External Relations

Angélique Kidjo has taken a monumental step in history, becoming the first Black African artist to earn a star on the revered Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition is an extraordinary milestone, not only for Kidjo but for countless artists who dream of global influence. The vibrant, five-time Grammy-winning vocalist, hailing from Benin, is among the 2026 honorees, which also includes luminaries such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and towering figure Shaquille O'Neal. Kidjo's journey through the music industry spans…

Next week promises to be a pivotal moment in international relations as U.S. President Donald Trump embarks on his first significant diplomatic initiative focused on Africa since re-entering the political arena. A summit of this magnitude raises important questions: What will be the outcome of these discussions? What implications will this gathering have on U.S.-Africa relations moving forward? The meeting is set to convene five esteemed African leaders: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President Bassirou Diomaye…

The 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda provided a remarkable platform for transformative dialogue and strategic engagements that are poised to redefine economic partnerships between the United States and Africa. This gathering was nothing short of historic, as it brought together an unprecedented number of Heads of State and Government. Twelve leaders—among them Presidents and Prime Ministers from various African nations—graced the summit, amplifying its significance. This summit wasn’t just marked by the…

The 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit, held in Luanda, served as a pivotal platform to unveil ambitious initiatives, with a staggering $2.5 billion earmarked for projects across Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda. In a post-summit statement, the State Department articulated that this monumental gathering aimed not only to cement key agreements but also to foster an environment conducive to enhancing U.S. exports and investments in Africa. The overarching goal? To champion mutual…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently hailed the remarkable advancement in Mali’s legislative efforts to safeguard the rights of stateless individuals. This new law is not just a piece of legislation; it marks a transformative step toward addressing the complexities of statelessness in the country. By creating a clear pathway to nationality for its citizens, defining what it means to be stateless, and ensuring accessibility to healthcare and education, Mali is sending a powerful message about…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

On June 27, a momentous event is set to unfold: the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will ink a peace agreement that could redefine the trajectory of their enduring conflict. This accord is not merely a piece of paperwork; it symbolizes hope emerging from years of turmoil marked by violence and loss. The stark reality of the region’s past cannot be overstated. For nearly three decades, armed conflict has wreaked havoc, resulting in unimaginable suffering. The forthcoming agreement explicitly…

On June 24, 2025, Namibia took center stage at the "Invest in Namibia" Forum, held in the vibrant city of Luanda, Angola. This esteemed gathering was part of the 17th USA-Africa Business Summit, a platform designed to foster dialogue and collaboration between the two regions. Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered an inspiring keynote address, meticulously outlining Namibia's strategic vision for the future. As she spoke, attendees couldn’t help but feel a palpable sense of enthusiasm. President…

In a significant step towards enhancing regional energy infrastructure, HYDRO-LINK, a specialized company based in the United States, has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a 1,150-kilometer (720 miles) electricity transmission line linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This $1.5 billion endeavor is anchored by a recent memorandum of understanding with the Angolan government. The DRC, endowed with a wealth of minerals, faces an acute challenge: an erratic power supply that stifles its…

The protests that erupted in March 2023 in Mozambique signified a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle against corruption and authoritarianism. The voice of Azagaia, a beloved rapper known for his poignant critiques of power, resonates deeply within the hearts of countless young people. It seems that his music, laden with evocative words and raw emotion, inspired a wave of courage in a generation that had once been marked by fear and resignation. As crowds gathered, it was not just a reaction to the current…