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Today in Africa — July 21, 2026: WAFCON Returns, Africa’s Exports to the U.S. Face Tariff Uncertainty

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On July 21, coverage includes: a guide to the 16-team continental championship; why the approaching July 31 trade deadline could reshape key export industries across the continent; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
Nigeria players lift the trophy on the podium after winning the Women's Africa Cup of Nations final.
Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will hope to defend their title when the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco this Sunday, July 26.

Standing intro blurb: Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

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What to Know About the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

The delayed 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco on July 26, with 16 teams competing for the continental title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 11th title, while hosts Morocco, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia are among the leading contenders.  

The tournament is divided into four groups. Hosts Morocco are in Group A with Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya; South Africa lead Group B alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania; Nigeria headline Group C with Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi; while Ghana face Cameroon, Mali, and Cabo Verde in Group D. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. 

Tournament Snapshot

  • All four semifinalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the losing quarterfinalists will compete for two intercontinental playoff spots.

  • Matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the final scheduled for August 16.

  • Algeria will face Senegal in the opening match, while hosts Morocco begin their campaign against regional rivals Algeria.

  • Morocco has reached the last two finals but is still seeking its first Women’s AFCON title.

  • The expanded tournament features 16 teams and 34 matches after being postponed from its original March-April schedule. 

Africa’s Exports to the U.S. Face Uncertainty Ahead of Tariff Deadline

Africa’s $43 billion export market to the U.S. is facing renewed uncertainty as President Donald Trump’s July 31 deadline for new trade agreements approaches. If no country-specific deals are reached, higher tariffs could hit key exports from countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Kenya, and Ethiopia, raising concerns for industries that rely on access to the U.S. market.

What’s at Stake

  • The Trump administration paused most reciprocal tariffs in April, extending negotiations until July 31 while keeping a baseline 10% duty in place.

  • Many African exports currently receive duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has been extended through the end of 2026.

  • South Africa is Africa’s largest exporter to the U.S., while Nigeria’s exports are dominated by crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

  • The administration’s recent 50% tariff on some Canadian imports signals its willingness to impose unilateral trade measures if negotiations stall.

  • Higher tariffs could affect major African export sectors including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, apparel, energy, metals, and critical minerals.

IMF Says AI Could Boost Sub-Saharan Africa’s Economy With Better Infrastructure

Artificial intelligence could increase Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by about 4% over the next decade, but only if countries improve electricity access, internet connectivity, and digital skills, according to a new International Monetary Fund paper. Without those investments, the IMF says the region could see growth of just 0.2%, warning that Africa risks falling further behind in the global AI race.

Key Findings

  • About half of the region’s population still lacks reliable electricity, which the IMF says remains a major barrier to AI adoption.

  • Only 38% of Africans used the internet in 2024, compared with a global average of 68%.

  • Africa has about 160 data centers — roughly 5.5% of the global total — with nearly half located in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.

  • The report points to recent AI investments, including a $1 billion Microsoft-G42 data center project in Kenya and a $700 million Cassava Technologies-NVIDIA partnership spanning five African countries.

  • The IMF warns that AI investment could deepen regional inequalities unless infrastructure expands beyond the continent’s leading technology hubs.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Africa CDC Urges U.S. to Lift Uganda Ebola Travel Restrictions

Africa’s top public health agency is urging the U.S. to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions on Uganda, saying the country has gone about a month without reporting a new infection. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya says Uganda’s outbreak is under control and should not be treated the same as the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Study Finds Drop in U.S.-Backed HIV Treatment for Children

A new study found that about 77,000 fewer children received U.S.-supported HIV treatment in the year to October 2025, following changes to U.S. foreign aid. Researchers reported the steepest declines in South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and Haiti, while the U.S. State Department said the study’s methodology was flawed and attributed the drop to fewer new HIV infections.

More Than 140 Dead or Missing Off Mauritania in Europe Crossing

The UN refugee agency says 144 people have been reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania after several attempts to reach Europe by sea. One boat carrying migrants from Gambia was rescued after 25 days adrift with 38 survivors and 143 bodies on board, while 387 people survived three rescue operations conducted between July 14 and 18.

Ghana Opposition Figure Jailed 20 Years for Illegal Mining

A Ghanaian court sentenced New Patriotic Party regional chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as “Chairman Wontumi,” to 20 years in prison with hard labor after convicting him of illegal mining offenses. Environmental groups welcomed the ruling as a major step in Ghana’s fight against “galamsey,” while the opposition says the case was politically motivated and plans to appeal.

Protests Erupt in Italy After Death of Moroccan-Born Man During Arrest

Thousands of people marched in Bologna after the death of Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir, who died after being restrained by police during an arrest. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation into the officers and medical workers at the scene, while overnight clashes left 64 police officers injured.

ECOWAS Calls for Release of Guinea-Bissau Political Detainees

ECOWAS has called on Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government to unconditionally release detained political figures, including opposition leader and former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira. The regional bloc said the move would strengthen the credibility of the country’s transition ahead of elections expected under a year-long transitional charter.

womens africa cup of nations us tariffs tariffs super falcons south africa news news morocco latest home womens football ebola outbreak donald trump artificial intelligence african news african football 2026 wafcon wafcon 2026

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