Opinion
A Shift in Africa's Development
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US trade program providing duty-free access to US markets for eligible sub-Saharan African countries, expired on September 30, 2025, after 25 years. Despite bipartisan efforts and last-minute support from the Trump administration, Congress did not renew the program. AGOA played a significant role in boosting African exports worth nearly $10 billion in 2023, especially in textiles and apparel, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in Africa.
Special Report
In the Footsteps of Joseph Laroche
The story of Joseph Laroche remained largely untold for many years. In 1995, his daughter Louise, one of the last remaining Titanic survivors, revisited the SS Nomadic, the tender ship that had transported them to the Titanic, and participated in commemorative events honoring the passengers who embarked from Cherbourg.
Joseph Laroche’s story has been the subject of various works, including the opera LaRoche by composer Sharon J. Willis. His life and sacrifice continue to inspire discussions about race, identity, and the untold narratives of history.
Editorial
Pledges Made, Challenges Remain
At the recent 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, African leaders sought to project unity and purpose as they pressed for stronger health systems, sustainable financing, and a greater say in global decision-making. While the meetings produced notable commitments, they also underscored the complex gap between promises made in international forums and the realities on the ground.
A central theme was health sovereignty. The Committee of Heads of State and Government reaffirmed the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as the continent’s lead public health agency and stressed the need for closer cooperation with African Union institutions and global partners.
