Focus on Africa, Did Trump tarrifs shape China-Africa trade deal?

Focus on Africa

Did Trump tarrifs shape China-Africa trade deal?

14 May 2026

23 minutes

Available for over a year

A colorful Beijing, filled with grand celebration has welcomed President Trump who is on a two day visit to the Asian country. At the height of the trade war in 2025, the two countries had levied tariffs that crossed 100% on each other. A fragile truce followed but one of the main questions hanging over this visit is whether that will last, and what deal would take its place? In the midst of all of this, China has extended a trade deal to 53 African countries. How will this deal hold?

Plus, two young Nigerians are debating whether a mandatory youth service is still relevant to the country's youth. Mayowa Alawode, a preacher and content creator, and Oluwatobi Afolabi, Managing Editor at OkayAfrica join Charles Gitonga on Focus on Africa.

Presenter: Charles Gitonga

Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rukia Bulle, Makouchi Okafor, Chiamaka Dike and Blessing Aderogba

Technical Producer: Herbert Masua

Senior Producer: Bella Twine

Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla