Diplomacy was at the forefront of China-Africa relations in February, with China continuing to showcase its commitment to African countries amid far-reaching policy changes from the United States.

Building relationships with the region, rather than transactional neocolonialism, is the best route for strengthening the United States’ critical mineral supply chains.

Elections in Namibia and proposed negotiations in Mozambique make this a pivotal week for the region’s future governance.

The would-be independent state stands in contrast to Somalia as a place of relative stability, and despite its lack of international recognition, Somaliland continues to push its own foreign policy.

The U.S.-South Africa relationship needs a rethink. But the Trump administration’s approach is only making a bad situation worse.  

China continued to strike economic deals with African countries, particularly in infrastructure, sustainable development, and mining.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi continued the tradition of visiting the continent at the beginning of each year.

The incoming administration should think twice before ignoring the Africa portfolio.