Africa, America and the world — in conversation.
Southern Africa
Economics
The Fund’s October World Economic Outlook, released in Bangkok, raises the region’s 2026 outlook from 4.3% but warns the average hides wide gaps between countries — and that higher prices for essentials could deepen poverty.
U.S.–Africa
Washington issued three security alerts in three days and closed its consulate on Oct. 9 after groups led by “March and March” and Insizwa Nobunsizwa chased away nearly 1,000 asylum seekers, burned at least 14 vehicles and looted stores. The U.S. Mission says it is monitoring unrest across South Africa; the travel advisory remains at Level 2.
Business
Congress voted to keep the African Growth and Opportunity Act alive through 2028 by wide margins, but separate “forced labor” tariffs imposed in July hit three of the continent’s biggest economies, and analysts say the duty-free promise that drew investment for 25 years has already been hollowed out.
AngolaBotswanaEswatiniLesothoMalawiMozambiqueNamibiaZambiaZimbabwe
Leaders: UN Protocol list of heads of state and government (19 Sept. 2026), updated for later official appointments. U.S. diplomats: each U.S. embassy’s official website. Photos: licensed (public domain or Creative Commons) with credit.
