Interesting timing for NATO to post this. You’ll only be shocked if you’re not paying attention.

The US House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on the AGOA Smith bill, which would extend the preferential access arrangement for eligible African countries until December 2028.

US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's addresses DOJ subpoenas threatening criminal charges over his Senate testimony on a $3.1 billion Fed building renovation project, framing it as a pretext for the Trump administration pressuring the central bank to lower interest rates.

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Iran has withdrawn from the joint naval exercise Will for Peace (previously Mosi) with South Africa, China, Russia and the UAE, reportedly due to South Africa’s relations with the US.

Sen. Jim Risch condemns South Africa's ANC-led coalition government for hosting "Will for Peace" naval drills with Iran, Russia, and China, arguing it exposes non-alignment as a facade for anti-US actions.

Key Vote Letter on H.R. 6500, the "African Growth and Opportunity Act Extension Act," and H.R. 6504, the "Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act" | U.S.-Africa Business Center January 12, 2026 To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: The Chamber strongly urges Congress to

US Chamber of Commerce letter advocates for immediate House approval of H.R. 6500 to retroactively extend the expired AGOA by three years.

President Donald Trump says countries that conduct business with Iran will face a 25% tariff with the US. 🔗 truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTru…

The US House or Representatives passed H.R. 6500, to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for three years by a vote of 340-54; the bill now awaits Senate approval and presidential signature. 🔗 clerk.house.gov/evs/2026/roll0…

Today, US ambassador-designate Brent Bozell will address members of the US-Africa Business Center at the US Chamber of Commerce in a closed-door executive roundtable. He is “expected to arrive in Pretoria as early as January 2026”, says the invitation to the event.

The AGOA Smith bill passes and now awaits Senate approval and presidential signature.

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After President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga to request Iran to withdraw from the Will for Peace naval exercise, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) posted on social media suggesting that the Iranian corvette Narghi was participating in

This would be the second time the SANDF, specifically Minister Angie Motshekga, has undermined the Presidency and DIRCO. The first was General Rudzani Maphwanya’s visit to Iran and his (alleged) political comments, which the Presidency, DIRCO, and even the Department of Defence

South Africa will not be included in AGOA.

$USDZAR opened at 16.39

Trump’s surprising gift to South Africa | Bianke Neethling 13 January 2026 🔗 dailyinvestor.com/world/115681/t…

During the House debate on H.R. 6500, the AGOA Extension Act, Rep. Lloyd Doggett pointed out that the bill in its current form gives the executive branch authority to determine eligibility. Last month, the USTR stated it is “happy to consider [separating South Africa and AGOA].”

Today was another ruling day for the Supreme Court of the United States, but once again the decision on the constitutionality of President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs was not issued and remains pending. 🔗 AGOA update + Incoming US ambassador youtube.com/live/_U05Vn44n…