Earlier this year, files linked to Jeffrey Epstein were released, sparking global attention and revealing connections that go far beyond the United States and into several African countries.
These documents, which include emails and reported business dealings, suggest that Epstein was involved in a range of activities across the continent, from security and technology deals to political and business relationships.
Here is a breakdown of the African nations mentioned in the files and what the records say about each case. 
1. Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
According to Africa Confidential, Jeffrey Epstein worked with Ehud Barak, the former Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Israel. The duo tried to sell Israeli surveillance technology to President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire.
Between 2012 and 2014, Epstein helped arrange meetings between Barak and Ivorian officials. The deal involved a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) system designed to monitor phone calls, satellite activity, and even data from cybercafés.
These ties caused Alassane Ouattara to rely on Israeli security companies such as Coralco Tech, owned by Eyal Almog. The files also confirm ties with and discussions regarding AD Trade Belgium (AD Con) for building surveillance.
2. Nigeria
Emails from 2018 show that Jeffrey Epstein connected Jide Zeitlin, former chair of Nigeria’s sovereign investment fund (SWF), with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Emirati former head of DP World, who had an interest in the ports in Lagos and Badagry.
A report from Black Agenda Report stated that Epstein used his connections in Nigeria to help Ehud Barak make deals with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. These deals were linked to security concerns regarding Boko Haram, which were used as a reason to bring in Israeli surveillance technologies like facial recognition systems.
Epstein also helped Barak invest in Nigeria’s energy sector through Israeli companies like Israel Corporation, owned by Idan Ofer.
3. Senegal
The files released in early 2026 contain emails between Epstein and Karim Wade (son of former President Abdoulaye Wade).
In 2013 Karim Wade was detained on corruption charges . He turned to his longtime associate Jeffrey Epstein for support. Karim Wade’s lawyer then sent a $500,000 bill to a company linked to Epstein.
Indo Premier Sekuritas says that in July 2015, Epstein used his connections to bring Wade’s case to the European Court of Human Rights through Thorbjørn Jagland. That same year, the United Nations Human Rights Council stated that Wade’s arrest was unfair.
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4. Somalia
One source in the files suggested that Jeffrey Epstein should recognize Somaliland and invest in business ideas there.
From the files, Anadolu Agency reports that in 2012, Epstein proposed creating a water company in the country, saying there were “huge water reserves, untapped” near Berbera that could be exported to Saudi Arabia.
He also suggested creating a film studio called “Somaliwood Studio” to make children’s television content, describing it as a “fun project.” Sovereign Media reported that another email sent to Epstein states that a money-transfer service targeting the Somali diaspora would be “a huge financial opportunity.”
5. Ethiopia
Jeffrey was in close contact with Ben Goertzel, a pioneer of AI technology associated with Silicon Valley’s TESCREAL movement.
Goertzel opened an AI lab in Addis Ababa. He stated in one email that, while Epstein did not fund his AI lab in Ethiopia, he hoped Epstein would consider doing so. PR Newswire reported that Epstein’s foundation issued a press release in 2014 claiming it “Helps Launch Artificial Intelligence in Ethiopia.”
6. South Africa
Emails show that Jeffrey Epstein met with Ivan Glasenberg, the Israeli-South African CEO of Glencore, a leading mining company. Epstein reportedly helped him handle sanctions issues involving Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler, who was linked to controversial activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The files show that in 2014, Epstein devised a business idea for Patrice Motsepe, CEO of African Rainbow Minerals, stating, “You can be a conduit from black wealth to Silicon Valley.”
Daily Maverick says Epstein also had an interest in trafficking South African women. He sent emails demanding an “assistant” from South Africa and sent Daniel Said to scout Cape Town to recruit “models.” There were also records of money transfers to individual South Africans from 2003 to 2010.
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