Politics & Economy

The proposed visit reflects Africa’s growing importance to the US, amid the “new cold war” sparked by rivalry with China. The US is responding to the expanding influence of China, Russia and other emerging powers in Africa. It’s intensifying economic, diplomatic and military cooperation.

Going green is proving lucrative for African firms, with over 40% seeing a direct boost to their bottom lines from decarbonisation efforts.

Kenya’s President William Ruto fired all but one cabinet minister in his second shock decision following deadly protests triggered by tax increases. The first was the withdrawal of the tax measures on 26 June, the day after at least a dozen people were killed in youth-led nationwide protests. Ruto has promised to replace the discredited cabinet with a government of national unity to address numerous other grievances, such as official corruption. We asked John Mukum Mbaku, a scholar with a research interests in public choice, constitutionalism and institutional reform, to discuss the decision.

The first factor that makes the current wave of protests different from previous ones is the absence of civil society organisations or political parties steering protest actions.