MAY 2023
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Nairobi, where I attended the just concluded Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend 'Global Africa.' The forum shed light on a wide range of topics including the global financial architecture reforms, climate justice, African Union reforms, and Africa’s external relations. In a riveting fireside chat with Mo Ibrahim, Kenyan president William Ruto urged African countries to be at the forefront of green industrialization and stressed the imperative of developing a strong common Africa position on climate change at the upcoming Africa Climate Week, which will convene September 4 through 8 in Nairobi.
In April, the Republic of Kenya and the United States completed the second round of negotiations on the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), an agreement that aims to strengthen bilateral and investment relations between the two countries. In addition, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted the third U.S.-Kenya bilateral strategic dialogue which discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship across five pillars including economic prosperity, trade, investment, and defense cooperation, among others.
Speaking of Africa’s international relations, in a recently published paper, director of Signal Risk Ronak Gopaldas analyzes the changing nature of Africa’s complex ties to Russia and offers an outlook on how the trajectory of the war in Ukraine could affect this relationship. He concludes by stating that it is important not to overstate Russia’s role in Africa and instead acknowledge that its presence on the continent is driven by opportunism as much as by invitation.
As trade wars and talk of economic “decoupling” intensify among the global powers, trade integration is proceeding in many parts of Africa. In addition to the region’s accelerated efforts to build the world’s largest free trade area, Africa also has 8 Regional Economic Communities (RECs) approved by the African Union, as our Chart of the Month illustrates. For historical, geographical, or economic reasons, many African countries tend to be part of more than one regional economic community.From Kenya, the Carnegie Africa Program is heading to Abuja, Nigeria where we will be co-hosting an in-person event on May 9 with Agora Policy focused on how Nigeria can build a post-oil economy. This discussion will feature a presentation of highlights from my book Economic Diversification of Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy alongside a high-level panel with Nigerian governors, the private sector, and international organizations. For those in Nigeria, you can register here to attend the event.
Lastly, we’re hiring! The Africa Program is seeking a Program Assistant and Program Manager. Be sure to share with suitable candidates in your networks.
As always, sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep up with the program's events and publications.Sincerely,Zainab UsmanDirector, Carnegie Africa Program
CHART OF THE MONTH
May 2023 Chart of the Month
FEATURES
Following a checkered history of security engagement in Africa, the United States is rolling out a new conflict mitigation strategy on the continent—but African governments must also play an essential role. Gilles Yabi
Russia’s influence in Africa is likely to be diminished by any outcome of the war in Ukraine. And Western governments will need to take Africa into their confidence regarding geopolitical matters rather than berate the sovereign stances of countries that feel unseen and neglected by them. Ronak Gopaldas
The organization’s next president will have to tackle a growing range of issues with a shrinking capital base. Zainab Usman
Since the International Development Association is an important component of the World Bank and Africa is the major recipient of IDA commitments, the region is crucial to the bank’s overall balance sheet. Zainab Usman
DEVELOPMENTS ON OUR RADAR
- Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok Content Moderators in Kenya Form Labor Union. [Nation]
- Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe: Africa and the Minerals of Tomorrow. [The Africa Report]
- USITC Releases Report Concerning the AGOA Program’s Impact on Africa’s Economic Development and Workers. [USITC]
- Japanese Prime Minister Pledges to Provide $500 Million in Financial Support for Africa. [The Japan Times]
- Financial Times Ranking: Africa's Fastest Growing Companies of 2023. [Financial Times]