External Relations

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…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

In an unsettling chapter of international diplomacy, two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have finally returned home after enduring over two years of confinement in an Equatorial Guinea prison. Their ordeal stemmed from what the United Nations described as arbitrary and illegal drug charges, raising serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process in that country. The engineers were apprehended in February 2023 when authorities allegedly discovered illicit substances in their luggage.…

Business leaders and influential figures from across Africa have converged in Luanda, Angola, for the much-anticipated 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit. This significant event is organized by the Corporate Council on Africa and proudly hosted by the Angolan government. Participants range from heads of state representing nations such as Algeria, Botswana, and Ethiopia to policymakers and industry leaders eager to explore new opportunities and forge stronger economic collaborations. Imagine the bustling atmosphere of the…

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 military government of Mali is embarking on an ambitious campaign to consolidate control over its gold industry, a sector long dominated by foreign enterprises. Recent developments suggest a significant shift, characterized by a decisive push to reclaim authority from multinational operators, particularly in light of support from Russia. The junta's actions signal a broader intent to stimulate local processing capabilities, moving away from reliance on foreign entities. In a striking move, a Malian court recently…

Last year, South Africa proudly took the helm of the G20 presidency, launching a robust campaign to showcase its diverse assets while advocating for a broader African narrative. This November, on the 22nd and 23rd, Johannesburg will host the annual summit, marking a historic first for the continent. Leaders from the 19 largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union and the African Union, will gather to deliberate on pressing global issues. In an interview with AllAfrica, Neville Matjie, head of Brand…