US envoy plays down Africa tariff, visa concerns, affirms Lobito commitment
The top US diplomat for Africa on Tuesday dismissed allegations of unfair US trade practices and said funding delays would not derail a key railway project connecting Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
AU officials on Monday questioned how Africa could deepen trade ties with the US under what they called 'abusive' tariff proposals and tightening visa conditions largely targeting travellers from Africa.
'There is no visitation ban,' ambassador Troy Fitrell said during a press conference at the US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda. He said US consulates continue issuing visas regularly, though some now come with shorter validity periods due to concerns over overstays.
Several African business and political leaders have raised concerns about a sharp drop in visa approvals, particularly for travellers from West Africa, since late 2023.
Washington's tariff plans have also added to cooling diplomatic ties with African countries, as some economies — including Lesotho and Madagascar — warned that even a baseline 10% levy could threaten critical exports such as apparel and minerals.
But Fitrell said the proposed US import tariffs were not yet implemented and negotiations were ongoing to create a more reciprocal trading environment, including through the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
14 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
WTO fisheries agreement gains momentum, but will Africa's coastal states rise to the challenge?
Despite the high cost of illegal fishing, only a third of African countries have signed the landmark agreement that will soon take effect. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is on track to be adopted this year, with Ghana the latest African country to ratify. Nine more ratifications are needed to reach the total of 111, which activates the treaty. The landmark deal will come into force in what looks like a ' super year ' for ocean governance. Yet only about a third of African states have ratified it, raising questions about whether the agreement risks faltering where the benefits are most needed. The Food and Agriculture Organization's most recent State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report says Africa's fisheries are among the most vulnerable and highly affected by overfishing and illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing. Little of Africa's marine fish stocks are caught sustainably. This presents the continent with a unique trifecta of challenges: subsidised foreign fleets, weak ocean governance, and climate change combine to undermine the sustainability of marine resources. Small pelagic stocks in West Africa have collapsed, East African coral reef fisheries run below sustainable yields, and coastal livelihoods and food security are under threat. Current estimations suggest that at least $11.2-billion in African revenue is lost annually due to illegal exploitation. In this context, the fisheries deal should be a major step in addressing unlawful fishing and harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing. Globally, 102 countries are officially recorded as having ratified the agreement. Several others, including Ghana, have completed domestic ratification, but aren't yet reflected in the official count because they still need to conclude the formal procedure. The agreement targets three areas contributing to the depletion of marine resources, with two implementation phases. First, it bans subsidies linked to exploiting overfished stocks, aiming to bolster conservation and awareness about weak regulatory oversight. Second, it prohibits fishing subsidies in high seas areas beyond the purview of regional fisheries bodies, where enforcement gaps are common and migratory fish stocks are vulnerable. Finally, it bans subsidies to vessels involved in illegal fishing. These measures respond to longstanding concerns about the role of subsidies in enabling overfishing and illegal fishing, especially by distant-water fleets. Although the benefits for Africa are clear, the reception seems lukewarm, with just 20 African countries having officially ratified the agreement. Most support has come from West Africa, where the Economic Community of West African States has urged its members to support the initiative. In East and southern Africa, only four coastal states have ratified: Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles and South Africa. One probable reason is limited awareness and technical capacity since the agreement is essentially a trade instrument, not a conventional fisheries or environmental treaty. So understanding the deal's implications requires coordination between national agencies responsible for fishing, environment, trade and foreign affairs. The agreement is nevertheless on track to enter into force before year-end, underscoring the importance of Africa's readiness to successfully implement it. For one thing, implementation will likely come with financial and resource implications. The agreement requires all WTO members to create a national subsidy inventory documenting the nature, recipients and purpose of fisheries subsidies. This will require inter-agency coordination, political commitment, and new digital reporting systems, potentially adding costs for African states. At the same time, a lack of capacity or political will to implement may see countries become targets for illegal fleets, since the agreement is only as strong as states' ability to enforce it. This is especially likely since the prohibition is not triggered automatically, but only once a relevant party determines a transgression has occurred. That party could be the coastal state against which a transgression has been committed, one whose flag is used by the vessel involved in illegal fishing, or a relevant regional fisheries management organisation/arrangement. However, the arrangements are not always well equipped to deal with illegal fishing, and their ability to respond depends on member states' commitment and capacity. And flag states, especially those providing flags of convenience, are seldom willing to enforce rules that undermine their profits. This means the successful use of the agreement will depend on countries' ability to detect illegal activity and collect evidence. That doesn't diminish the initiative's utility, but highlights the challenges African countries could face as they prepare for implementation. To maximise the agreement's benefits, governments should prioritise three actions. Self-assessment tool First, they must use the WTO's self-assessment tool to systematically align national policies with the agreement's requirements. Identifying legislative, regulatory and institutional gaps may require technical assistance or capacity-building support. Second, states should strengthen coordination among fisheries, trade and finance ministries to ensure coherent policy implementation and transparent reporting on subsidies and conservation measures, as mandated by the agreement. Third, African countries are well positioned to leverage the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, which provides resources for developing nations to upgrade fisheries management, enhance compliance and help small-scale fishers achieve sustainable practices. This support becomes available to member states on ratifying the agreement. However, the deal alone is not a panacea. It is a useful addition to countries' toolkit in their fight against illegal and unsustainable fishing — but its effectiveness will depend on the actions of African coastal and flag states. Countries should use existing maritime mechanisms, such as the Djibouti and Yaoundé codes of conduct, as well as their regional maritime security strategies. The African Union (AU) and the AU Development Agency could provide technical support and capacity building, and raise awareness among member states as they have done before. The absence of a robust WTO enforcement mechanism means African countries must simultaneously invest in strengthening their maritime security and implementing international accords like the Agreement on Port State Measures. Enhanced surveillance, port inspections and regional collaboration are vital for intercepting illegal catches and deterring illicit operators. Without these complementary measures, the risks to Africa's food security, economic stability and regional security will persist. DM
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Kamogelo Baukudi found alive
Here's your daily news update for Friday, 27 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, police have confirmed that the kidnapped 19-year-old, Kamogelo Baukudi, has been found alive. Meanwhile, former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe party Floyd Shivambu has defended his relationship with controversial pastor Bishop Stephen Bafana Zondo. Furthermore, eight members of parliament have been fined R10 000 each after failing to meet the deadline for disclosing their financial interests in 2024. Weather tomorrow: 28 June 2025 Light rain, morning fog, and cold conditions are expected across the Western Cape, especially in south-western and mountainous regions. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi found alive The South African Police Service (Saps) has made a major breakthrough and confirmed that the kidnapped 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi has been found alive. The grade 11 pupil from Martie du Plessis School was found early on Friday morning, six weeks after he went missing. 19 year old Kamogelo Baukudi has been found alive. Picture: Saps Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said they are relieved that Baukudi has been found. 'After weeks of intensive investigation, Kamogelo was safely located and rescued in Wepener in the early hours of this morning, 27 June 2025. During an intelligence-driven operation, five African males aged between 20 and 29 were arrested. CONTINUE READING: Kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi found alive Pastor Zondo to form part of Shivambu's team; Ndhlela rejects 'apology' The former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, Floyd Shivambu, has defended his relationship with controversial pastor Bishop Stephen Bafana Zondo. Zondo is on trial in the High Court in Pretoria for the alleged rapes of several congregants in his church. Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu. Picture: Gallo Images Briefing the media on Friday, Shivambu said Zondo will serve as a chaplain in the Mayibuye Africa party consultation process. He said Zondo will be involved in guiding the organisation's moral direction. 'Pastor Zondo is not convicted of any crime,' he said. Shivambu said he did not make a 'mistake' by including Zondo in the consultation process for the formation of his new political party. CONTINUE READING: Pastor Zondo to form part of Shivambu's team; Ndhlela rejects 'apology' Eight MPs fined R10 000 each for failing to disclose financial interests Eight members of parliament have been reprimanded and fined R10 000 each after failing to meet the deadline for disclosing their financial interests in 2024, with parliament's speaker warning that their actions had the potential to undermine public trust. The National Assembly adopted the joint committee on ethics and members' interests report during its plenary sitting, finding the legislators in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests for missing the 14 October 2024 deadline. Fine. Image: iStock The eight members sanctioned include Mluleki Dlelanga (ANC), Mkhuleko Hlengwa (IFP), Nhlamulo Ndhlela (MK), Mzoleli Mrara (ANC), Masetsego Mofokeng (ANC), Maropene Ramokgopa (ANC), Sihle Zikalala (ANC) and Andries Nel (ANC). CONTINUE READING: Eight MPs fined R10 000 each for failing to disclose financial interests SA's Cabinet of incompetence, corruption and serious allegations Here are just some of the prominent politicians in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet who have been implicated in corruption, mismanagement, maladministration, or other serious allegations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has faced scrutiny over his business dealings, most notably the Phala Phala farm scandal, where $580 000 (about R10 million) in cash was stolen from his Limpopo game farm in 2020. Pictures: The Citizen and Gallo Deputy President Paul Mashatile has long been haunted by corruption allegations, including the R1.3 billion Alexandra renewal project. Minister of agriculture and DA leader John Steenhuisen was implicated in allegations of misusing DA funds during his 2020 campaign for party leadership. CONTINUE READING: SA's Cabinet of incompetence, corruption and serious allegations Christopher Jaftha denies allegations he is Pabi Moloi's baby daddy Television presenter and actor Christopher Jaftha has denied claims that he fathered the child of radio personality Pabi Moloi, describing the allegations as 'false and misleading'. This follows reports that Moloi's estranged husband, Ruan Adams, has filed a legal application in the High Court in Johannesburg. Media personality Christopher Jaftha. Picture: Instagram/@chrisjaftha According to Sunday World, Adams is demanding a paternity test, alleging that Moloi may have conceived her child with Jaftha during an extramarital affair. Adams reportedly further claimed in court documents seen by the publication that Moloi and Jaftha were romantically involved while she was also in a sexual relationship with him. CONTINUE READING: Christopher Jaftha denies allegations he is Pabi Moloi's baby daddy Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: DA calls firing 'calculated assault' | SA might run out of chicken | RIP Meme Ditshego
IOL News
16 hours ago
- IOL News
Absa Group anticipates mid-teens earnings growth for the first half of 2025
Absa's management said its South Africa operations were expected to drive group earnings growth in the six months to June 30, 2025, mostly due to lower credit impairments as net interest income growth is muted. Strong pre-provision profit growth in Africa regions was anticipated, partially offset by higher credit impairments. Image: Supplied ABSA Group said on Friday it expected earnings to grow by the mid-teens in the six months to June 30, while its return on equity would likely improve to 14.6% from 14% in the first half a year ago. ABSA's share price climbed 2.87% to R175.85 in the afternoon, well ahead of the JSE Banks Index, which was up 1.19% at the same time, and over 10% higher than the bank's share price a year ago. The lender's management said in a trading update that they anticipate mid-single-digit revenue growth in the first half, with higher growth in non-interest income compared to net interest income. Geographically, its South Africa business was expected to drive group earnings growth, primarily due to lower credit impairments, as net interest income growth remains muted. Strong pre-provision profit growth in African regions was anticipated, partially offset by higher credit impairments. Continuing the trend from the second half of 2024, group net interest income growth was expected to be muted, given mid-single-digit loan growth and some margin compression, particularly in South Africa. High single-digit non-interest income growth was expected, with strong trading revenue. Net fee and commission income growth was anticipated to be in the mid-single digits, while net insurance income growth was likely to be modest. Operating expenses growth is expected to be in the mid-single digits, producing low to mid-single-digit pre-provision profit growth, and a slightly higher cost-to-income ratio than 52.7% in the first half of 2024. The credit loss ratio is expected to improve to around the top end of the bank's target range of 75 to 100 basis points, down from 123 basis points in the first half of 2024. The bank's management said the global economic environment remains uncertain and volatile, with increased trade tensions and geopolitical developments reducing growth expectations. 'Across our presence markets, lower inflation has resulted in policy rate cuts in most countries. GDP growth expectations for 2025 have declined in all our countries besides Ghana. Contrary to our expectation, average exchange rates in our African regions did not depreciate against the Rand and has not been a drag on group earnings during 1H25.' From a divisional perspective, strong earnings growth was expected from the re-organised Personal and Private Banking, driven by lower credit impairments, while revenue growth remains muted due to modest industry loan growth and a reduction in our risk appetite for personal loans. In Business Banking, low revenue growth and a higher credit loss ratio was expected to reduce earnings. Corporate and Investment Banking was anticipated to benefit from lower credit losses and strong trading revenue, while net interest income growth remains muted.
