Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that African countries are undergoing a 'second awakening,' seeking to manage their own natural resources and ensure added value is realized on the continent, not exported. He noted this follows political independence gained after the UN's 1960 decolonization declaration.
African Union Commission Chairman Mahamoud Ali Youssouf stated that Russia possesses comparative advantages over African countries in various sectors, including military, science, technology, healthcare, and vaccine production. Discussions on mutual investments are planned for the third Russia-Africa summit in October 2026.
The Trump administration is offering significant healthcare aid to African countries, but with conditions requiring increased national spending and prioritizing US firms. This shift from traditional donor-NGO models faces resistance from some governments concerned about data privacy, economic interests, and a move away from global cooperation.
TASS has launched a new French-language Telegram channel, TASS Africa, offering daily coverage of African developments and Russia-Africa relations. The channel will feature photos, videos, and archival content, aiming to strengthen media partnerships and inform subscribers about events in both regions, with a focus on the upcoming Russia-Africa summit.
African nations are increasingly seeking to retain more value from their vast gold reserves, moving beyond mere extraction to refining and using gold as a strategic financial asset. This shift, driven by de-dollarization and economic sovereignty goals, involves central bank accumulation programs and tighter mining oversight, despite challenges in infrastructure and investor confidence.
A culinary journey reveals a shared Mediterranean identity through a simple chickpea flour batter, baked or fried into various dishes like cecina, farinata, panelle, karantika, kalinti, panisse, cade, and socca, demonstrating a history that transcends modern political borders.
African nations like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are shifting from crypto bans to regulation, recognizing its role as a payment system for remittances, savings, and trade. This move aims to integrate digital assets into the financial system, addressing issues like expensive remittances and inflation.
Several African nations are incorporating Chinese into their national curricula, with Tunisia, Cameroon, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria leading the way. Egypt and Kenya are also planning integration. However, a significant shortage of qualified teachers is hindering these efforts.
Egypt, despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, has never won a World Cup match. Star player Mohamed Salah, carrying an injury, aims to lead the Pharaohs to their first victory in their fourth appearance, a feat that would cement his legacy.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the time is right for Russia to fully assist African countries seeking to develop their own industrial production and retain more added value from their natural resources.
Human Rights Watch warns that US global health aid is conditioned on pacts that jeopardize human rights, potentially requiring abortion surveillance and undermining patient privacy. Seven African nations are pressured to accept agreements granting the US broad access to surveillance data and samples.
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with foreign ministers from 17 African nations during the first Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting to discuss economic, energy, and development cooperation.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with officials from 19 African countries, pledging to strengthen cooperation and proposing regular summits. The meeting followed the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting, where participants agreed to enhance economic and strategic ties, particularly in supply chains and critical minerals.
Hundreds of business leaders and government officials from South Korea and 50 African nations attended a forum in Seoul to boost economic cooperation and industrial partnerships. The event, a sideline to the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting, focused on shared prosperity and joint growth, with discussions on supply chains and critical minerals.
South Korea and 50 African nations agreed to enhance economic and strategic cooperation, focusing on supply chains, critical minerals, and regional stability. The joint statement from the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Seoul also addressed geopolitical challenges and support for Africa's integration efforts.
Rosoboronexport has signed approximately 150 contracts worth over $20 billion with African countries since 2023, according to CEO Alexander Mikheyev. The company aims to expand military-technical cooperation, offering relevant defense products to address continental security challenges.
China's Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu announced the full implementation of a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, aiming to boost trade, promote African exports, and strengthen the China-Africa community with a shared future. African representatives praised the initiative.
Egypt is exporting its experience in establishing a new capital city to African countries, offering technical assistance and expertise. Negotiations are underway with two additional nations, with agreements expected before mid-June, and Egyptian companies set to handle implementation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has updated its Ebola death toll to 204 from 867 suspected cases. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international emergency, and the African Union's health agency warns 10 other African countries are at risk.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on May 20th that China is closely monitoring Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda. China will provide assistance and has issued consular reminders to Chinese citizens in affected areas, with no suspected cases reported so far.
African eels, frozen meat and rare earths now have one thing in common – at least in China. The commodities are among a wide variety of products that can enter the country tariff-free as part of a policy to help redress the continent’s massive trade imbalance with China. The zero-tariff policy has applied to 33 “least-developed” African countries since 2024 and, from May 1, has been expanded to include 20 “middle-income” African nations. The schedule will remain in effect for two years, covering...
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a scheduled trip to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked his aircraft's overflight permits following intense pressure and economic coercion from China, according to Taiwan officials. Eswatini is Taiwan's only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa. This marks the first publicly known instance where a Taiwanese leader has had to cancel a foreign trip due to revoked flight permits.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te cancelled a scheduled trip to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked his aircraft's overflight permits under pressure from China. This marks the first publicly known instance where a Taiwanese leader had to cancel a foreign trip due to denied flight permissions. China denied coercion but praised the African nations for upholding the "one China" principle. Eswatini remains Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, one of just 12 nations recognizing Taiwan.
