The US presidential election holds significant commercial and diplomatic stakes for China, with both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris presenting challenges. Trump's protectionist policies and unpredictability could destabilize the region, while Harris's focus on stability and multilateral cooperation may lead to technological restrictions. The Chinese government prioritizes stability to support economic growth, viewing Harris as a more stable option. Taiwan remains a critical issue, with both candidates supporting its defense, though Trump's approach adds unpredictability. Regardless of the election outcome, China anticipates continued challenges in its relations with the US.

A Ugandan construction contract awarded to Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi may prompt China to reconsider additional funding for a stalled Kenyan railway project. The project, part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Mombasa to Nairobi and extend to Uganda. However, challenges include China's hesitance due to previous failures, Kenya's existing debt, and competition from Tanzania's electrified railway. To secure China's involvement, Kenya and Uganda must demonstrate regional coordination, secure new funding sources, and prove the project's economic viability.

In Changsha, China, a permanent economic and trade exhibition center for Sino-African commerce is generating excitement among merchants. The center hosts pavilions from nearly all African countries, showcasing products like Kenyan purple tea and roses. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) is seen as a key platform for enhancing trade relations, with policies like Green Lanes facilitating efficient import-export processes. Analysts highlight the need for African countries to diversify exports and add value to raw materials to address trade deficits. Despite international skepticism, many African leaders view Chinese investments positively. The upcoming Focac 2024 promises further market openings and financial support from China, focusing on infrastructure modernization and tailored projects for local communities.

Changsha, China, has become a hub for Sino-African trade, hosting a major economic and trade exhibition that strengthens commercial ties and promotes investments between China and African countries. The city benefits from policies like Green Lanes, which streamline customs procedures, enhancing trade efficiency. Businesses like Hunan Rift Valley Purple and Xiyue Flowers thrive under these conditions, importing Kenyan tea and flowers. However, concerns about trade imbalances and debt persist, with analysts urging African countries to add value to their exports. The upcoming Focac 2024 aims to address these issues, with China pledging significant financial support and infrastructure development in Africa.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) aims to explore new economic partnerships, infrastructure development, and bilateral cooperation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the global changes and the significant impact of the collective rise of the 'Global South,' represented by China and Africa. Both sides have high expectations, with China viewing the forum as an opportunity to deepen strategic partnerships in a post-Covid context. A key focus is on modernizing African infrastructure, with African countries seeking continued support in key sectors and addressing infrastructure gaps. However, the growing debt from Chinese loans remains a concern, prompting African nations to seek more mutually beneficial cooperation. The forum will feature high-level meetings on governance, industrialization, agriculture, peace, security, and the Belt and Road Initiative, culminating in the adoption of a Declaration and Action Plan for the next three years.

The Sino-African Forum is seen as an opportunity for both China and African nations to deepen strategic partnerships, especially in the post-Covid context. African countries are looking to modernize infrastructure with Chinese support in key sectors like manufacturing, transport, energy, and digital technologies. However, the growing debt from Chinese loans is a concern, particularly for economically fragile African states. There is a push for more mutually beneficial cooperation, with African nations seeking better trade terms and market access. The forum will feature high-level meetings and aims to adopt key documents outlining future cooperation.

The ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation highlights the strengthening economic ties between China and Gabon, with China emerging as Gabon's primary trading partner. The forum aims to explore new avenues for economic development and poverty alleviation in Gabon, emphasizing infrastructure development and bilateral cooperation. Despite concerns about debt, Gabon maintains that the focus should be on utilizing debt for industrial growth. The article underscores China's role in supporting Africa's peace, security, and development, with Gabon seeking to leverage this partnership for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Ahead of the official start of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a series of meetings with African leaders, including those from Djibouti, Togo, Comoros, and notably, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa. Discussions centered on enhancing economic partnerships, infrastructure development, and addressing trade imbalances. The meetings underscore China's broader strategy to deepen ties with Africa, focusing on sustainable investments and bilateral cooperation.

At least 200 million girls and women have been victims of female genital mutilation (FGM), with 30 million more at risk in the next decade, primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Claudia Cappa from Unicef highlights the slow progress in eradicating FGM, stressing the need for laws and cultural change to combat this practice. Despite some progress, such as in parts of Kenya, social pressures and traditional beliefs continue to perpetuate FGM. Unicef calls for urgent investment in services for girls, gender equality, and legal reforms to protect women's rights and end FGM by 2030.

The number of female genital mutilation (FGM) victims has increased by 15% since 2016 due to slow progress in eradicating the practice, which is not keeping pace with population growth. Claudia Cappa emphasizes the need for laws and changes in mentality to combat FGM, which is deeply rooted in cultural practices and gender inequality. UNICEF calls for urgent investment in services for girls and the implementation of laws to protect women's rights. Despite some progress, such as in parts of Kenya, the practice remains prevalent, with significant opposition in Africa and the Middle East. The Gambia's Parliament is controversially considering legalizing excision again, highlighting the ongoing struggle against harmful traditions.