What do President Trump’s Africa envoy, China’s economic leap and women in politics have in common? Power moves—who has it, who’s gaining it and who’s still fighting for a seat at the table. Plus: Ghana’s tax cuts, Egypt’s inflation drop, South Africa’s AI investment and Mozambique’s LNG comeback.

Power is shifting. So let’s dive in. 

P.S. If you are joining us from This Week in Africa, welcome! Big thanks for the shoutout.

Africa Trivia 

Graphic of the Week 

President Trump Appoints Family to Africa

As the dust settles on President Trump’s USAID shutdown, the administration’s Africa-related activity seems to be pretty focused on critical minerals. The big news this week is that President Trump plans to appoint his daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law, Massad Boulos, as a special envoy for East Africa’s Great Lakes region. Boulos, with business ties in Nigeria, is expected to engage with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid ongoing conflicts and discussions over mineral rights.

Go deeper: DRC's mineral wealth includes cobalt and lithium, essential for electric vehicles and smartphones. The M23 rebel group's activities have disrupted mining operations, with allegations of Rwandan support. Strengthening U.S. ties with DRC may stabilize the region and diversify global mineral supply chains. Read more: Semafor.

What We Are Reading

• Egypt’s inflation fell to 12.8% in February from 24% in January as the currency crunch eased. A sharp drop raises expectations for a major central bank rate cut in April. The recovery follows a 40% currency devaluation, record-high rates and a $57B bailout (Bloomberg).

• Ghana’s new budget, released this week, aims for a 1.5% surplus in 2025 through spending cuts, increased revenue, and tax reforms. Inflation has dropped from 54% in 2022 to 23.1%, with a target of 11.9%. Economic growth has slowed from 5.7% to a projected 4.4%. Debt remains a challenge, with major repayments due in 2027-2028 (Bloomberg). Some reports suggest the new administration is considering “shock therapy” (Reuters). As part of its reforms, the government plans to abolish six taxes in 2025, including the Betting Tax, E-Levy, Emission Levy, VAT on motor vehicle insurance, tax on unprocessed gold from small-scale miners, and the COVID-19 levy (Business Insider Africa).

• Guinea: Rio Tinto's Simandou project in Guinea faces scrutiny over safety violations and worker deaths (Reuters).

• Mozambique: TotalEnergies' $20B Mozambique LNG project is awaiting a crucial U.S. Exim Bank financing decision on Thursday, which could pave the way for operations to resume after a four-year halt (Bloomberg).

• Nigeria: Nigerian National Petroleum Company is negotiating a new naira-for-crude deal with Dangote Refinery as their six-month agreement—supplying more than 48 million barrels—expires in March 2025 (Business Insider Africa); A meningitis outbreak in Kebbi has killed 26 people, with 248 suspected cases, prompting vaccine efforts (Reuters); Nigeria has begun vetting diplomats after an 18-month delay due to funding constraints (Reuters); The country signed a $200M deal with WeLight to expand rural electricity, backed by the World Bank and AfDB (Reuters).

• Rwanda: On March 10, the country successfully launched a fully digital land registration system (The New Times Rwanda).

• South Africa: Microsoft plans to invest $297M to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in South Africa and fund 50,000 digital skills certifications to meet growing regional demand (Reuters).

• Zimbabwe: After a long drought and heavy rains, could it get worse? The country now faces its worst armyworm outbreak in 20 years (Bloomberg).

Business & Finance in Africa 

So Aid Didn’t Work…Now What? 

I’ve been reflecting on how, before 1994, China was poorer than Africa—then I came across the chart above on Magatte Wade’s Substack, Africa’s Bright Future.

• In 1978, China’s GDP per capita was ~$150—lower than nearly all African nations. Poverty was widespread and its economy was stagnant (Centre for Africa-China Studies).

• Massive reforms fueled explosive growth. China de-collectivized agriculture, opened special economic zones, attracted foreign investment and prioritized manufacturing and exports (EveryCRSReport).

• From poor to powerhouse: China averaged ~10% annual GDP growth for decades, lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty and becoming the world’s second-largest economy (EveryCRSReport).

• Africa’s slower rise: Unlike China, African economies remained commodity-dependent, fragmented and infrastructure-poor, missing the industrialization boom that lifted East Asia (Brookings).

• Foreign aid vs. self-reliance: China grew without foreign aid, relying on investment, trade and policy reforms. Africa received $1T+ in aid since 1950, but much of it failed to spark economic transformation (Nonprofit Quarterly).

Why It Matters:

• Africa can learn from China. Industrialization, regional integration and investment in infrastructure and human capital are key.

• Trade beats aid. Africa needs FDI, export-driven industries and policy stability—not reliance on foreign assistance.

• The 21st century is Africa’s moment. With the world’s youngest workforce and AfCFTA, the continent could be the next economic giant—but only with the right strategies.

• What’s next? One word: #StartupAfrica

Bottom Line: China’s rise wasn’t magic—it was strategy and execution. 

Thriving in Lagos

Love practical pieces like this from FT. I agree: Lagos isn’t just Nigeria’s economic hub—it’s a city of energy, opportunity and yes, organized chaos. Doing business in Lagos means navigating cultural nuances, unpredictable schedules and a thriving social scene where deals are often made. Here’s how to get it right according to FT. 

• A firm handshake is the standard greeting and titles matter. Address people as Mr., Mrs., Chief or Dr. unless told otherwise. Lagosians value hierarchy and formality and a small sign of respect goes a long way. 

• Meetings have start times, but delays are common, especially with senior executives. Arrive on time, but expect to wait. Casual conversation before business is the norm—bringing some “gist” (informal news or gossip) helps break the ice.

• In Lagos, appearance signals status. Men should stick to well-tailored suits, while women should opt for professional but stylish outfits.

• Meetings often transition into meals, drinks or extended conversations. Saying yes to an invitation builds trust, and enjoying local dishes like jollof rice is part of the experience. Deals are often finalized in relaxed settings, so networking outside the office is key.

• While Lagos is a fintech leader with widespread digital payments, having some cash on hand is still helpful. Generous tipping is encouraged, as service workers earn modest wages and it’s a good way to leave a positive impression.

Lagos is fast-paced, vibrant and full of potential. Despite the economic challenges, I am bullish on Nigeria. And the GITEX event in September might be a good time to visit. 

Read more: FT and if you want a few economic indicators, look here.  

Tech & Society in Africa

Afro Arts On The Rise

Creative Economy: Big Potential, Increased Backing

• Rising Industry: Africa’s broader creative economy—spanning music, film, fashion, art and sports—is thriving but still underrepresented globally. It’s valued at around $59B, which is <3% of the $2T global creative industry​ (Semafor). 

• Major Investments: Afreximbank just doubled down on its support for Africa’s creative industries, expanding its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) program from $1B to $2B over the next three years (Semafor). The additional capital is set to fuel film financing, music arenas, fashion hubs, and more. Private investors are also jumping in: a new $50M Afro Film Fund and a $40M Next Narrative fund were announced in 2024 to back African filmmakers.​ Even Sony’s venture arm set up a $10M fund for African gaming, music and film ventures (Launch Base Africa).

• Hubs and Future Opportunities: Innovation hubs are nurturing talent to realize this potential. Tech incubator CcHUB opened large creative hubs in Lagos and Nairobi, offering grants and facilities for podcasters, filmmakers and other creators​ (Semafor). “Studio” spaces, training programs and accelerator initiatives are equipping the next generation of African storytellers. The payoff could be huge: African cinema already generates about $5B annually and could reach $20B, creating 20 million jobs per year if properly invested​ (Global Voices). With Nollywood now the world’s second most prolific film industry (more than 2,500 films a year) and Afrobeats conquering global charts, African creatives have proven their quality. The coming years present a chance to scale up production value, distribution and profits. 

Bottom Line: Africa’s creative economy is on the rise—backed by major funding, growing audiences and global recognition. Thanks, Semafor.  

Democracy in Africa

Women Shaping Politics

It’s Women’s History Month. And though perhaps it’s true that in a perfect world, we wouldn’t need a month to spotlight gender equality and women’s rights, here we are. We thought it valuable to take a closer look this week at women in politics in Africa—and how the region stacks up.

Politics Is Still a Boys' Club

• 26% of African MPs are women, up from 25% in 2021 (International IDEA). That’s a pretty slow-paced improvement. 🙁

• Rwanda leads globally with 61% women in parliament (Rwanda Government) while Nigeria ranks last with just 3.9% (IPU). 

• East Africa leads (32% women MPs), while West Africa lags (18%) (UN Women).

• Gender quotas work: Countries with quotas average 29% women MPs, while those without lag at 24% (IPU).

• North Africa is backsliding: Tunisia and Algeria saw major declines after scrapping gender parity laws (Context).

Why It Matters:

• More women in power mean stronger policies on health, education and equality (The Conversation).

• Quotas are key: Sierra Leone and Benin saw big jumps in 2023 after passing quota laws (International IDEA).

• Barriers persist: Women face campaign funding gaps, harassment and party exclusion (Afrobarometer).

• Africa outperforms some regions (MENA: 17%) but trails others (Americas: 36%) (IPU).

Bottom Line: Africa’s progress is real though tentative. Quotas drive change, but without deeper reforms, gender parity remains a distant goal.

Explorations in Africa

Land of Origins

Ethiopia’s Gada Ceremony: Power, Tradition, Heritage and Cows

• Thousands gathered in southern Ethiopia for the Gada ceremony, an eight-year cycle of leadership transition in the Borana ethnic community.

• The beautiful event featured traditional processions, cultural displays and the symbolic handover of power to the 72nd Abbaa Gadaa, Guyo Boru Guyo.

• The Gada system, a UNESCO-recognized governance structure, prepares boys from childhood for future leadership.

Why It Matters:

• The Gada system is a democratic tradition rooted in centuries-old customs.

• Leadership succession ensures continuity in resolving pastoralist conflicts over water and cattle.

• The ceremony draws regional and international attention, reinforcing the Borana identity across Ethiopia and Kenya.

Read more: BBC

Africa Trivia Response

Answer: C) Liberia - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Read More: PBS.

Signing out from Ghana. See you again next week! 

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