Tariff War - Africa's Opportunity?

A few months shy of its renewal assessment in September 2025, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has seemingly come under fire as Trump announced reciprocal global tariffs that include at least 20 African countries. The AGOA was first enacted in 2000 as the foreign policy strategy for trade between Africa and the United States, giving eligible African countries access to tariff-free sales to the United States.

While AGOA was “woefully underutilized” according to political scientist Ken Opalo, experts like Hannah Ryder of Development Reimagined and W. Gyude Moore at the Center for Global Development, see this as an opportunity for African states to re-centre their economic interests and renegotiate AGOA as a collective.

Timeless Music - Celebrating Amadou Bagayoko

The final curtains have fallen on half of Mali's Amadou & Mariam duet with the passing of Amadou Bagayoko on April 4 in Bamako.

Amadou’s musical talent was evident at a young age and by 10, he had already developed interests in percussion, harmonica, flute, and his uncle’s guitar. Among their many accomplishments, the couple was popularly known for composing the official 2006 World Cup anthem, performing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup kick-off concert in South Africa and the 2024 Paralympic Games closing ceremony in France, and producing the Grammy-nominated album “Welcome to Mali.” Their unique musical style infuses traditional Malian sounds of the kora and balafon with guitars and violins, which propelled them into a legendary 50-year career. Not only did their music entertain millions and celebrate African culture worldwide, it raised awareness and created advocacy for persons living with disabilities.

Other Stories

• Findings from the first clinical trial for an HIV drug that can reduce dependency on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) have shown promising results, according to South African-based scientists.
• Matt Smith, a South African-born cross-country skiing athlete, qualifies for the 2026 Winter Olympic games.
• Religious leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have embarked on mediation efforts between the government and the M23 rebel group, as well as trauma therapy in the community.

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Image: Amadou & Mariam from Mali on the Open Air Stage at WOMAD UK (Charlton Park). 26 July 2024. Photo credit: Steven and Helen Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0