Africa, America and the world — in conversation.
U.S.–Africa
U.S. health funding to Zimbabwe ended Sept. 30 after Harare rejected a five-year, $367 million agreement over data and biological-sample terms. Ghana also declined; Zambia signed after a specimen clause was dropped.
Diplomacy
The U.S. sanctioned the International Criminal Court as an institution on Oct. 9, with 180-day licenses to wind down dealings. Most of the court's investigations have concerned African countries.
Diplomacy
The U.S. urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to respect each other's sovereignty after Eritrea cut ties on Oct. 1 and Ethiopian forces retook Mekelle. Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia issued a Red Sea declaration excluding Ethiopia.
Development
A new World Bank assessment highlights South African investment gains. Official electricity data and loan documents reveal both progress and unfinished work.
Africa
The United States and Zambia signed a five-year, $2.49 billion health MOU on Oct. 8: $1.52 billion in planned U.S. assistance and $975 million in new Zambian health funding, the State Department says.
Africa
Washington says African Union-led operations could help address conflicts more effectively, provided missions receive proper authorization and have limited mandates.
Africa
Washington welcomes international efforts to bring Sudanese stakeholders into a political process while continuing to demand an end to the violence.
Africa
Washington says international and African institutions must work more effectively together as multiple security crises place pressure on the continent.
U.S.–Africa
The U.S. Consulate General in Durban closed on Oct. 9 amid anti-immigration violence in which at least 14 vehicles were burned and stores looted. The U.S. travel advisory for South Africa stays at Level 2.
Business
Congress approved extending AGOA through Dec. 31, 2028, but 12.5% U.S. "forced labor" tariffs imposed in July apply to Angola, Nigeria and South Africa. What it means for African exporters.
Economics
Thailand declared Oct. 16 a special Bangkok holiday and ordered government work-from-home days as more than 15,000 delegates attend the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, the first in Thailand since 1991.
Economics
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is skipping the IMF–World Bank meetings in Bangkok; deputies Francis Brooke and Erin Browne lead the U.S. delegation. The African Union is pushing debt-resolution reform at four side events Oct. 13–16.
Health
Kenya confirmed its first Ebola case, imported from Congo, as the CDC counted 8,750 confirmed cases and 4,208 deaths. The U.S. pledged $267 million more in September; the U.N. appeal is about half funded.
