AFRICA

Africa News | Latest Top Stories | ReutersReuters.com is your online source for the latest Africa news stories and current events, ensuring our readers up to date with any breaking news developments

Trump's steel tariffs could trigger broader trade war as EU threatens 'proportionate countermeasures' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said U.S. tariffs "will not go unanswered."

VP VANCE,"Judges Can't Control Our Executive’s Led Power: We Run This Country Not Them. We Make the Rules And Play by The RulesWRITTEN BY DR.SDWSR

Chinese foreign minister pledges military aid for Africa — AFP NewsChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday pledged Beijing's full support and military aid for the world's poorest continent as he wrapped up his Africa tour in Nigeria.

Written by Dr.SDWSr.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has concluded a significant tour of Africa, pledging military aid and support to the continent. During his visit to Nigeria on January 9, 2025, he announced a commitment of one billion yuan (approximately $136 million) in military assistance. This aid will include training for 6,000 troopsand 1,000 police officers across various African nations, addressing ongoing security challenges, particularly in combating militant groups like Boko Haram1 2 4.

Wang emphasized China's dedication to supporting African nations in resolving their own issues through local solutions, stating, "African people are the real masters of this continent." His remarks followed discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, where he reiterated China's support for regional unity and collaborative security efforts2 4.

This pledge is part of a broader strategy by China to enhance its influence in Africa, which has seen it become the continent's largest trade partner. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, trade volumes between China and Africa reached $167.8 billion1.Wang's tour also included stops in Namibia, the Republic of Congo, and Chad, reflecting China's ongoing commitment to deepening ties with African nations amid growing geopolitical tensions globally

Benin Sets the Stage for Africa’s First Eurobond Issue of 2025(Bloomberg) -- Benin is moving fast to secure fresh external financing and may launch the first eurobond from Africa in 2025.Most Read from BloombergNYC Condo Owners May Bear Costs of Landmark Green Building LawNYC’s Subway Violence Deters Drive to Bring Workers Back to OfficeDutch Central Bank Restores Amsterdam’s ‘Ugliest Building’Can American Drivers Learn to Love Roundabouts?Can States Hit the Brakes on Runaway Roadbuilding?The government has appointed Citigroup Inc, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

Written By Dr.SDWSr.

Benin is poised to make history as it prepares to issue Africa’s first Eurobond of 2025. The government has engaged major financial institutions, including Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, and Société Générale, to facilitate investor meetings starting January 8, 2025, signaling its commitment to securing fresh external financing

Disney Names Tony Chambers as President of Operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa — VarietyDisney's head of theatrical distribution, Tony Chambers, is leaving his current role to serve as president of the Walt Disney Company in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Disney has appointed Tony Chambers as the new President of The Walt Disney Company for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, effective February 2025. This decision comes as part of a significant restructuring aimed at aligning Disney's operations more closely with its global strategy. Chambers will succeed Jan Koeppen, who is stepping down after a six-year tenure in the role.

Trump inauguration: Why Nigerian Pastors Bassey and Kumuyi went to WashingtonThe visits of William Kumuyi and Nathaniel Bassey underscores Trump's connection with evangelicalism.

WRITTEN BY DR.SDWSR

Two prominent Nigerian religious leaders participated in events related to President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025:

Pastor William F. Kumuyi
- Founder of Deeper Life Bible Church
- Invited to the swearing-in ceremony but couldn't attend due to weather-related venue changes
- Participated in a prayer service for the incoming president
- Met with members of Turning Point USA to discuss global evangelism
- Offered prayer at the Inauguration Praise & Prayer Convocation

Pastor Nathaniel Bassey
- Well-known Nigerian gospel musician and pastor
- Performed at the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast
- Youth pastor and music minister at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos

Baby born on crowded small boat crossing from Africa to Canary Islands — Guardian USThe boy and his mother as well as dozens of others were rescued off the coast of Lanzarote, Spain

A remarkable event occurred during a perilous migrant crossing from Africa to Spain's Canary Islands, where a baby was born on a crowded dinghy. This incident took place as the crew of the Guardamar Talía rescue vessel located the small rubber boat adrift in the Atlantic Ocean while many in Spain were celebrating Epiphany on January 6, 2025.

As fires tore across L.A., Mayor Karen Bass traveled back from Africa — Los Angeles TimesWith Bass far from L.A., her opponent in the 2022 mayoral election swept in to fill the gap, blasting the city’s handling of the wildfires on multiple news outlets.

As wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, Mayor Karen Bass was returning from a trip to Africa. The fires, which began on January 7, 2025, have rapidly escalated due to extreme wind conditions and prolonged drought, prompting mandatory evacuations affecting over 30,000 residents.