West Africa
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a surprise summit involving five African nations, primarily from West Africa. The summit, scheduled to take place from July 9 to 11, will include Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal. This development comes just a week after the United States successfully brokered a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, signaling Washington’s growing interest in stabilizing key regions on the continent.

Although U.S. foreign policy toward Africa during Trump’s administration was often criticized for its lack of clarity and consistency, recent moves suggest a shift toward economic and strategic engagement. The upcoming summit is seen as part of broader efforts to secure U.S. economic interests and reassert influence on the continent, especially in light of increased Chinese and Russian presence. A larger, more inclusive U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit is also reportedly scheduled for September, which may include wider participation and more comprehensive economic and security dialogue.

The Trump administration's approach to Africa, however, has drawn criticism. A few months ago, the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs on goods from nearly all African countries, causing uncertainty and diplomatic discomfort in many capitals. In addition, the suspension of U.S. aid to numerous African nations forced many governments to urgently seek alternative funding sources to plug the resulting budget gaps.

Further complicating relations, the White House adopted a confrontational stance towards South Africa, especially around what the President Trump to be discrimination against the white minority population. This situation deepened anxieties across the continent about the reliability and long-term intentions of the U.S. under Trump’s foreign policy direction.

Despite these tensions, the administration has maintained security cooperation with several African states. Notably, it collaborated with Somali authorities in launching strikes against Islamic State (IS) positions, marking one of the first tangible security actions under the Trump presidency in Africa. Similarly, Washington's determination to neutralize Houthi threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is believed to have reinforced its military presence in the Horn of Africa.

Economically, the Trump administration hosted a U.S.-Africa business summit in Luanda, Angola, focusing on expanding American investment in the Lobito Corridor—a vital transportation and trade route that connects mineral-rich regions in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Atlantic coast.


Nigeria
In a significant political development, Nigeria’s two leading opposition figures—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi—have formed a united political front ahead of the 2027 general elections. The newly created party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was born after months of negotiations between the two leaders and their respective political camps.

The formation of this alliance is seen as a direct response to the fragmentation of the opposition vote in the 2023 elections, which paved the way for the victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In that election, Tinubu secured only 37% of the popular vote, while Abubakar and Obi received 27% and 25% respectively, highlighting the strength of the opposition when combined.

Both leaders are expected to draw on their regional bases: Atiku from the northern regions and Obi from the Southeast and South-South, potentially creating a formidable political coalition. In a country where ethnic and regional affiliations significantly influence electoral outcomes, this alliance could reshape the political landscape and pose a serious challenge to the ruling party.

Beyond electoral strategy, the alliance is also seen as contributing to greater political stability. Observers believe a unified opposition can help balance power dynamics and reduce political uncertainty in Africa’s most populous country, which continues to grapple with economic challenges, security concerns, and governance issues.


Horn of Africa
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has officially announced the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with full commissioning expected in September. The GERD, which began construction in 2011 under the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, has been a source of prolonged diplomatic tensions with Egypt and Sudan. Both downstream countries argue that the dam—located on the Blue Nile—threatens their water security and poses an existential risk to their populations and economies.

The dispute has escalated over the years, with Cairo warning that unilateral actions by Ethiopia could result in military confrontation. Egypt has even publicly threatened to bomb the dam if its national interests are compromised. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations mediated by the African Union and other international bodies, the parties have failed to reach a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

The GERD is a symbol of national pride in Ethiopia and is expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, transforming the country into an energy exporter and supporting economic growth. However, the geopolitical implications continue to reverberate across the region. Analysts warn that unless diplomatic channels are successfully reopened, the dam could remain a flashpoint in East African geopolitics.


East Africa
In a surprising political twist, Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has resigned, triggering widespread speculation about a possible power struggle within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Majaliwa, a long-serving politician and close ally of the late President John Magufuli, was appointed Prime Minister in 2015 and continued in the role under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Although no official reason has been provided for his resignation, insiders suggest internal rifts within the party may have contributed to the decision. Some political analysts believe the move could be linked to succession planning ahead of future elections or discontent with recent government policies. Majaliwa had once been seen as a potential presidential contender, making his exit even more intriguing.

Tanzania has enjoyed relatively high growth rates in recent years, driven by infrastructure development and improved foreign investment. However, political tensions have raised concerns about governance, civil liberties, and election integrity.

The opposition, particularly the CHADEMA party, has accused the government of using state institutions to suppress dissent ahead of the October general elections. Tundu Lissu, the party’s main opposition leader and former presidential candidate, is currently on trial for treason—a move widely seen as politically motivated. Human rights organizations and foreign observers have expressed concern over increasing political repression and the shrinking democratic space in the country.