Just two days before the Ghana general election, on 7 December, people on the streets in the Ghanian Capital, Accra, are weighing in on some of the key issues ahead of the general elections this weakened. VOA’s Paul Ndiho is in downtown Accra and managed to talk to a few people on the streets.
Some people in Africa and the U.S. are optimistic about future relations with Africa under Donald Trump’s second term. A strategic shift could counter China and Russia’s influence on the continent. However, some critics say that Trump’s proposed 10 percent tariff could affect trade relations with Africa.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows African countries to export goods to the U.S. duty-free, has been crucial for economic support. However, there are concerns that this benefit might be at risk, as Trump has proposed a 10 percent tariff on all imports coming into the United States and is reviewing AGOA, which is up for renewal in 2025.
Ambassador Tibor Nagy, who served as Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, is in the studio to discuss what these developments mean for Africa.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been a significant source of support for African countries, allowing them to export goods to the United States duty-free and quota-free. However, growing concerns exist that these benefits could be eliminated when Donald Trump takes office. President-Elect Donald Trump proposed a 10 percent tariff on all imports, and the AGOA, enacted in 2000 and due for renewal in 2025, is under review. Analysts warn that the act could be modified or withdrawn, potentially impacting jobs and companies across Africa. Melvin Foote, Founder and President of the Constituency for Africa (CFA), is here in the studio to discuss the implications of these developments.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) invests $10 million in children’s health in Africa through its “Imagine Grant,” funding various non-profits to leverage cloud technology and AI to combat health disparities. Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is one of the recipients. It plans to use the funds to enhance generative AI and cloud tech for pediatric research and support health workers fighting HIV/AIDS in Malawi, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Dr. Shabbir Ismail Argaw, Senior Director for Strategic Information at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, joins us live in Studio to share his thoughts about this initiative.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set on nominating former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as his attorney general and other controversial figures for Cabinet, despite facing significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. Several Republican senators may challenge Trump’s choices for his Cabinet, particularly Gaetz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Trump has had a tumultuous relationship with some Republican senators, who are unlikely to show him the same support as loyal allies like Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who is on record urging his GOP colleagues to “get out of the way” and approve Trump’s nominees.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) says agriculture is vital to Cameroon’s economy, employing nearly half of the workforce. The country has approximately two million small family farms and more extensive agro-industrial plantations. Farmers face challenges like poor market organization, inadequate infrastructure, limited irrigation and credit access, and lack of equipment. To address these issues, Farmers Pride International has launched an initiative to empower Cameroonian farmers. Kevin Wilson, the CEO of Farmers Pride International and a teacher at Penn Grove High in New Jersey, discussed this initiative with VOA’s Paul Ndiho.
Republicans have achieved a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives by winning 218 seats, solidifying their control alongside President-elect Donald Trump. Critical victories in Arizona and California contributed to this success. With the House and Senate under control, Republican leaders plan to rapidly implement Trump’s agenda, capitalizing on their slim but significant majorities. VOA’s Paul Ndiho is standing by live at Capitol Hill.
Tech hubs in Africa are vital to the continent’s technology ecosystem, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. They offer mentorship, funding access, and a collaborative environment for local talent to tackle specific challenges. These hubs support skill development by providing resources and networking opportunities, contributing to economic growth and social progress. Recently, Africa 54’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Kenneth Twesigye, CEO of Tech Buzz Hub Uganda, about how Ugandans are leveraging new technologies.
As of Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives’ control remained uncertain. Republicans were seven seats away from the necessary 218 for control, while Democrats needed an additional 15 seats. With the Senate and White House already leaning Republican, President-elect Donald Trump may achieve total governance when he takes office on January 20, 2025. Controlling the House enables a party to initiate spending laws and pursue impeachment actions. VOA’s Paul Ndiho is standing by live at Capitol Hill.
The race for control of the House is still uncertain, but Republicans are optimistic about their new Senate majority and Donald Trump’s presidency. Heading into the 2024 elections, House Republicans hold a slim majority of 220 GOP seats, while Democrats have 212, with three vacancies. VOA’s Paul Ndiho is standing by live at Capitol Hill.
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