News updates from the African continent for June 25th, 2025:
Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Artifacts To Nigeria
The Netherlands returned 119 artifacts looted from Nigeria, including human and animal figures, plaques, royal regalia, and a bell.
The artifacts, known as the Benin Bronzes and mostly housed in a museum in the city of Leiden, were looted in the late 19th century by British soldiers.
In recent years, museums across Europe and North America have moved to address ownership disputes over artifacts looted during the colonial era.
They were returned at the request of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
Source: Associated Press
Nigeria and Brazil Sign $1 Billion Agreement to Boost Agriculture
Nigeria and Brazil signed a $1 billion agreement to boost agriculture, food security, energy, and defence in the West African nation, Nigeria’s vice president Kasim Shettima said.
Both countries aim to “deploy over $1 billion to deliver mechanised farming equipment, training, and service centres across Nigeria,” Shettima said in a statement posted on X.
Source: Reuters
US Envoy Plays Down Africa Tariff, Visa Concerns, Aeaffirms Lobito Rail Commitment
The top U.S. diplomat for Africa dismissed allegations of unfair U.S. trade practices and said that funding delays would not derail a key railway project connecting Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
African Union officials questioned how Africa could deepen trade ties with the United States under what they called “abusive” tariff proposals and tightening visa conditions largely targeting travellers from Africa.
“There is no visitation ban,” Ambassador Troy Fitrell said during a press conference at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda. He said that U.S. consulates continue issuing visas regularly, although some now come with shorter validity periods due to concerns over overstays.
Source: Reuters
