Canada and Africa

The United Kingdom has renewed its commitment to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—an initiative that aims to strengthen trade relationships with developing nations. This program, introduced in 2023, opens doors for Nigeria and 36 other African countries, allowing them to export over three thousand products with either no duties or significantly reduced tariffs. "Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the UK's aspirations for global trade," remarked British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He…

Julius Malema, a figure whose turbulent career often stirs both passion and controversy, has once again been denied entry to the United Kingdom. This is the second instance in just two months that the outspoken leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has faced such a setback. The UK Home Office has cited multiple reasons for this decision. Most notably, they highlighted his vocal support for Hamas, incendiary remarks directed at the white population of South Africa, and ultimately described his potential presence in…

The administration of President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating a travel ban affecting nationals from an additional 36 countries. Alarmingly, 25 of these nations are located in Africa, as detailed in recent communications from the State Department. These outlines enumerate a multitude of concerns, urging the involved countries to implement corrective measures within a stipulated timeframe. Earlier this month, the president enacted a proclamation that barred citizens from 12 specific countries from entering the…

In a significant turn of events, Chad’s President Mahamat Déby has taken a bold step by suspending all visas for U.S. citizens. This decision, framed as a matter of "reciprocity," follows the revelation that the United States has blacklisted Chad and eleven other nations, barring their citizens from entry. The context is critical: in a sweeping travel ban recently enacted by former President Donald Trump, seven out of the twelve affected countries hail from Africa. This sweeping measure was justified by claims of…

The ambitious $31.4 million initiative spearheaded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revitalize Lesotho's poultry industry has been abruptly terminated. This five-year endeavor, launched as part of the American Food for Progress program, aimed to cultivate a staggering 28,000 poultry enterprises across the nation, with projections to increase meat production by 40% and egg production by 30% by the year 2028. Yet, fewer than two years since its inception, the Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises…

In a striking development, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the temporary closure of the country’s embassy in the United States. This drastic measure stems from an ongoing investigation concerning serious allegations of visa fraud. The troubling revelations came to light following a meticulous audit that uncovered a sophisticated fraudulent operation purportedly orchestrated by a locally recruited staff member in collaboration with accomplices over a span of five years. Imagine the…

During a significant meeting at the White House, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa addressed the contentious narrative of alleged white genocide in his country. This encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump was more than just an exchange of pleasantries; it represented a pivotal moment in reshaping diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. Trump, showcasing video clips featuring South African opposition leaders using provocative slogans, attempted to bolster his claims. Yet, Ramaphosa was…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week. Their agenda? A wide-ranging discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues that matter deeply to both nations. Yet, as the anticipation builds, so does the strain between their administrations. It's crucial to ask: what are the underlying currents driving this tension? The backdrop of this high-stakes meeting is a complex tapestry woven with threads of geopolitical dynamics and domestic policies. In…

In a surprising turn of events, a U.S. court has dramatically scaled back a hefty $18 million defamation judgment awarded to Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, reducing it to a mere $500. This case originated from incendiary allegations made by former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, who labeled Anas a "criminal" and insinuated his involvement in the tragic murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale. How did we arrive at such disparate figures? Agyapong's legal representation petitioned for…

In a recent address at the African CEO Forum 2025 held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, President Cyril Ramaphosa sparked considerable discussion with his remarks regarding those who have fled South Africa. "Those people who have fled are not being persecuted. They are not being hounded. They are not being treated badly," he asserted, presenting a stark view on a deeply complex issue. What could lie beneath the surface of such claims? Perhaps it is worth examining the myriad experiences of those who feel forced to leave seeking…