Africa, China, USA and the New Geometry of Global Balance

By Kirtan Bhana

17 May 2026

The contemporary international system is undergoing a quiet but decisive reconfiguration. It is not marked by the sudden collapse of an old order, but by the gradual emergence of overlapping centres of power, competing economic logics, and increasingly interdependent strategic choices. Within this shifting geometry, Africa is no longer a peripheral stage upon which global rivalries are enacted. It is becoming an active node in the design of global balance itself.

India and Africa are Joined at the Hip in the Rise of the Global South

By Kirtan Bhana and Anisha Pemjee

17 May 2026

An update on the India–Africa Forum Summit IV - 21 MAY 2026

The forthcoming fourth edition of the India–Africa Forum Summit IV (IAFS IV), scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026 in collaboration with the African Union Commission, arrives at a defining historical moment for both Africa and India. After an eleven-year hiatus shaped by geopolitical instability, shifting global alliances, and the disruptive aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit is a strategic convergence of two of the most dynamic forces of the Global South.

BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs adopt joint statement following meeting in New Delhi

The document outlines the group’s common position on key global and regional issues
TV BRICS

16 May 2026

The two-day meeting of the BRIBRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs adopt joint statement following meeting in New Delhi
CS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in New Delhi concluded with the adoption of a joint statement. The text was published on the website of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

South Africa’s citrus industry becomes world’s top exporter

15 May 2026

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has congratulated the country’s agricultural sector, following South Africa’s milestone achievement of becoming the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume.

Angela Yeung’s Appointment Heralds a Dynamic New Era for Hong Kong–South Africa Relations
TDS

15 May 2026

The appointment of Angela Yeung as President of the Hong Kong South Africa Chamber of Commerce (HKSACC) marks an important and timely development in strengthening commercial, diplomatic and cultural relations between Hong Kong, Greater China and Southern Africa.

Good Journalism Is the Product of Acute Curiosity - says renowned Ghanaian Journalist Cameron Duodu

by Fiifi Netty

15 May 2026

I had been trying for quite some time to secure an interview with Cameron Duodu, a veteran journalist with more than seven decades of experience in the media industry. His name commands great respect in journalism circles, both locally and internationally. Over the years, he has served as an editor and written for numerous local and international media platforms across the world. Given his rich experience and deep understanding of the media landscape, I wanted him to share his vast knowledge and insights on journalism for an article I was writing.

BRICS foreign ministers highlight group’s stabilising role during meeting in New Delhi
BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the expanded format was held under India’s chairmanship

Family photo (photo: Social media accounts of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar / ANI Photo)

TVBRICS - 14 May 2026

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that many countries today expect BRICS to play a constructive and stabilising role in the modern world. Areas of cooperation and practical steps for implementing this collaboration were discussed by foreign ministers and diplomats from BRICS countries, as well as partner states of the grouping, during a high-level meeting in New Delhi. This was reported by ANI, a TV BRICS partner.

Xi Jinping urges stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relationship

CGTN - 14-May-2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.

Transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent, said Xi.

Positioning Africa to Lead a New Global Economy - Alamein Africa Forum

By Kirtan Bhana

13 May 2026

At a pivotal moment for the African continent and the wider global economy, an important diplomatic and economic engagement hosted at Egypt House in Pretoria placed Africa’s future squarely at the centre of international discourse. Convened by Ambassador of Egypt Ahmad Sharief, the reception titled 'African Opportunity and Partnership: In Promotion of the Alamein Africa Forum' introduced the vision and ambition behind the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum GO63, to be held in El Alamein from 25–27 June 2026 alongside the 2026 African Union Mid-Year Summit.

Ronald Lamola in India for BRICS 

TDS – 13 May 2026

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Meeting taking place on 14 and 15 May under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship.

United States, Mexico and Canada Celebrate Bafana Bafana Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Pretoria, South Africa - 13 May 2026

U.S. Ambassador L. Brent Bozell III, Mexican Ambassador Sara Valdés, and Canadian High Commissioner James Christoff co-hosted a reception in honor of South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, as it prepares for the FIFA World Cup.