The United States Africa Command has organized a conference in Botswana with defense chiefs from 30 African countries next week to discuss the security and stability challenges. U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee represents the U.S. state of Michigan, and he is part of a delegation now on the continent advocating for greater ties. South Africa’s rand strengthened this week to below 18 to the dollar, the first time it’s been there in more than a year, and South African stocks rose after President Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated for a second term.