May 31

May 31 Africa-Caribbean Postcards (May 2025) - By Yasmin Minnis

From Handouts to Hustle- U.S. Rethinks its Africa Game

The U.S. is shifting gears in how it engages with Africa, moving away from traditional aid and focusing instead on trade and investment. Under this new policy, American representatives are no longer just distributing aid; they're being evaluated on the business deals they help secure. In the first 100 days alone of this new era, U.S. officials helped land 33 commercial agreements worth around $6 billion.

But this isn’t just an economic move, it’s strategic. As China and Russia grow their influence across Africa, the U.S. wants to stay competitive by offering real business partnerships. One example is a $550 million loan to support the development of the Lobito rail corridor, a railway route that runs through Southern and Central Africa. This would help African countries export critical minerals more independently and avoid relying on Chinese controlled routes. The aim is to build lasting partnerships based on shared interests, not just handouts.

Despite Africa’s rapid growth and young population, trade between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa is still small, less than 1% of total U.S. exports6. Right now, the top U.S. exports to Africa include vehicles, aircraft parts, agricultural goods like wheat and rice, and industrial machinery. Clearly, Washington sees an opportunity to deepen its economic ties with the continent. But whether this approach leads to real development for African nations or simply reshapes old power dynamics under a new label, remains to be seen.

The U.S. is ready to do business with Africa, but the real question is whether it plans to show up as a partner, or just another power player in a new suit.

Home Away from Home – Caribbean Week Unites the Diaspora

Caribbean Week is back in New York City from June 1–6, 2025, and it’s more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful convergence of culture, commerce, and Caribbean pride. Hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), this flagship event at The Westin New York at Times Square aims to deepen connections between the Caribbean and its diaspora while spotlighting the region’s dynamic tourism industry.

This year’s theme, “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” sets the tone for a week filled with high-impact events. Attendees can look forward to the inaugural Caribbean Cultural Showcase, a vibrant exhibition of Caribbean music, dance, cuisine, and artistry. Other highlights include sessions on artificial intelligence in hospitality, the Caribbean Media Awards, the Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner, and the Caribbean Next-Gen Showcase, focusing on youth innovation.

The event has garnered strong support from across the region, with Dominica and the U.S. Virgin Islands leading as Platinum Sponsors. Their involvement underscores a collective commitment to promoting Caribbean culture and fostering sustainable tourism development.

“Caribbean Week in New York is our moment to reflect the strength, resilience, and diversity of our destinations while deepening our ties with the diaspora and global partners,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO.

With a rich lineup of events and a focus on innovation and inclusivity, Caribbean Week 2025 promises to be a landmark occasion for celebrating the Caribbean’s enduring spirit and global influence.

Not Just Trade, A Global Alliance Takes Shape

History is being made in Bridgetown. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has chosen Barbados as the home of its first-ever Africa Trade Centre outside the continent, a £135 million project that aims to tighten economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

This landmark move brings a major shift in how the two regions engage. The new Africa Trade Centre will sit on 6.4 acres in Jemmotts Lane, featuring twin 12-storey towers, a 100-room hotel, conference spaces, and even a tech and small business incubator. Construction is projected to take approximately 30 months, aiming for completion around September 2027. It’s more than just a bank branch, it’s a full-on hub for trade, tourism, and cultural connection. The project is expected to create 1,000 jobs during construction and around 300 permanent roles once it opens, plus opportunities for 50 local small businesses.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley called the moment a reclaiming of the island’s “Atlantic destiny.” She also noted the historical significance of the site, which once housed a hospital for emancipated slaves, a powerful symbol of transformation16. Meanwhile, Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah says the goal is to bridge a gap that was deliberately created by colonialism, calling the Centre a “gateway for Afro-Caribbean trade”.

It’s a clear message: the Global South is done waiting for Western permission to collaborate. With Barbados leading the way, could this be the future of a new kind of global trade?

Trinidad & Tobago Votes for Change Amid Crisis

Trinidad and Tobago has ushered in a new era of leadership. On April 28, 2025, voters turned out in record numbers to elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar as Prime Minister, marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape.

The election came after a turbulent period marked by rising crime rates, economic challenges, and political upheaval. Former Prime Minister Keith Rowley had resigned in March, leading to Stuart Young's brief tenure. However, public dissatisfaction prompted early elections, culminating in a decisive victory for Persad-Bissessar's United National Congress (UNC), which secured 26 out of 41 seats in the House of Representatives.

The outgoing People's National Movement (PNM) suffered significant losses, winning only 13 seats. The party is known for focusing on national security and the economy, but many voters were unhappy with how things have been going, regarding crimes and employment. The Tobago People's Party, which stands for more local control and fair treatment for Tobago, claimed the remaining two seats, reflecting a desire for change across the nation.

Persad-Bissessar, returning to the role she held from 2010 to 2015, faces formidable challenges. The country grapples with a high homicide rate, economic dependency on declining oil and gas revenues, and strained international relations. Her administration has pledged to address these issues head-on, focusing on crime reduction, economic diversification, and strengthening ties with global partners.

As the nation looks forward, the new government's ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in shaping Trinidad and Tobago's future.

Nigeria’s Food Crisis Deepens as Water Runs Dry

Nigeria is facing a growing food crisis as climate change and water shortages hit small farmers hard. In the north, where most of the country’s food is grown, rivers are drying up, and irrigation is becoming nearly impossible. Without water, crops like millet and maize are failing, leaving millions at risk of hunger.

Farmers like Umaru Muazu in Sokoto State have watched their fields wither as once-reliable rivers turn into muddy puddles. “Before, with a small farm, you could get a lot,” he told the Associated Press. Now, he can’t afford to dig a well, and his harvests are shrinking fast.

This crisis is hitting smallholder farmers the hardest. They make up over 80% of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce and produce 90% of the country’s food. But many lack the tools and infrastructure, like dams or drip irrigation, to adapt to the changing climate.

The impact is being felt across the country. In cities like Lagos, food prices have nearly doubled. A head of cabbage that once cost ₦400 (£0.21) now sells for over ₦2,000 (£1.05). The Nigerian government declared a food security emergency in 2023 and promised to activate 500,000 hectares of farmland. But so far, little progress has been made. Meanwhile, food imports have surged by 136%, and millions remain food insecure.

With Nigeria’s population expected to reach 400 million by 2050, the pressure is mounting. Experts say the country must invest in climate-smart agriculture and water-saving technologies to avoid a deeper crisis.

The clock is ticking, and the rains aren’t coming.

South Africa Enters a New Political Era

For the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost its outright majority in Parliament. In the May 2024 general election, the ANC secured just over 40% of the vote, down from 57% in 2019, signaling a historic shift in the nation's political landscape.

Voter frustration is boiling over. After decades of promises, too many South Africans are still waiting for jobs, electricity, and basic public services. Corruption scandals, inequality, and slow economic growth have chipped away at the ANC’s image as the party of liberation.

The emergence of new political forces, notably former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which garnered approximately 14.6% of the vote, has further fragmented the political scene.

In response to the electoral outcome, the ANC has entered into a Government of National Unity (GNU) with several other parties, including the centrist Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and the Patriotic Alliance (PA). This coalition, comprising a total of 11 parties, holds a supermajority in Parliament and aims to foster stability and address the country's pressing challenges.

As South Africa navigates this new political chapter, the effectiveness of the GNU in delivering on its promises will be closely watched by citizens and the international community alike

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