South Africa and China Sign Agreement to Expand Trade

 Further Africa published on 30 June 2026 an article titled "South Africa and China Sign Rules Pact to Unlock Zero-Tariff Trade Opportunities."

South Africa and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at converting China's zero-tariff treatment for African exports into practical commercial opportunities for South African businesses.  Because tariff preferences alone do not guarantee market access, the MOU deals with technical regulations, standards, product certification, inspection procedures, and conformity assessment systems.  The agreement signals a broader strategic deepening of South Africa-China trade.

African Sesame Exports and China's Zero Tariff

 Thierry Pairault published on 30 June 2026 an article titled "The African Sesame Industry and the Chinese Tariff Exemption."

China obtains from Africa more than 80 percent of its imported sesame seeds.  Six countries account for 95 percent of African sesame exports to China: Niger, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Mozambique, and Ethiopia.

China's recent zero tariff policy for African countries will primarily benefit Chinese importers-processors rather than African producers.  The tariff advantage is captured at the point of entry into China by companies whose shareholders are Chinese, Singaporean, and Taiwanese.  

Somalia, Al-Shabaab, and the Future

 The International Crisis Group published on 30 June 2026 an analysis titled "New Chapter, Same Stalemate: Somalia's War with Al-Shabaab."

This analysis describes the ebb and flow of al-Shabaab's war with the Somali government since 2022.  It concludes that while Mogadishu faces several big challenges, it retains the military capability, in terms of personnel and resources, to hold the line, provided that external support does not abruptly disappear.

Meanwhile, despite al-Shabaab's pragmatic shifts in its approach to ruling areas under its control, its unpopularity among those it governs remains a roadblock for its attempts to supplant the Somali government.  

With neither side able to defeat the other, the war in Somalia is fundamentally at a stalemate with no end in sight.

China Cancels Tiny Portion of Sudan's Debt

 The Sudan Tribune published a report dated 29 June 2026 titled "China Forgives $50 Million of Sudan's Debt to Ease Economic Strain."

Sudan and China signed on 28 June an agreement to cancel about $50 million in four interest-free loans that China had provided to Sudan.

Comment:  China and Sudan have made much of this debt cancellation.  It is important to put it in perspective.  At the end of 2023, Sudan's total external debt stood at $66.8 billion. According to AIDDATA, a research lab at William & Mary, Sudan's debt to China at the end of 2021 totaled $18 billion. (See page 392 of the AIDDATA report here.)  

While any debt cancellation for Sudan is a welcome development, this particular decision does not even scratch the surface of Sudan's debt problem.  

The Scramble for the Red Sea

 The International Crisis Group posted on 29 June 2026 a 41-minute podcast titled "The Scramble for the Red Sea Is Not Cooling Down" by Alan Boswell with Federico Donelli, University of Trieste and author of a new book on the topic.

The scramble for control in the Red Sea region began during the Cold War and increased in intensity in the 21st century.  There are now many new actors in the Red Sea.  Middle powers have become as significant as major powers.  

Russia has been seeking, so far without success, a military base in the region for years.  China established a military base in Djibouti to protect its interests in the region and to extend global power.  The Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, have become much more engaged in the Red Sea.

The US/Israeli war against Iran has underscored the importance of the Red Sea for international shipping.  The European Union is the one grouping that should be more engaged in the region than it is.  

South Sudan Conflict Flies Under the Radar

 The Council on Foreign Relations Global Conflict Tracker posted on 12 June 2026 an updated background piece titled "Instability in South Sudan."

Ten million South Sudanese--nearly 84 percent of the population--need humanitarian assistance, as reports of airstrikes on civilian areas, sexual violence, and forced recruitment have escalated since March 2025.  

PLA Navy Destroyer Visits Seychelles

  Global Times published on 27 June 2026 an article titled "Chinese Navy's Destroyer Tangshan Arrives in Seychelles for a Friendly Visit" by Wang Zixuan.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Tangshan arrived at Port Victoria in Seychelles on 26 June for a 5-day port call.  The Tangshan was part of the 48th naval task force in the Gulf of Aden that arrived in October 2025.

Chinese Companies Produce Most of Namibia's Uranium

 The Namibian published on 28 June 2026 an article titled "Namibia in Numbers: Namibia's Uranium Output" by Ida Williams.

Namibia produces 12 percent of the world's uranium output and is the third ranking producer after Kazakhstan and Canada.  The two largest mines in Namibia are owned by Chinese companies: the Husab mine by China General Nuclear Power and the Rossing mine by China National Uranium Corporation.  An Australian company owns the third mine, which accounts for less production.  

Generals Fight to Finish in Sudan

 Aljazeera published on 28 June 2026 an article titled "'Digging with a Needle': Generals Stall Peace as Sudan's El-Obeid Burns."

The leaders of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are demonstrating no serious interest in bringing the deadly Sudan conflict to an end. Mediation and a ceasefire seem to be the last thing on their minds as the drone war heats up.   

Eswatini Sticks with Taiwan and Misses Out on China's Zero Tariffs

 African Arguments published on 25 June 2026 a commentary titled "Xi's Zero Tariff Offer to Africa and the Political Boundaries of Eswatini's Exclusion" by Francis Annagu, a freelance journalist.

China made imports from Africa duty free as of May 1 for all countries except Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan.  The author suggests Eswatini decided to maintain its relationship with Taiwan because of its long friendship with Taipei that began well before China became a major economic power in Africa.  

Update on Sudan Conflict

 UN News posted on 26 June 2026 an article titled "Sudan: Window Is Closing to Prevent Wider Escalation in El Obeid."

This is a useful update on the situation in Sudan that summarizes the fighting, use of drones, external interference, regional tensions, and status of efforts to mediate an end to the conflict.

US Gets Win Over China in Race for DRC Critical Minerals

 Fox News published on 23 June 2026 an article titled "Trump Gets Major Win against China in African Rare Earth Minerals Race" by Paul Tilsley.

The United States has supported an American company, Virtus Minerals, in developing two major mines producing cobalt and copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  This is the Trump administration's first critical minerals (not rare earths as the article asserts) win in the DRC.  

"Russian Houses" in Africa Lure Recruits for Ukraine War

 Euro News posted on 18 June 2026 an article titled "Moscow Uses 'Russian Houses' in Africa to Lure Recruits into War in Ukraine, Investigation Shows" by Sasha Vakulina and Aleksandar Brezar.

Moscow is operating or opening "Russian Houses" in at least 22 African countries as part of its strategy to consolidate its influence on the continent.  The centers screen Soviet and Russian films, often on patriotic themes, and distribute ideologically vetted literature.  They also teach the Russian language and coach young people on how to move to Russia as students or workers.  

Ukraine's military intelligence has done an investigation that identifies Russian Houses as key hubs for recruiting Africans to go to Russia where they eventually end up on the front lines of the war against Ukraine.  Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that at least 2,965 citizens from 36 African countries have taken part in combat on Russia's side.  

China Trains Africans on How to Control Small Arms

 The South China Morning Post published on 26 June 2026 an article titled "Can China's Strict Policing Model 'Silence the Guns' in Africa?" by Jevans Nyabiage.

China is training African trainees on ways to get better control of small arms and light weapons (SALW).  The problem is that China's strict domestic policies do not transfer well to Africa where some African governments supply SALW to non-state actors in neighboring countries.  Until this practice ends, China's training will accomplish little.  

China Expands Yuan Clearing in Africa

 Reuters published on 26 June 2026 an article titled "China Approves Standard Bank, ICBC for Africa Yuan Clearing" by Colleen Goko.

China's central bank authorized South Africa's Standard Bank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to clear Renminbi across Africa, as Beijing steps up efforts to promote the global use of its currency.  Standard Bank and ICBC will operate jointly as the "Renminbi Clearing Bank of Africa" with authority to clear the currency in 19 African countries.

Kenya's President Reaches Out to Somali Minority

 Foreign Policy published on 25 June 2026 an article titled "Will Kenya's Ruto Finally Reconcile with the Country's Somali Minority?" by Joseph Maina. 

Kenyan President William Ruto has reached out to the country's minority Somali population to bring them more effectively into Kenyan society.  Some Kenyans are skeptical that Ruto's outreach to the Somalis is sincere.  

Africa's Drone Wars

 Foreign Affairs published on 26 June 2026 an article titled "Who Is Winning Africa's Drone Wars?" by Nate Allen and Rida Lyammouri.

Conflicts in Mali, Somalia, Libya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced or continue to experience the use of armed drones.  Increasingly, insurgent groups are making as effective use of drones as national armies.  China, Turkey, and Iran provide most of the drones, but at least 11 African countries now produce them.  

The Sino-Moroccan Rapprochement

 The Torino World Affairs Institute published in 2026 a study titled "The Sino-Moroccan Rapprochement: An Analysis of Geoeconomic Convergence, Diplomatic Calibration and Media Narratives in a Changing Maghreb" by Bianca Pasquier and Imane Ezzehouany, edited by Amanda Chen and Leonardo Bruni.  

The study concludes that by deepening its engagement with China, Morocco is reengineering its agency and room for maneuver while maintaining its traditional ties with the United States and Europe.  China's economic presence in the Kingdom, albeit still limited compared to European and Gulf partners in overall investment terms, has rapidly expanded in industrial sectors critical for the green transition and the restructuring of global value chains.  

Ebola and the Dismantlement of USAID

 The American Security Project published on 24 June 2026 a commentary titled "From Aid Cuts to Ebola: A Predictable Crisis Unfolds" by Mohamed Siddiqui.  

The dismantlement of USAID, removal of its on the ground personnel in the DRC and Uganda, and cutting of foreign aid funding for health programs has left international humanitarian groups to provide the bulk of the support for affected communities.  The result has been predictable: a faster spread of Ebola and greater cost to bring it under control.  

Algeria Increases Purchases of Chinese Military Equipment

 

Defence Security Asia posted on 25 June 2026 an article titled "Algeria's J-10C and KJ-500 Deal Signals China's Biggest Air Power Breakthrough."

Algeria is apparently prepared to buy Chinese Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters and Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft beginning in 2027.  This acquisition would make Algeria's air force one of the most advanced air powers in the region and challenge Russia as the traditional supplier of its air force.  

Min.com posted on 25 June 2026 an article titled "China Won a Large Order in Algeria, 24 Pterosaur 2, Frigates and Anti-ship Missiles Are on the List."

Recent purchases of Chinese arms by Algeria include frigates, missile systems, and drones.

Ghanaian Perceptions of the United States and China

 The Third World Quarterly published on 17 June 2026 a research article titled "Navigating Cooperation with Great Powers: Elite Perceptions of U.S. and Chinese Economic Engagement in Ghana in the Twenty-first Century" by Monika Rozalska, Paulina Matera, and Bartosz Kowalski.

This study is based on in-depth interviews with a limited sample--22 Ghanaian university professors, government officials, and non-governmental leaders.  It concludes that both China and the United States engage in neocolonial practices to varying degrees.  While both countries promote development, it is questionable whether their activities align with Ghanaian priorities.  Beijing and Washington emphasize access to raw materials over empowering local industrial development.  As a result, Ghana pursues a policy of balance towards the United States and China.  

Ethiopia: What Next after Abiy Ahmed's Election Victory?

 African Business published on 23 June 2026 an article titled "Where Next for Ethiopia after Abiy Ahmed's Landslide?" by Harry Clynch.

Following the landslide victory by Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party in national elections, the article suggests Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will push for deeper centralization of government power, an acceleration of economic reform, and a continuing effort to obtain access to the sea for landlocked Ethiopia.

Ethiopia: Addis Standard Receives 2026 Democracy Award

The U.S. National Endowment for Democracy posted on 22 June 2026 a news release titled "NED Announces Recipients of the 2026 Democracy Award."

The Addis Standard received the award for its "high-impact independent reporting" that "has brought vital facts to light on underreported conflict situations, despite severe restrictions, state repression, and even targeted attacks."

US Warns of Possible New Atrocities in Sudan

 The New York Times published on 23 June 2026 an article titled "U.S. Warns of 'Imminent' Atrocities in Sudanese City" by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Brian O. Otieno.  

The U.S. State Department warned early this week that there are alarming indications of imminent "mass atrocities" in the event the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces takes the city of El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan region, from the Sudan Armed Forces.

Ethiopia: TPLF Issues New Controversial Proclamation

 Ethiopia Insight published on 23 June 2026 a commentary titled "TPLF's New Proclamation Codifies a Police State" by Getachew Gebrekiros Temare.  

The author dissects a new Tigray People's Liberation Front 42-page proclamation that imposes compulsory mobilization and establishes wartime institutions under presidential command.  He concludes the proclamation should be withdrawn before it becomes "a machinery of fear" over the Tigrayan people.