had declined into the Bank of Ghana’s target range, and the external sector strengthened due to robust gold and cocoa exports. While acknowledging progress in financial sector reforms and debt restructuring, the IMF cautioned that vulnerabilities persist in state-owned banks and called for stronger governance and supervision.

Youth unemployment flagged as national security concern

New data from the Ghana Statistical Service show that about 1.3 million young people aged 15 to 24 were not in employment, education, or training in the third quarter of 2025, representing 21.5 per cent of that age group. Reacting to the figures on a local radio channel, Citi FM, on December 18, Youth Development and Employment Minister George Opare Addo described the situation as alarming and warned that rising youth unemployment poses a serious national security threat. He said the John Mahama-led administration would intensify efforts to reduce unemployment and re-engage young people in productive economic activities as part of broader measures to safeguard national stability.

Ghana deploys troops abroad amid regional and international crises

Ghana has deployed military personnel to Jamaica and Benin in moves that signal an expansion of its South-South cooperation and regional security role. At a send-off parade in Accra on December 17, President John Mahama said the 14 Engineer Brigade deployed to Jamaica would focus on reconstruction rather than combat following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which killed more than 45 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Ghana is also contributing about 100 personnel to the ECOWAS Standby Force in Benin after an attempted coup earlier in December. While authorities in Benin say the situation is under control, Ghanaian troops remain part of efforts to safeguard constitutional order, even as the deployments have sparked domestic debate over costs, priorities, and executive authority.

Ghana signs WTO law advisory accession protocol in Geneva

Ghana has signed the accession protocol to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, gaining access to specialised legal support for trade disputes. The agreement was signed on December 18, 2025, in Geneva by Ghana’s Ambassador to the WTO, Emmanuel Asiedu Antwi, making Ghana one of 39 developing countries eligible for discounted legal services and training under the centre. The Advisory Centre provides confidential legal advice, representation in dispute settlement proceedings, and capacity-building programmes. While officials say the move will strengthen Ghana’s ability to defend its trade interests, the signing comes amid longstanding concerns about the country’s regulatory capacity and compliance with WTO notification obligations, highlighted during its most recent Trade Policy Review.

Alongside the peace deal, Trump announced a raft of new trade and defence agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, signalling a renewed US economic push in a region increasingly shaped by China’s influence.

Malaysia emerged as the biggest economic winner. Under a new reciprocal trade agreement, Kuala Lumpur will cut or eliminate nearly all tariffs on US exports, ending long-standing barriers on American agricultural goods, motor vehicles, and industrial products. The deal also commits Malaysia to recognise US regulatory standards, streamlining future trade.

The United States and Malaysia further elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a move accompanied by major commercial deals. These include multi-year agreements for up to $3.4 billion in annual LNG purchases, $42.6 million in coal sales, and a landmark order for 30 Boeing aircraft with an option for 30 more.

Additional purchases of US semiconductors, aerospace components, and data centre equipment are expected to total $150 billion. The two countries also signed an MOU on critical minerals, expanding cooperation across exploration, extraction, and manufacturing.

Cambodia also gained from Trump’s visit. In exchange for signing the peace accord, Phnom Penh secured the removal of a US arms embargo and an agreement to restart the Angkor Sentinel joint defence exercise, suspended since 2017. Cambodian officers will also gain more training opportunities at American military academies.

Trump and Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to deepen collaboration against transnational crime, including cyber scams and narcotics trafficking, which Washington says cost Americans billions each year.

In Thailand, Trump and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a new framework for reciprocal trade that could eliminate tariff barriers on 99% of goods. They also signed a memorandum to boost cooperation on critical minerals, cybercrime , and supply chain resilience.

Vietnam joined the list of beneficiaries as Trump unveiled a framework for a fair and balanced trade agreement that would grant preferential market access to nearly all US industrial and agricultural exports.

Trump’s short visit ended with him attending the annual US-ASEAN Summit, where he pledged America ’s continued commitment to regional peace and prosperity. 

Even some top honchos will mark a first at the ASEAN Summit, too. 

Of course, leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states are present: Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia’s Hun Manet, Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto, Laos’ Sonexay Siphandone, Philippines’ Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore’s Lawrence Wong, Thailand ’s Anutin Charnvirakul and Vietnam’s Pham Minh Chinh. 

Only Myanmar’s titular leader, Min Aung Hlaing, will not attend the high-level summit. A military junta leader, he has been banned from the ASEAN Summit since 2021 for rejecting the bloc’s five-point peace plan. 

Sanae Takaichi, the new leader of the big continental player Japan, will mark her diplomatic debut in Kuala Lumpur. There, she is expected to talk with US President Donald Trump about their strategic alliance in the contested waters region.

Parallels have been drawn between Takaichi and Trump; both rose to power by climbing the conservative ranks, have been viewed as polarising leaders, and have had a hardliner stance on immigration . 

Trump himself marks a first in ASEAN. It will be the first stop of his three-country Asia tour that will also include Japan and then South Korea, which is his first journey around the region since returning to the White House in 2024. 

On the other end of the global powers totem, China’s delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang. Other attendees from Asia-Pacific include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Canrey will be present, too. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend, albeit virtually. 

Non-state leaders who will participate include United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific Carlos Jaramillo. 

These leaders are expected to pore over some of the most contentious issues hounding Southeast Asia, including threats of Chinese aggression, border disputes between member states Thailand and Cambodia, and Trump’s tariffs. 

Trump arrives on a high note after Hamas and Israel agreed to the first phase of a plan he has drafted for Gaza. The timing coincides with the Nobel Prize Committee’s announcement week, including the coveted Peace Prize that Trump has long sought.

At least 43 people were killed in early August after five days of fighting along the Cambodian–Thai border. The clashes ended on August 7, following a ceasefire mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Four diplomatic and Malaysian government sources told This Week in Asia that Trump wanted the ceremony to showcase his role in initiating the peace process. Politico reported that the White House made the ceremony a condition for Trump’s attendance and requested that Chinese officials be excluded from the event.

Washington has not issued any formal demands to Malaysia as this year’s ASEAN chair. “(The peace deal ceremony is) potentially happening, yes, but it has yet to be finalised,” a source told This Week in Asia, adding that it also depended on Thailand ’s approval.

Border tensions remain high despite the ceasefire. Both sides have accused each other of violations, with militaries still on alert. Nationalists in Thailand and Cambodia have pressured their governments not to concede territory.

Thailand’s new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, took office last month after parliament voted out Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an ethics breach linked to a leaked call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Anutin has pledged to dissolve parliament within four months to allow new elections and a constitutional referendum.

The 2025 Asean Summit is expected to draw global attention, with confirmed attendance from China’s Premier Li Qiang, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.

All 10 ASEAN leaders are expected to seek bilateral meetings with Trump to discuss trade relief, following the imposition of US tariffs ranging from 10% to 40% on exports from the region since August. Economists have warned that the tariffs could slow Southeast Asia’s growth and push countries to find new export markets.

Washington has overtaken Beijing as Kuala Lumpur’s largest export market, with bilateral trade reaching $78.3 billion in 2022. Across Asean, however, China remains the dominant partner for the 16th straight year, with trade totalling $597 billion in the first seven months of 2025.

A recent regional survey found that 52.3% of Southeast Asian respondents preferred the US as a long-term strategic partner, compared with 47.7% for China. Those figures came before Trump’s new tariffs, which have hit ASEAN members at varying levels: Laos and Myanmar at 40%, Brunei at 23%, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia , Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia at 19%, and Singapore at 10%. 

As Asean leaders prepare to focus on trade and regional stability, Trump’s attention appears fixed elsewhere — on a symbolic peace deal, and the Nobel Peace Prize he still hopes to claim.

The president stressed that no financial concessions were made to Washington and that the understanding is “limited, carefully vetted, and aligned with ECOWAS protocols.” He said it reflects Ghana’s Pan-African commitment to regional cooperation while safeguarding national sovereignty and security.

Mahama also revealed that trade talks with the US are still underway, including discussions to revise a 15% tariff and renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has long granted duty-free access for African exports.

Other African nations, including Rwanda , Eswatini, and South Sudan, negotiated similar deals with the US to curb undocumented migration while seeking fairer trade terms.

Despite tensions, both sides aim to finalise the first tranche of a bilateral trade pact by late 2025, with the goal of doubling trade from the current $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030. The US accounted for $131.8 billion of India’s trade in 2024/25, according to government data.

Parallel negotiations with the EU remain ongoing, alongside discussions with New Zealand , Oman, Peru and Chile. India also signed terms in August to begin FTA talks with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.

India’s deal with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, takes effect October 1, securing $100 billion in investment commitments over 15 years in exchange for reduced tariffs on key imports such as Swiss watches and diamonds.

“The FTAs are part of India’s broader strategy to attract investment while balancing geopolitical tensions,” said trade economist Biswajit Dhar.

These agreements highlight India’s growing role in global supply chains as the West seeks to diversify away from China .

As in the recently concluded UN General Assembly, the Gaza conflict will likely dominate any encounter with the US president. Trump has positioned himself as a broker pushing Israel toward a ceasefire, but his close ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu complicate regional perceptions.

Malaysia’s Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, said the summit provides ASEAN with a rare chance to directly confront Washington on the issue.

"Some have asked why a clearer message (of support for Palestine) wasn't sent by not inviting (Trump),” he said. "Actually, it would be easy for us to 'boycott' (the US), but the Prime Minister's (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) approach in many matters is that we need dialogue.”

"This is the most appropriate time to invite the US President. In addition to Malaysia stating its position, it gives other (summit) member countries the space to interact with and express their views to the US President," he continued.

Earlier this month, all ASEAN states backed a UN resolution reaffirming a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, while Washington was among just 10 countries voting against.

Trade, US tariffs

Malaysia’s decision to extend an invitation to Trump may be rooted in trade realities: the United States is now Malaysia’s largest export market, overtaking China. Bilateral trade has nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching $78.3 billion in 2022.

Across the region, however, China remains ASEAN’s dominant partner , holding that position for 16 consecutive years. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, trade between China and ASEAN climbed to $597 billion, an 8.2% increase from the previous year.

In terms of overall strategic partnership, the US still holds an edge over China . A recent survey found 52.3% of Southeast Asian respondents favouring Washington as a long-term partner, compared with 47.7% for Beijing. These findings, however, came before Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, which have weighed heavily on ASEAN economies:

Regional defence

If and when Trump attends the October summit, regional defence will also be one of the main points expected to be raised with him. According to a Lowy Institute study, the US is Southeast Asia’s preferred military partner , specifically for joint exercises. 

Trump has already drawn himself directly into ASEAN disputes. In July, when border clashes flared between Cambodia and Thailand , the self-styled anti-war leader stepped in to mediate.

A 26 July phone call from Trump to the leaders of both countries helped break a deadlock in negotiations. Two days later, a ceasefire was signed in Malaysia, ending some of the heaviest fighting between the neighbours in years.

Cambodia has since nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “historic contributions in advancing world peace.”

But the truce remains fragile. Thailand is still under a transitional government led by Anutin Charnvirakul, after former premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted on ethics charges linked in part to the border dispute.

Bangkok is now weighing the possibility of a referendum on whether to revoke two long-standing border agreements with Cambodia as a way to defuse tensions.

On Wednesday, Omar Rakash, director of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency, met with investors who had signed agreements with African partners. The discussions focused on fast-tracking the transformation of contracts into on-the-ground projects across sectors such as energy, renewable fuels, food industries, and steel. Algeria alone accounted for more than $11 billion in signed deals, including $5 billion dedicated specifically to investment contracts.

Rakash stressed that Algeria’s objective goes beyond trade volumes. He said the government is determined to use these deals to deepen South-South cooperation and support balanced development across the continent. “These contracts must translate into real projects that contribute to Africa’s growth and integration,” he noted.

To facilitate this, the Investment Promotion Agency has launched a digital platform where investors can present projects, track progress, and access resources to meet regulatory requirements. Officials believe this will help bridge the gap between promises made at the trade fair and actual implementation on the ground.

The discussions come as Botswana races to protect its diamond exports from crippling U.S. tariffs, which were slashed from 37% to 15% in April. Botswana President Duma Boko warned in July that “these punitive measures threaten the sustainability of Botswana’s diamond industry and present a serious obstacle to broader economic growth across Africa.”

While officials insist negotiations are ongoing, there are fears the trade-off could weaken local beneficiation efforts, undermine partnerships with companies such as Debswana, and compromise transparency by bypassing parliamentary debate, Africa Relief reports.

A document titled “Botswana Strategic Bilateral Engagement on U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs” outlined not only mineral access but also U.S. investment opportunities in energy, technology, infrastructure, and health. The government pledged to ease entry through its One Stop Service Centre, reduce non-tariff barriers, and align with U.S. product standards. 

In return, the US promised to share a framework of its specific trade concerns. The general fear is that granting “first-mover rights” to American companies risks sidelining local communities and breaching mineral rights laws.

Professor Kekgaoditse Suping of the University of Botswana argued that while tariff relief could shield jobs and strengthen Botswana’s role in the green economy , safeguards on skills transfer, equity participation, and accountability are essential.

Officials, however, have downplayed the controversy. Trade Minister Ntsima dismissed concerns as “speculative” and cited a non-disclosure agreement preventing further detail. Permanent Secretary Joel Ramaphoi stressed that the government remains confident in securing full tariff elimination.

Why this matters

Any new accession alone can already be seen as a milestone for ASEAN, which has not admitted a new member since Cambodia in 1999. At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, Timor-Leste’s entry signals the bloc’s continued commitment to regional inclusivity.

Its membership also extends ASEAN’s reach, giving the bloc oversight from Myanmar in the west to the Timor Sea in the east. Some say the move could strengthen ASEAN’s position as a counterweight to rising coalitions such as BRICS+ and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

For Timor-Leste, the benefits are substantial. Joining ASEAN could help attract foreign investment and diversify an economy still reliant on petroleum revenue, which accounts for roughly 80% of public spending .

The country also stands to gain from ASEAN’s free-trade frameworks, including the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Lower tariffs and improved access to higher-quality goods could significantly benefit the import-dependent nation.

Country profile

Timor-Leste is Asia’s youngest country, winning independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a protracted and often violent struggle. Its population is predominantly Catholic, with Tetum and Portuguese as official languages.

The economy depends heavily on petroleum revenues. While a sovereign wealth fund has helped stabilize finances, the country remains vulnerable to oil price swings and the accelerating global shift to renewable energy.

Political stability has improved, but frequent coalition changes and institutional weaknesses have slowed development. Poverty and youth unemployment remain among the highest in Southeast Asia.

Geographically, Timor-Leste occupies the eastern half of Timor island, sharing a land border with Indonesia and is proximate to Australia. Its position gives it strategic significance along key shipping lanes at the edge of the Timor Sea as a bridge between Asia and the Pacific.

The country is led by President José Ramos-Horta, now serving a second term after first holding the office from 2007 to 2012, the period when Timor-Leste formally applied for ASEAN membership. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ramos-Horta is widely respected for his work toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the country.

What to expect

ASEAN leaders are expected to hold a ceremonial flag-raising during the October summit to formally induct Timor-Leste as a full member.

In the short term, observers expect gradual integration as Timor-Leste works to align its regulations, trade systems, and border controls with ASEAN standards. The accession also offers ASEAN a chance to demonstrate its unity at a moment of growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.

Border management is likely to be one of the most sensitive issues, given Timor-Leste’s historical and ongoing disputes with Indonesia, an ASEAN member. Similar border tensions have tested intra-bloc relations before, most recently between Thailand and Cambodia.

Ramos-Horta has pledged that Timor-Leste will contribute to ASEAN’s stability, not its tensions.

“Our absolute priority is for Timor-Leste to stay peaceful, with law and order, public security, and stability in government,” he told Channel News Asia . “We should not bring to ASEAN an additional burden, additional headache.”

Looking ahead, Ramos-Horta has said he hopes Timor-Leste will be ready to host an ASEAN summit by 2029. He has also floated a more ambitious vision: a demilitarised region where disputes are resolved through diplomacy rather than conflict.

“The best way, in my view — maybe it’s romantic, maybe it’s naive — would be to demilitarise the whole area,” he said. “Better to declare it a sea of peace and human fraternity, and then work to celebrate that sea as a sea of peace.”

For many Timorese, accession is as much a symbolic milestone as a practical one — a sign that their two-decade-old nation is recognized as a full partner in Southeast Asia’s future.

The U.S. side was led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while China was represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng and Chief Trade Negotiator Li Chenggang.

TikTok on the agenda

Nikkei Asia reports that for the first time, TikTok has been formally placed on the talks’ agenda. The popular short-video app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, faces a looming September 17 deadline to divest its U.S. operations or risk being shut down.

While sources close to the Trump administration caution that no deal is expected in Madrid, officials anticipate the deadline will be extended yet again, the fourth such extension since President Donald Trump took office in January.

The public inclusion of TikTok in the Madrid discussions is seen as giving the administration political cover for another delay, even as lawmakers from both parties press for a permanent solution.

Tariffs and trade tension

Meanwhile, trade tensions remain at the heart of the talks. Trump has approved the extension of tariffs on Chinese goods at rates of about 55 percent until November 10, continuing a policy that has fueled a cycle of retaliation between the two powers.

At the same time, Washington is pressing allies to impose tariffs on China for its purchases of Russian oil, a demand that underscores how trade disputes are increasingly intertwined with geopolitical flashpoints.

China, on the other hand, has sought relief from U.S. export controls and a reduction of tariffs it views as crippling to its state-subsidised industries.

Projected outcome of Madrid talks

According to Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator, the Madrid discussions may help pave the way for “deliverables” at a high-level meeting, potentially including agreements on soybeans, fentanyl tariffs, and a final resolution on TikTok.

“Frankly, I don’t think China is in any rush to do an agreement where they don’t get substantial concessions on export controls and lower tariffs,” Cutler said. “And I don’t see the United States in a position to make major concessions on either.”

The U.S.-China trade relationship has, in recent months, been battered by tariffs, retaliatory decisions and mutual suspicion.

Currently, nearly 70 percent of CARICOM’s final imported goods, valued at US$7.7 billion, come from the United States, making the region Washington’s third-largest import partner. While this reliance has long provided stability, it has also deepened CARICOM’s trade imbalance with the U.S., particularly as reciprocal tariffs drive up costs.

CPSO’s study revealed that the goods trade deficit between CARICOM and the United States grew by about US$200 million from 2022 to 2023, followed by an additional US$300 million in 2024.

Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and technical director of the CPSO, argued that rebalancing trade through non-traditional import sources could help buffer CARICOM economies from mounting U.S.-linked costs. Exploring markets in Asia, Latin America , and Africa would not only reduce dependence on a single partner but also strengthen food and goods security across the region.

“By diversifying supply chains, CARICOM states can cut costs, reduce vulnerabilities, and capture new opportunities for regional integration,” Antoine told the forum.

Projections indicate the deficit could expand by another US$500 million by 2025, even before factoring in tariff hikes.

This, after Trump’s meeting with EU officials , in which he pressed for punitive tariffs on Chinese and Indian exports as part of his strategy to force Russia into ending the war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year.

“I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people ,” Modi said. 

Trump had initially set a 25% tariff on imports from India, one of the world’s most populous nations and a major exporter of petroleum products, telecoms equipment and pharmaceuticals. But India’s trade with Russia prompted him to double that to 50%, one of the steepest levies Washington has imposed on any country.

In a separate post on his platform Truth Social, Trump said he anticipated meeting Modi “in the coming weeks” and foresaw “no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”

As early as August, when he announced the 50% tariff, Trump warned that the same economic penalties could be applied to other countries importing Russian oil, pointedly adding, “one of them could be China.”

International relations scholar Dr. Ila Joshi told Global South World before Trump floated the 100% tariff proposal that Washington risked undoing years of diplomatic outreach with its punitive economic sanctions.

“Some harm has been done. It took a long time for the U.S.to build these relations with the countries, to build those trust factors with the countries. Then suddenly everything breaks and snaps,” said Joshi, who primarily studies China and India.

“Definitely now the U.S. will have to rethink its strategy,” she added.  “Him antagonizing India, well, that’s not an intelligent thing to do.”

While Modi has continued to stress India’s partnership with the U.S., he has also drawn closer to Russia and China, most recently during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit , where more than 20 regional leaders discussed security, peace and trade.

Joshi said Modi’s approach reflected India’s long-standing policy of keeping its options open, describing its foreign policy as “independent” and “practical.”

China and India, two of Russia’s biggest energy partners, would be directly caught in the squeeze if the EU agrees to Trump’s request.

One EU diplomat said Trump signalled he was prepared to impose similarly sweeping tariffs himself if the bloc agreed to act.

The appeal comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin shows little inclination to scale back his war in Ukraine. Last week, he accused EU states of forming a “party of war” and warned that Moscow would continue to resort to military means if all else fails.

“I think there’s a certain light at the end of the tunnel,” Putin said during a nearly hourlong news conference in Beijing. “If not, then we’ll have to solve all the tasks before us by military means.”

For his part, Trump is appearing to turn increasingly critical of Putin again after mellowing out during their August meeting in Alaska. In recent months, he has escalated economic pressure on Russia’s oil trade partners, including raising tariffs on Indian goods to 50%.

Speaking to Global South World before news of the EU request emerged, Dr. Ila Joshi, an international relations scholar studying China and India, called Trump's tariff strategy misguided.

“Trump can do anything, but I hope he doesn’t,” Joshi said when asked if Washington might raise duties on India after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared to be drawing closer to Xi Jinping and Putin.

“With the personality he has, he’s so erratic, he can do anything. But as for an intelligent foreign policy… that’s not an intelligent thing to do. Not at all.”

The announcement has unsettled exporters, who warn of falling orders and potential job losses.

India has described the measure as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to counter the impact of higher tariffs by pledging to reduce the goods and services tax (GST) on consumer products, saying the reform would “bring down the tax burden on the common man."

Currently, GST operates under a four-tier system ranging from 5% to 28%. Under the proposed changes, most products would fall into two tiers at either 5% or 18%.

Some traders, however, have voiced strong opposition to the U.S. tariff plan.

Rice commission agent Rumel Singh said the steep duties would woo away buyers from other, more expensive variants of goods.

“India buys oil from Russia , that’s why it is being hit with a 50% tariff rate. If they charge 50% tax on our products, then it is natural that when the tax increases, the customer also knows that he can buy what is cheaper.”

Singh added that the measure was “completely wrong” and said traders may boycott U.S. goods.

"We will also try to send a message to the whole of India that no product from America should be purchased,” he said.

Jewellery shop owner Shubham Jain said higher duties would push up prices.

“Even if it is a single commodity, you have to pay 50% tax on it. Now, even if you have to order a single item, then the tax increases so much that it becomes out of reach,” he said.

Jain warned that customers would likely turn to other markets

“After the 50% tax is imposed, the prices will increase and people will choose the cheaper options. We have been doing this work for a long time, and now there will be a lot of problems.”

“The current global credit rating system often overlooks Africa's unique economic realities, unfairly penalising our countries during periods of global distress. This must change,” Ruto said. “I therefore support the proposal to establish an African credit rating agency, complemented by reforms in global credit rating systems to address structural inequalities,” he added.

While Ruto stressed the importance of deepening regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he also called for sweeping reforms to the international financial system and urged African nations to boost trade with each other. He said the continent could no longer afford to be held back by external dependence and unfair credit ratings.

“Intra-African trade accounts for only 15 percent of total continental trade. By all credible estimates under AfCFTA, intra-African trade can surge by up to 50 percent in just ten years,” he said. “This would generate immense wealth, create millions of decent jobs, expand opportunities for MSMEs, and open new markets for African goods and services.”

Currently, intra-African trade accounts for only 16 percent of the continent’s total, compared with 70 percent in Europe and 60 percent in Asia. The disparity highlights Africa’s continued reliance on external markets for growth, Viory reports. 

Why ratings matter

Credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch and S&P Global assess amongst others, a country’s ability to repay debt. Their ratings heavily influence how much governments and businesses pay when they borrow money.

For African countries, a downgrade can mean significantly higher interest rates on loans, even when economic fundamentals remain stable. Leaders argue this creates a cycle where debt becomes harder to manage, limiting resources for investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Ramaphosa said the tariff dispute reinforced the need for Africa to diversify its export markets and build deeper ties with Asian partners.

“Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners, partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development and mutual industrialisation,” he told delegates in Yokohama.

He further indicated that South Africa’s strength as an exporter of agricultural goods, vehicles, and industrial components, and urged Japan to cooperate on easing market access.

Ramaphosa called for Japanese investment in infrastructure , energy and digital development, as well as in skills training, youth innovation and small business growth.

“Recent tariff actions by the United States on African goods have highlighted the need to diversify our export markets,” he said. “We call on our Japanese counterparts to support tariff cooperation to ease market access for African goods.”

Launched in 1993, TICAD is Japan’s main platform for building economic and development partnerships with Africa. This year’s session in Yokohama has focused on sustainable growth, digital transformation and industrialisation.

“I do believe that the decision of not continuing that decades-old power plant for the safety risk reasons and the sustainability reasons, and also the nuclear waste processing issues are valid,” Yang told Global South World.  

Bringing an ageing facility back online is not a long-term solution, he added. 

“When it comes back to the particular issue of whether restarting a decommissioned nuclear power plant is the solution or not, I hold some doubt against the argument that restarting that should be the primary solution that Taiwan needs to consider.”

Taiwan once operated three nuclear facilities with six total reactors, but the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) pledged to phase out nuclear power after coming to office in 2016.

The Chinshan plant, the country’s first, saw its two reactors closed in December 2018 and July 2019. At the Kuosheng site, the first unit was expected to run until late 2021 but was shut down months earlier because of limited storage space for spent fuel, while the second unit ceased operation in March 2023.

Work on the Lungmen power station, launched in 1999, was repeatedly delayed by political and legal disputes. Unit 1 was placed in long-term storage in 2015, while construction of Unit 2 was halted the year before.

Yang said Saturday’s referendum would be critical both to Taiwan’s future energy resilience and the Democratic Progressive Party’s promise of a nuclear-free homeland .

“The current government's legitimacy and credibility as an advocate for a nuclear-free Taiwan hinges on the outcome of this referendum,” he said. “But of course, I think there are other realistic steps that will be taken before an actual restart of the nuclear power plant.” 

“It's not a very easy process to just say if the referendum's outcome favours restarting the nuclear power plan, then that would then immediately lead to the restart of that power plant,” Yang added. 

Dependence on imports

Another factor shaping the debate is Taiwan’s reliance on imported energy, which accounts for more than 97% of supply. 

Pro-nuclear groups argue this leaves the island vulnerable to global market shifts and geopolitical risks.

“That (importing) would basically force the country to be in a vulnerable position if the supply gets disrupted by commercial reasons or there are disputes between Taiwan and the source of the country that it usually imports those energy sources,” Yang said. 

“If one day China decided to disrupt the shipping of those energy sources into Taiwan, then that would suddenly make Taiwan very vulnerable and exposed,” he added. 

Concerns about a potential Chinese blockade, however, were unlikely to weigh heavily on voters in this referendum, according to Yang. 

“If Taiwan is able to ensure its imported energy supply remains steady, and also ensures that it has the ability to try to deal with potential challenges that could disrupt these energy import schedules, then whether to restart the nuclear power plant or not will have little to do with Taiwan's current status or state of energy supply.”

Saturday’s vote will also be crucial to Taiwan’s flagship semiconductor industry. 

As the world’s biggest manufacturer of advanced chips, the country’s Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) alone accounts for about 8% of total usage, a figure projected to rise to 24% by 2030.

“As Taiwan continues to attract more high-end semiconductor chip manufacturing and tries to increase its pivot toward the AI chip production becoming a hub, the energy supply, both the stability of that and also the sustainability, has come into question,” Yang said. 

Looking beyond the referendum, Yang said Taiwan must prepare for the future rather than the past. 

“In order for Taiwan to become more resilient, it is necessary to consider other, much safer and more advanced and developed new power that might involve some type of safer nuclear source,” he said.

Members of Bhutan’s Parliament will now receive Nu 2.5 million ($28,713) as a lump sum for vehicle allowance, a 150% increase from the earlier Nu 1 million ($11,485). A senior government official said the increase was not a monetisation of the discontinued “Prado Quota,” but an enhancement of the allowance. The decision follows debates during the Summer Session of Parliament, where MPs pressed for either designated duty vehicles or a return of vehicle quotas. The additional Nu 1.5 million ($17,227)was released in June 2025.

Rowover junking of development fund

The National Council (NC) has accused the National Assembly (NA) of removing the Nu 94 million ($1.079 million) Priority Development Fund (PDF) from the 2025-26 Budget Appropriation Bill after the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. The NC said the NA failed to consult or seek consensus before forwarding the revised Bill for Royal Assent. The NA responded that it acted within its exclusive constitutional authority over Money Bills and noted the Supreme Court’s interpretation was binding. It rejected the NC’s call for an emergency joint committee meeting, saying there was “no legal or procedural basis.” The NA stressed that legislative control over public finance rests with the Assembly, not the Council.

Bhutan’s electricity export paralysed as tariff talks with India stalls

Bhutan is unable to export electricity from the 1,020 MW Punatsangchu II Hydroelectric Project (PHPA II) as no tariff agreement has been reached with India. The project, which will be fully commissioned by August 27, is currently generating over 850 MW, but all power is being used domestically at a temporary rate of Nu 3 ($0.034) per unit. Talks between the two governments remain stalled, with disagreement over future tariff revisions. Loan repayments for PHPA II will start two years after commissioning, heightening the urgency for a resolution.

By-election in Trongsa’s Nubi-Tangsibji constituency set for September 4

Voters in Trongsa’s Nubi-Tangsibji constituency will head to the polls on September 4 for a by-election following the resignation of former MP Tashi Dorji after his conviction for child molestation. The polls feature Bhutan Tendrel Party’s (BTP) Tashi Samdrup, 53, who pledges to focus on effective implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan, and People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Phuntsho Dendup, 40, who is campaigning on improving road connectivity and rural services. In the 2023-2024 general election, Dorji won narrowly over Dendup with 54% of the vote.

Bhutan’s king to make first state visit to Vietnam

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema will pay a state visit to Vietnam from August 18 to 22 at the invitation of President Lương Cường. This will be the first such visit since Bhutan and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 2012. The King is scheduled to meet Vietnam’s top leaders, including the President, Prime Minister, and National Assembly Chairman. Talks will cover cooperation in agriculture, tourism, culture, education, technology, and green development. Trade between the two countries currently stands at about US$20,000 annually, with two Vietnamese investment projects in Bhutan.

“These chips are being used by the US commercially and in the military,” Manny Mogato, a veteran defence journalist from the Philippines, told Global South World. “If China invades Taiwan, America will lose its main source of semiconductors.”

Semiconductors are tiny but essential components in nearly everything modern — from smartphones, cars, and even military equipment like fighter jets and ballistic defence missile systems. 

Taiwan accounts for roughly 90% of the world’s cutting-edge chip production, earning it the nickname “Silicon Island,” a nod to California ’s Silicon Valley. Approximately 44.2% of US logic chip imports come from Taiwan, and TSMC alone supplies key components to Apple, Nvidia, and countless other tech giants.

The global dependence is so acute that, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, no company could replace Taiwan’s output in the short term if production were disrupted.

While China has historically been Taiwan’s biggest export market, the trade balance began to shift in 2024 when the self-ruled island, claimed by the People ’s Republic of China as its renegade province, sold more goods to Washington than Beijing. 

In February, Taiwan’s exports to the US surged 65.6% from a year earlier to $11.77 billion, driven largely by demand for chips and artificial intelligence technologies.

“That‘s the strategic implication. That's how important Taiwan is to America. Because if China gets a hold of Taiwan, it can block the export of semiconductors to America,” Mogato, a former Reuters correspondent, said. 

What does US President Donald Trump feel about Taiwan’s global chip dominance?

Trump once accused Taiwan of undermining America’s chip industry. But his tone shifted earlier this year after TSMC pledged a $100 billion investment in the US, including five new fabrication plants.

In return, Washington is doubling down on military support. Trump’s second administration is expected to approve arms sales to Taiwan exceeding both his first-term total of $18.3 billion and President Biden’s $8.4 billion.

Even without formal diplomatic ties, the economic and strategic partnership between Washington and Taipei is clear. Taiwan’s chips are too important — and too irreplaceable — for the US to let them fall into China’s hands.

This expanded coalition , now often called BRICS+, represents roughly 46% of the world’s population, controls about 28% of global trade, and is projected to command over 38% of global GDP by 2029, surpassing the G7’s declining share.

African leaders increasingly view BRICS as a strategic platform to counterbalance Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank, organisations often criticised for imposing stringent conditionalities.

In contrast, the BRICS-established New Development Bank (NDB) aims to offer more flexible financing, including a goal of lending 30% in local currencies by 2026 Afripoli Reddit . While progress has been slow, only around 21% of approved financing was in local currency as of 2023. This shift remains a powerful symbol of financial autonomy Afripoli . As members of the NDB, countries like Egypt and Algeria now have a firmer footing outside the traditional dollar-centric system.

Intra-African trade under BRICS is also growing. South Africa, for example, relies on BRICS for nearly 21% of its external trade, with GDP contributions and trade volume consistently rising BRICS+ Consulting Group . Region-wide, trade between Africa and BRICS partners reached an estimated $580 billion in 2023, with $83 billion in FDI, largely funnelled into infrastructure, energy, and tech sectors.

South Africa, for instance, has benefited 100 billion  rand, approximately US $5.3 billion, from the BRICS bank, which it used to fund its infrastructure projects. Egypt also joined the bank in February to help ease its  greenback shortages.

Africa - BRICS trade

With the BRICS de-dollarisation concept aimed at increasing the use of local currencies in trade, it is no surprise that African leaders request an alignment with the bloc. What could go wrong with this concept is an increased use of the Chinese renminbi, and already, African nations, including Mauritius, Nigeria, and Zambia, use the renminbi as a  reserve currency .

The BRICS are now Africa’s largest trading partners, and in 2012, trade rose to as much as US$340 billion. The BRICS are also growing in their foreign direct investments in Africa, especially in the manufacturing and service sectors, compared to the US and Europe. It is reported that the BRICS trade more with Africa than they do among themselves.

With Africa’s untapped agricultural sector, the opportunity for investments and the transfer of technology, BRICS is a strategic alternative for Africa to break free from Western influence.

South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has stated that Pretoria's absence of an ambassador to the United States has not impeded efforts to engage Washington diplomatically, despite recent tensions. Speaking at a joint press briefing with Trade Minister Parks Tau on August 4 at the Germiston Civic Centre, Lamola addressed concerns following the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March. He reiterated that President Cyril Ramaphosa has always prioritised US relations in ambassadorial appointments, adding, "We had an ambassador in the US and that ambassador was expelled."

US tariffs prompt South Africa to prioritise Türkiye as trade partner

In response to steep 30% US tariffs set to take effect on August 8, South Africa is shifting focus to alternative markets, naming Türkiye a strategic trade partner. According to a statement cited by Anadolu Agency on August 4, the government launched a strategy to deepen bilateral ties and counter the economic impact of the tariffs. The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation described the tariffs as "incomprehensible" given South Africa’s minimal 0.25% share in US imports, warning of damage to mutual relations.

South Africa calls for recognition of Palestine at UN conference

Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has reiterated South Africa's support for a two-state solution at a high-level UN peace conference. Referring to the October 7 attacks on Israeli civilians as horrific, Lamola condemned violence while emphasising state recognition and territorial integrity for Palestine. “South Africa welcomes the intentions of recognition of the state of Palestine by France as an important step,” he said, calling for urgent international action to restore credibility to the two-state framework.

Private sector expands for third straight month in July

South Africa’s private sector continued to grow modestly in July, with the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 50.3 from 50.1 in June. The index, released on August 5, showed renewed sales and ongoing job creation driving the slight acceleration. A reading above 50 signals expansion, indicating that business conditions have remained positive for the third consecutive month.

Shoprite exits Ghana and Malawi amid Africa operations review

Retail giant Shoprite Holdings announced on August 5 that it is exiting operations in Ghana and Malawi. The move forms part of its broader consolidation strategy to refocus on its core South African market. Once the continent’s largest food retailer with a presence in over 15 countries, Shoprite has been scaling back international operations in recent years in favour of domestic growth and profitability.

Opposition figures are pushing for a snap presidential election by November 2027, which, if successful, would preempt the scheduled 2028 vote and cut short the term of incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu revealed plans for the snap polls in a televised interview . This development follows the opposition’s claim of having gathered more than 20 million signatures backing arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as the candidate of the Republican People’s Party. On the side of the ruling party, Erdogan has left the door open on a possible re-election bid. If he wins, he would be the Turkish president through 2033 or for 19 years — the longest in history.

Trade deficit plummets to 9-month low

Turkey’s trade deficit recorded a 12% year-on-year decrease in July 2025, a 9-month low shortfall credited to quicker growth of exports compared with imports. According to preliminary data from the Turkey Trade Ministry, the trade deficit went down to $6.4 billion in July 2025 from $7.3 billion in the same month last year. Exports rose by 11% year-on-year to $25 billion, while imports grew at a slower rate of 5.4% to $31.4 billion. 

Turkey unlikely to allow US nuclear subs in Black Sea

Turkey would likely reject any US request to deploy nuclear submarines in the Black Sea, international law analyst Hakan Erkiner said, citing the 1936 Montreux Convention. The remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s August 1 announcement of plans to send submarines to “appropriate regions.” The convention allows Turkey, which is officially neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war, to restrict military vessel transit through the Bosporus and Dardanelles.

Turkey slams Israeli security chief over Jewish prayer in Muslim mosque

Turkey on August 4 condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for conducting a Jewish prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, calling the act a violation of the site’s sanctity and long-standing agreements. The Turkish foreign ministry criticised what it described as a “raid” by Israeli ministers, accompanied by police and settlers, at Islam’s third-holiest site, which also sits on Judaism’s holiest — the Temple Mount.

Azerbaijan begins gas exports to Syria via Turkey

Azerbaijan has launched gas exports to Syria through Turkish territory, marking a new regional energy link. Annual supply is expected to reach 1.2 billion cubic metres from the Shah Deniz field. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said initial daily deliveries will be 3.4 million cubic metres, with the potential to increase to 6 mcm and eventually 2 bcm annually. Turkey’s role is part of its broader effort to support Syrian reconstruction.

“Our negotiations with the United States are continuing,” Ramaphosa said. “Let’s be clear, South Africa is not the only country that is dealing with this crisis, and many others are in a much worse situation than we are.”

The U.S. tariff proposals have raised concerns among South African industries that depend heavily on American markets. Ramaphosa noted the economic stakes.

“We’ve got to respond to the United States tariff proposals. Many of our companies deal with United States customers,” he said. “We export vehicles, we export steel and aluminium, we export citrus. So we’ve got to engage with them and find a way to reach a settlement.”

He added that there was still time to resolve the issue through dialogue. “Within the window that’s still open, we’re hoping that we will find a way to settle this matter. So intensive negotiations are now underway.”

Asked whether the U.S. was approaching the talks rationally, Ramaphosa offered a diplomatic response noting that, “It’s not for me to comment on whether we’re dealing with people who are rational or not. We deal with every government with the required respect and dignity, and we expect that respect to be reciprocated.”

Ramaphosa also acknowledged South Africa’s position on the continent as a major exporter, saying, “We are the largest and most industrialised economy in Africa. Obviously, we will be a target because we export more than many other countries. So our task is to negotiate, strongly and as hard as we can, with the United States.”

North Korea has barred foreign tourists from entering its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma beach resort, just weeks after promoting it as a world-class destination. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the state-run DPR Korea Tour website announced on July 18, 2025, that the resort would temporarily stop accepting foreign visitors, without giving reasons or a timeline. The ban comes shortly after Kim Jong-un hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov there on July 12, calling him the first foreign guest and signalling efforts to promote the site internationally. Lavrov reportedly pledged support to boost tourism. The multi-million dollar project, delayed by sanctions and the pandemic, finally opened on June 24. Domestic tourism officially began July 1, with state media hailing the resort as a “national treasure-level tourist town.” Kim praised it as one of North Korea’s greatest achievements of the year.

Russia causes alarm with official North Korea visit

Russia and North Korea are deepening their relationship during a three-day visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, aimed at aligning views on the Ukraine war. Lavrov’s visit follows an earlier trip by Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu, who confirmed that North Korea sent thousands of military workers and reportedly around 12,000 troops to support Russia. In return, concerns are rising that Kim Jong Un may seek advanced Russian military technology, potentially escalating his nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lavrov on July 10 to discuss peace talks, though he noted that President Trump remains frustrated with Russia’s lack of flexibility.

The strange disappearance of the US-North Korea conflict

If you had fallen into a coma in early 2018 and awakened in 2025, you might be surprised by the silence surrounding the once-volatile US–North Korea conflict . Just a few years ago, tensions were at a boiling point. North Korea, seen by many in the West as unpredictable and hostile, was rapidly advancing its nuclear weapons program—conducting test explosions and missile launches while openly threatening the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. At the time, President Obama had warned his successor, Donald Trump, that North Korea posed a major security threat. The Trump administration adopted a hardline stance, signalling it was prepared for military intervention if necessary. Top officials labelled a nuclear-capable North Korea “intolerable,” and Trump famously vowed, “It won’t happen,” warning that any threats would be met with “fire and fury.”

North Korea is becoming increasingly isolated from the world

For years, experts and U.S. officials have stressed that North Korea’s human rights abuses must be addressed alongside its nuclear ambitions. The regime funds its weapons programmes through repression, forced labour, and cyber theft. The U.S. Congress recognised this in 2004 with the North Korean Human Rights Act, which prioritised human rights in diplomatic talks and authorised funding for independent media broadcasts and intelligence gathering. Though Congress renewed the law in 2008, 2012, and 2017, it lapsed in 2022. Despite this, funding has continued through the State Department’s human rights bureau. Ending this support would deprive the U.S. of vital insights as North Korea expands its global military presence and tightens control at home.

South Korea revives nuclear sub plans after North Korea’s progress

Facing increased threats from North Korea and Pacific tensions, South Korea is revisiting plans for nuclear-powered submarines to boost defence autonomy. On July 18, 2025, Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun announced plans to renegotiate the 123 Agreement with the U.S. to enable such development. Cho aims to revise the treaty to allow for nuclear sub capabilities, enhancing South Korea's deterrence and reducing reliance on the U.S. Navy. He noted that following internal review and U.S. coordination, the submarines may be introduced as part of a broader strategic upgrade.

Signed by Botswana’s Minister for International Relations, Dr. Phenyo Butale, and Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, the BNC seeks to drive strategic collaboration in areas such as trade, tourism, water management, mining, agriculture, education, and diplomatic consultations.

Dr. Butale emphasised the need for practical implementation of agreements, cautioning against signing multiple MoUs without measurable outcomes. “We are in a hurry as Botswana to industrialise and create jobs and hurried implementation is crucial,” he said, proposing annual review meetings to ensure accountability.

Mpotjoane added that “the newly signed instrument would further enable the two nations to expand more on areas that were unexplored.”

The signing was witnessed by Botswana’s President Duma Boko and Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane.

The move is part of a push by both countries to reduce exposure to exchange rate risks and transaction costs tied to the dollar. “The agreement will create a better environment for financial cooperation by supporting the use of local currencies in current account transactions and direct investment,” the PBoC said in a statement.

During his visit, Premier Li expressed China’s commitment to advancing bilateral trade and unlocking new areas of economic growth. “China is willing to work with Egypt to optimize bilateral trade and create new drivers of economic growth,” he said.

Pan Helin, a member of the Expert Committee for the Information and Communication Economy under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said the MoU marks “a new milestone” in financial cooperation. “As Egypt diversifies its foreign exchange sources and the Renminbi becomes more prominent in international payments, this cooperation will help both countries reduce reliance on the dollar,” Pan told the Global Times .

Dangote Cement Plc has launched a plastic-to-fabric initiative as part of efforts to tackle plastic pollution and advance Nigeria’s circular economy. At a graduation ceremony for women trained in the programme at its Obajana Plant, Engr. Nawabuddin Azad, represented by Head of HR Adeniyi Azeez, said, “As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, inclusive community development, and innovative material reuse, Dangote Cement Plc has successfully concluded a five-week plastic-to-fabric training programme.” Head of Social Performance, Wakeel Olayiwola, added, “The training covered a range of practical techniques including washing, cutting, threading, weaving, and basic sewing, enabling participants to produce items such as tote bags, school bags, lunch bags, and purses,” Nature News quotes. 

Nigeria missing as Trump hosts African leaders

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in Washington next week for trade-focused talks, but Nigeria is notably absent. A report by Naija News quoted a White House official, “President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, “Washington is phasing out ‘charity-based’ foreign aid in favour of partnerships with countries that show both the ability and willingness to help themselves.”

Nigeria’s first indigenous container vessel arrives Lagos

The M.V. Ocean Dragon, Nigeria’s first locally owned container vessel, docked at Tin Can Island Port carrying over 350 containers. Vice President of Clarion Shipping, Mrs. Benedine Eloka, called the arrival “the fulfilment of a long-term strategic plan.” She explained, “The vessel is not only designed for operations along Nigeria’s coastline but will also serve regional routes including Cotonou, Lome, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.” Bookings are already underway for shipments to Ghana and Lomé, and a second vessel is planned for direct service from China to Lagos, Daily Post reports.

Court finds Senator Natasha guilty of contempt, fines her N5m

The Federal High Court in Abuja has found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for publishing a satirical apology on Facebook to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, defying a gag order. Justice Binta Nyako ordered her to pay a N5 million (approximately US$3,269) fine and to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on Facebook within seven days, Vanguard Nigeria reports. The court declined to grant further relief to Senator Akpabio but proceeded to rule on the senator’s suit challenging her six-month suspension from the Senate.

US indicts Nigerian in $14bn healthcare fraud

The US Department of Justice has charged Olatunbosun Osukoya, a Nigerian, along with 323 others in a nationwide crackdown on healthcare fraud schemes causing $14.6 billion in intended losses. “Olatunbosun Osukoya, 67, of Plano, Texas, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with the submission of over $25 million in false and fraudulent medical claims,” the DOJ said. According to prosecutors, Osukoya recruited insured individuals for costly tests and paid bribes to physicians to refer patients to his company, Cambridge Diagnostics, the Punch Nigeria reports.

Top 5 countries by monthly trade surplus (May 2025)

With its monthly surplus nearly six times larger than Germany's, China continues to set the pace in global trade, bolstered by its vast manufacturing base, global demand for tech and consumer goods, and strategic control over critical supply chains.

As defined by Trading Economics, a trade surplus occurs when a nation’s exports exceed its imports, creating a net inflow of foreign currency. This surplus is seen as a sign of competitive strength, often contributing to currency stability, national savings, and investment capacity.

China's $103.22 billion surplus in May reflects surging demand for its electronics, machinery, EVs, and solar components.

Germany's $17.8 billion surplus continues its tradition as Europe's industrial powerhouse, thanks to high-value exports like cars, pharmaceuticals, and industrial equipment.

Meanwhile, Indonesia , Russia, and Malaysia round out the top five, reflecting their roles in energy, palm oil, and raw materials supply. Their surpluses, while smaller, are significant for their respective economies and currency reserves.

In Sarawak, Chung Hua Primary School Boards Association president Datuk Jonathan Chai urged all schools to install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to better respond to emergencies. At a safety seminar attended by over 180 teachers, Chai emphasised that educators must also be protectors, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training. The event, organised with the Malaysian Red Cross, aimed to equip teachers with vital life-saving skills, The Borneo Post reported.

Southeast Asia seeks joint tariff talks with Trump

Southeast Asian nations will present a united front to address U.S. tariffs and other challenges, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said at the ASEAN summit. Anwar, this year’s ASEAN chair, is pushing for a joint meeting with President Trump to discuss tariff impacts, which range from 10% to 49% across member states. ASEAN has formed a task force to coordinate responses, while some members pursue bilateral talks. Anwar also highlighted Tuesday’s historic meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the Gulf Cooperation Council, aimed at boosting regional cooperation. Leaders will unveil a 20-year plan for deeper integration. However, tensions remain with China over the South China Sea, with Philippine President Marcos Jr. urging a binding code of conduct. Anwar warned that the rules-based international order is under threat from arbitrary actions.

China's premier urges stronger trade ties with Malaysia

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged deeper trade and investment ties with Malaysia during a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to Xinhua. Visiting Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN-GCC-China summit, Li emphasised defending multilateral trade and cooperation amid rising protectionism. Li’s call follows recent regional visits by Chinese leaders as Beijing looks to strengthen ties beyond the U.S. amid ongoing tariff tensions. He pledged closer economic collaboration with Malaysia and ASEAN-GCC nations to tackle global challenges.

Vietnam to export renewable energy to Malaysia, Singapore

At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam signed a tripartite agreement with Malaysia and Singapore to export clean electricity, marking the first step toward cross-border renewable energy trade. Witnessed by Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh, Anwar Ibrahim, and Lawrence Wong, the deal supports ASEAN’s vision of a regional power grid. Malaysia’s MY Energy Consortium (TNB and Petronas) will partner with Vietnam’s PTSC and Singapore’s Sembcorp to harness Vietnam’s offshore wind energy for export. The deal aligns with Vietnam’s Power Development Plan 8, which targets up to 10 GW of renewable energy exports by 2035. Vietnam has over 470 GW of offshore wind potential within 200 km of its coast.

Malaysia PM hails key progress on Myanmar at ASEAN Summit

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday praised "significant" steps to engage Myanmar’s warring sides, as ASEAN leaders gathered in Kuala Lumpur to address the ongoing conflict and U.S. trade threats. Myanmar has faced turmoil since a 2021 military coup sparked a nationwide rebellion, displacing over 3.5 million people. As ASEAN chair, Anwar has led renewed peace efforts, including recent meetings with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Myanmar’s shadow government. He emphasised that while progress remains fragile, “even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf.”

 The ban, which has sparked concern across academic and diplomatic circles, is seen by Beijing as yet another sign of rising diplomatic tensions between the two powers.

The bridge is a key component of Tanzania’s Trunk Road T4, a strategic highway corridor that links the country to neighbouring Uganda , Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is expected to significantly enhance regional integration by facilitating faster and more efficient movement of goods and people.

In support of the project, the Tanzanian government is also developing complementary road infrastructure, including the 54.5-kilometre Sengerema–Nyehunge and the 32-kilometre Kamanga–Sengerema roads. These routes aim to improve regional accessibility and strengthen supply chains within Tanzania’s Lake Zone.

The bridge will officially be inaugurated on June 19, 2025, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who called the project “a proud moment for the nation.”

Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega hailed the bridge as a “transformational milestone,” highlighting its role in reducing dependence on ferry transport between Kigongo and Busisi and unlocking new economic opportunities.

"The JP Magufuli Bridge is a testament to our nation's ability to mobilise internal resources for transformative development," said Ulega. "It will ease movement between Kigongo and Busisi, reduce reliance on ferry transport, and unlock economic potential across the Lake Zone," he said.

Built at a cost of $270 million, the JP Magufuli Bridge is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s broader development strategy.

A South Korean national abducted in the Philippines last Friday was safely released on Monday, May 5, according to South Korea's foreign ministry. The individual was kidnapped while travelling by car to Nasugbu, near Manila, for a fishing trip with two Chinese and two Philippine nationals. A group of seven to ten armed individuals intercepted the vehicle. The South Korean was recovered by Philippine police on Monday morning and is reportedly in good health. The two Chinese nationals have also been released. 

Fitch affirms Philippines' 'BBB' rating with stable outlook

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Philippines' long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at 'BBB' with a stable outlook. The agency projects a 5.6% economic growth rate for 2025, consistent with the pace in 2023 and 2024. Growth is expected to be driven by public infrastructure investment, services exports, and remittance-backed private consumption. Easing inflation and interest rates are likely to support private demand. Fitch cautioned that domestic political uncertainty may impact investment, while global trade tensions could indirectly weaken growth through reduced external demand.

Philippines, U.S. officials discuss strengthening trade relations

Amid the wave of sweeping tariffs , Philippine trade and economic officials met with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on May 2 in Washington to explore ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations. The Philippine delegation included Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, and Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. 

Filipino government urged to take swift action on Nuclear Regulatory Bill 

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has urged the Filipino government to prioritise the passage of a proposed bill establishing a nuclear regulatory body, warning that further delays could hinder the country’s energy development goals. Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stated that the Philippines is “running out of time” as the Marcos administration aims to integrate nuclear power into the national energy mix by 2032. He emphasised that postponing the bill’s enactment could significantly disrupt efforts to meet the administration’s energy targets.

Philippines launches first 10-year labour market strategy

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) officially launched the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan 2025–2034 on May 5. This marks the Philippines’ first decade-long labour market development strategy. The TPB Plan outlines a framework for job creation, labour market transformation, and inclusive workforce development. The launch follows the enactment of Republic Act No. 12145, which restructured the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into DEPDev. The institutional reform aims to enhance strategic planning and policy coherence. DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan stated that the agency will actively support the creation of policies and programmes promoting inclusive growth, quality employment, and workforce competitiveness.

“If you have to protect the economy , you're not winning. You're in defence. The U.S. is afraid of China because China is so productive, low-cost, hyper competitive,” Sachs said.

The remarks come amid a renewed Trump-led campaign for the White House, during which he has doubled down on his “America First” trade agenda. Trump has frequently claimed that the U.S. is “winning” against foreign competitors, particularly China, through tariffs and reshoring initiatives.

But Sachs dismisses this as superficial showmanship, arguing that the numbers and the global demand for Chinese goods tell a different story.

Sachs also took aim at U.S. claims that China suffers from “overcapacity,” a term used by American officials to describe what they view as China producing more than global markets can absorb. In contributing to the debate, Sachs stated, “That just means America has undercapacity. That’s all it means. The world needs what China can produce, and it wants it.”

“Trump is a good showman. He's filled with bluster,” Sachs added. “He says, ‘I'm a winner, we’re a winner,’ but what does it really mean when you have to win by imposing barriers against China?”

Meanwhile, Trump has hinted at a possible softening of his trade war stance with China, stating that the steep tariffs currently in place, some exceeding 145%, “will come down substantially, but it won’t be zero.”

The decision, part of Trump’s broader push to reset global trade on strictly bilateral terms, effectively guts the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)—a 25-year-old program designed to boost U.S.- Africa trade by waiving tariffs for qualifying African countries. With AGOA set to expire this September, the new tariffs may mark its premature and unilateral end.

South Africa

South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, was hit with a 31% tariff on U.S. imports. Despite the blow, President Cyril Ramaphosa has ruled out retaliation, stating his government “will not act out of spite.” Instead, the country is seeking negotiations for exemptions or quota-based trade terms. “This move essentially nullifies the benefits we enjoyed under AGOA,” Ramaphosa said, adding that South Africa will “forge global alliances” to diversify its export partners. "To say we will impose reciprocal tariffs without first understanding how the U.S. arrived at 31% ... would be counterproductive," trade minister Parks Tau told a press conference , adding that South Africa’s average tariff on imports was 7.6%. According to local reports, South African citrus exporters—who rely heavily on the U.S. market—warn that up to  35,000 jobs  could be at risk due to the new tariffs.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy, the Central Bank moved quickly to stabilise financial markets. On Sunday, it sold nearly $200 million to shore up the naira after global markets were rattled by the U.S. tariff announcement. A drop in global crude oil prices—sparked by fears of an impending slowdown in global trade—added pressure on the oil-dependent nation. “These tariffs have introduced new dynamics for oil-exporting countries such as Nigeria,” the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said in a statement .

Smaller nations

While the tariffs are disruptive for larger economies, they could be devastating for smaller African nations like Lesotho, Mauritius, and Madagascar— low-income countries heavily reliant on textile and apparel exports to the U.S.

In a twist, the U.S. had originally helped build these countries’ industries by allowing them to import third-country fabrics duty-free under AGOA . That exemption has now been effectively erased.

“These new tariffs will cripple the apparel sectors in these countries,” noted trade analysts at the Center for Global Development. “The U.S. created the enabling environment for this growth, and is now abruptly pulling the rug out.”

Africa policy experts on Capitol Hill told Semafor the program is now teetering on the edge of collapse.

Trump has doubled down on his push for bilateral trade agreements, signaling a sharp turn away from multilateral frameworks like AGOA. “He sees trade through a transactional lens. Multilateral deals don’t fit that vision,” said one Congressional aide.

Though AGOA technically remains alive, insiders say the window to extend the policy is rapidly closing. “AGOA’s chances of renewal are now ‘narrow,’” one Capitol Hill staffer told Semafor. Another added, “While it’s not dead, there are few options to move it forward. Any business planning on its continuation now must assume that the authority will lapse.”

Hannah Ryder, founder of the China-Africa consultancy Development Reimagined, emphasised the need for a unified African response. “There is only one way forward: coordinate and strategize together first,” she said.

Policy experts say the implications could be devastating for African economies, many of which have built export industries around AGOA preferences. Without it, tariffs on key goods — from textiles to agricultural products — could return overnight.

This is a desperate and misguided attempt by the failed state of Somalia. This is indicative of a corrupt regime on its last breath, engaged in a suicide mission,” Adan wrote, adding that Somalia’s actions would not prevent Somaliland from gaining international recognition.

His comments followed a report by Semafor revealing that Somalia had offered Washington “exclusive operational control” over key Gulf of Aden ports in an apparent effort to deter the U.S. from recognising Somaliland’s independence. However, the Somali government does not control these assets, making the offer largely symbolic.

It was reported early on in December that the Trump administration was weighing the possibility of recognising Somaliland as part of its strategic efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Horn of Africa.

Adan reiterated that Mogadishu had no power to halt Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition, stating that it was only a matter of time before the region’s sovereignty was acknowledged on the global stage.

Togo, she noted , is adopting inclusive strategies to bolster national production while navigating trade barriers, particularly with traditional partners in Europe. 

“It is true that today the globalised world tends to create and instil more protectionism in the most economically stronger states and countries. And our African countries have the duty and the responsibility to consolidate our economies so that they can regain their place in an already very competitive market,” she remarked.

Adding, “Protectionism is always a barrier to free trade and puts fragile economies at a slight disadvantage. However, a country like Togo builds and consolidates its development by having a fairly inclusive approach that allows first to strengthen national production and internal production and then to effectively develop value chains with a vision on the external market.”

Her remarks follow the African Union's (AU) vision for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The trade agreement, endorsed by 47 AU member states, aims to create a $3 trillion free trade zone, the largest of its kind globally.

AfCFTA seeks to improve intra-African trade, reduce reliance on external markets, and build resilient economies across the continent. 

Both sides have imposed penalties on each other's imports in response to issues surrounding subsidies and protectionism.

Michel hopes a deal could be reached in the coming days or weeks but warned it would be "tough." He stressed the importance of transparency and compliance with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules in any potential agreement, asserting that the EU must defend its interests while maintaining an open economy.

European Council President, Charles Michel told the AFP that, "We have very strong and legitimate interests and it is the responsibility of the European Union to defend our people, to defend our citizens. We believe in an open economy , we believe in international trade, we believe in investments. But we also believe that it is not possible any more to be naive and that’s why we appreciate the fact that it was possible today to have a very frank and candid conversation about what is at stake."

China’s new tariffs on French brandy, up to 38.1%, took effect on Friday as part of an anti-dumping measure to protect domestic producers. The EU plans to challenge these tariffs, which have been met with concerns from French cognac makers.

An African Youth Survey conducted by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation has disclosed that positivity towards China’s role in African nations is on the rise among the continent's youth, with recent figures showing an increase in favourable views from 78% in 2022 to 82% in 2024.

The survey conducted across multiple African countries revealed that the perception of China’s influence is overwhelmingly positive among youth in Rwanda and Chad, both recording 96%, followed by Kenya at 95% and Nigeria at 93%. However, more doubt exists in Gabon (60%), Ethiopia (63%), and Namibia (70%), where fewer young people view China's impact as beneficial.

In addition to these positive views, African youth are also recognising key global figures who they believe will shape the continent’s future. Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group, and Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, were identified as leading figures expected to have a major influence on Africa in the coming years.