Daily News on Issues Affecting Africa for July 30th

Continue reading for a summary of recent news stories relating to some of the most pressing issues on the continent. We draw on a wide range of respected news sources, both from Africa itself and around the world. The themes of today's In the News post are: US-Africa trade, President Jonathan trying to improve Nigeria's image, LGBTQI rights in Uganda, food shortages in Somalia, and AGOA.

What Africa Needs to Boost Trade With the U.S.

Ahead of the United States-Africa summit which President Barack Obama is convening next week, southern African trade expert Joshua Setipa outlines what he would say if he was to present Africa's case in Washington. If I was to go to Washington next week, I would tell the administration that our relationship with the United States is one which we as Africa cherish very much, but that it is one that could use some refinement; that we need to revisit a few issues to make sure that U.S. priorities and U.S. aspirations in this relationship are consistent with Africa's political priorities.

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Jonathan launches new e-passport, asks Nigerians to promote country's

The president launched the new 64-page e-Passport. President Goodluck Jonathan has urged immigration officials to improve on their services to visitors and travelers at the airports, as they represent the first image of the country. He also urged all Nigerians to speak well of the country. Speaking at the launch of the new 64-page e-passport at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa, the President also noted that if the immigration officers conduct themselves poorly, it would reflect on the country.

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"We Have to Fight the Law": Uganda's LGBTI Activism After the Anti-Gay Bill

Kampala, Uganda: In a small house, tucked a few narrow alleys away from a busy street in Kampala, Frank Mugisha leans forwards in his chair and places his hands on his desk, the wideness of which emphasises his own slight frame. "We are an illegal organisation," he declares. "We are underground. We are essentially operating guerrilla warfare and could be raided by the police at any minute."

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Somalia food shortages worsened by NGO policy and anti-terrorism laws

As the UN warns of an impending famine in Somalia, it is important to look at the track record of aid organisations in responding to emergencies in the country. This will help explain what should be done to aid local communities in becoming better prepared. The work of aid organisations in Somalia is partly to blame for the over-reliance of many former-farmers on food aid, rather than maintaining a more sustainable self-sufficiency through continued cultivation of their farms.

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Is South Africa really at threat of being excluded from AGOA?

This was said on Monday by South African Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies to urge the US Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which expires next year. AGOA is a preferential trade programme that was enacted in 2000 to boost and diversify African trade with the US. The act allows duty-free entry for a wide range of African products into the US. Close to 40 sub-Saharan African countries are beneficiaries of AGOA.

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