Welcome to a look at key developments shaping Africa.

This week, discussions include: President Donald Trump’s Africa policy and its impact, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa‘s recent visit to Washington, and potential U.S. sanctions on Sudan.

Trump’s Africa Strategy: A Boon for Rivals?

President Donald Trump’s recent interactions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have reinforced the perception among many African leaders that the U.S. is disengaging from the continent.

This perception is fueled by a broader trend of deprioritizing Africa, despite its growing workforce and population.

For example, cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Advancement (USAID) threaten to exacerbate starvation in Sudan and hinder progress in HIV/AIDS treatment in South Africa. Proposed cuts to the African Development Bank further compound these concerns.

As the U.S. perhaps withdraws, other nations are eager to expand their influence.

Iran and China Step Up Engagement

Iranian officials are actively pursuing deals following the Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference in Tehran. The conference saw participation from senior officials from 29 African nations.

Mohammad Atabak, Iran’s minister of industry, mines, and trade, stated Tehran’s intention to significantly increase trade with Africa, including establishing new shipping and air routes, a joint development fund, and a credit line for african goods.

Iran is particularly interested in agricultural cooperation. Kenya, as an example, aims to increase exports to Iran in exchange for access to Iranian oil.

though, Kenya’s access to the U.S. market through the African Growth and Prospect Act (AGOA) is threatened by Trump’s tariffs. AGOA’s potential expiration puts kenyan jobs at risk.

ethiopia’s participation in the Tehran summit led to a security pact to address challenges from paramilitary forces. Iran’s drones were previously used during Ethiopia’s civil war.

Iran also seeks to strengthen ties with Algeria, a major gas exporter, potentially bypassing sanctions.

Meanwhile, China’s trade with Africa far exceeds that of the U.S. Several African nations have signed infrastructure and security deals with China, further solidifying its presence.

While pressure from the trump administration might lead to short-term deals, African economies are becoming less reliant on the U.S., potentially leading to a long-term shift in influence towards China and Iran.

The Week Ahead

Key events to watch:

• May 27-29: Delegations from 40 African countries attend the International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow.
• May 29: The United Nations Security Council discusses sanctions on South Sudan.
• The African Development Bank is expected to announce its new president.
• June 3-6: The European Union-Africa Forum on Cultural diplomacy takes place in Berlin.

What to Watch

Ramaphosa’s Response: Ramaphosa’s measured response to Trump’s actions at the White House has boosted his popularity.

Trump’s Deportations: A federal judge ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to deport migrants to South Sudan, a nation facing civil war.

Sudan Sanctions: The U.S. plans to impose sanctions on Sudan’s government for its use of chemical weapons.

in Other News

Rigged Election: Zimbabwe’s ruling party allegedly assisted in rigging Mozambique’s 2024 election, according to a report in the Continent.

Absent Dandies: An exhibition on Black dandyism overlooks key aspects of the movement, argues Achille Tenkiang in Africa Is a Country.