News: 06.20.2025
The AfCFTA Secretariat recently hosted a successful meeting with Business Support Organisations (BSOs) to strengthen collaboration with the private sector in advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Held in Accra, Ghana, the meeting brought together key representatives from across the continent to discuss how BSOs can support the implementation of AfCFTA protocols, especially in trade facilitation and private sector engagement. The event emphasized the importance of BSOs as intermediaries between policymakers and businesses, highlighting their role in promoting awareness, providing technical assistance, and fostering a conducive environment for intra-African trade. The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive implementation, with a focus on partnerships that drive economic integration across Africa.
The AfCFTA Secretary-General attended the NBA Africa event in Dakar, Senegal, where he underscored the crucial role of the services sector in advancing Africa’s economic integration. Speaking to a diverse audience of business leaders, policymakers, and athletes, the Secretary-General highlighted that services—such as finance, telecommunications, transport, and creative industries—are key drivers of job creation, innovation, and competitiveness under the AfCFTA framework. He emphasized the need for strategic investments, regulatory cooperation, and policy alignment to fully leverage the continent’s services trade potential. The event also served as a platform to promote youth engagement, entrepreneurship, and the broader vision of the AfCFTA in fostering inclusive growth.
According to BusinessDay Nigeria, discussions have been held during the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), where experts emphasized the need to shift from debt-based financing to equity investments to support trade growth in the region. Speakers argued that overreliance on loans has burdened economies and limited sustainable development, while equity financing could provide long-term capital and encourage private sector participation. They also highlighted the importance of creating enabling environments through policy reforms, investor protection, and infrastructure development. The summit called for deeper regional collaboration to attract foreign direct investment and enhance competitiveness under frameworks like AfCFTA.
From June 4 to 7, 2025, the OHADA Committee of Experts held a special meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to review draft legal instruments concerning the regulatory framework governing the functioning of OHADA institutions. The meeting focused on proposed reforms aimed at clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures of key bodies, including the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA), the Permanent Secretariat, and the Regional Training School for Legal Officers (ERSUMA). Representatives from OHADA member states and the Permanent Secretariat participated in the discussions. The revised drafts will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for further consideration, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve the coherence and effectiveness of OHADA’s institutional governance.
According to Business Africa, Angola hosted the U.S.-Africa Summit on June 19, 2025, in Luanda, amid growing calls to revitalize trade relations between the United States and African nations. The summit brought together African leaders, U.S. officials, and business representatives to explore opportunities for investment and economic cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and digital technology. Discussions focused on strengthening trade frameworks like AGOA and aligning them with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Participants emphasized the importance of creating mutually beneficial partnerships and ensuring that Africa plays a more central role in shaping global trade policies.
According to Africanews, A recent feature highlights how young African entrepreneurs in China are increasingly becoming key players in the expanding China-Africa cooperation. These entrepreneurs are engaging in diverse sectors such as technology, trade, fashion, and education, leveraging opportunities offered by China's large market and supportive infrastructure. Their experiences reflect a broader trend of deepening people-to-people ties and economic exchange between the two regions. Many of these young professionals are also acting as informal ambassadors, helping bridge cultural and commercial gaps while contributing to the narrative of a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership between China and Africa.
According to AllAfrica, there is a looming economic crisis in Lesotho’s textile sector due to the expiration of U.S. trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Factories that once thrived on duty-free access to the U.S. market are now struggling with reduced orders and rising costs, prompting widespread layoffs and factory closures. The article notes that thousands of jobs—mostly held by women—are at risk, threatening household incomes and national economic stability. Industry leaders and officials urge the U.S. to renew AGOA eligibility or provide interim trade relief to prevent a deeper employment and social crisis.
According to The Economist, China strategizes to deepen economic ties with African countries amid escalating tensions with the West. As Western governments impose restrictions on Chinese goods and investments, China is turning to Africa as a crucial partner for trade, investment, and geopolitical influence. Beijing is offering tariff-free access to its markets, funding infrastructure projects, and promoting yuan-based trade settlements. While some African leaders welcome the shift as an opportunity for diversification and development, others express concerns about growing dependency and opaque loan terms. The article underscores how Africa is becoming a key battleground in the reshaping of global trade alliances.
According to Bloomberg, South Africa and the United States are set to restart trade negotiations in a last-ditch effort to avoid looming U.S. tariffs. The talks come as Washington reviews South Africa’s eligibility for benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), citing concerns over its trade practices and geopolitical alignments. South African officials are aiming to preserve preferential market access for key exports like citrus and automobiles, warning that new tariffs could trigger job losses and economic disruption. The article highlights the broader implications for U.S.-Africa trade relations as AGOA’s 2025 expiration approaches.
According to TheCable, the potential benefits and challenges of creating a unified African currency are being discussed. Proponents argue that a single currency would reduce transaction costs, simplify cross-border trade, and boost intra-African tourism by eliminating exchange rate barriers. The article highlights progress made by the African Union and the African Monetary Institute toward this goal but notes that political, economic, and structural disparities among member states pose significant hurdles. Critics warn that premature implementation could destabilize economies without strong fiscal coordination. Overall, the piece underscores the currency union’s promise for integration while cautioning against rushing the process.
According to MyJoyOnline, Dr. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, CEO of the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), emphasized that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is being held back more by a lack of political will than by financial constraints. Speaking at a stakeholder forum, she argued that while resources exist, progress is stalled by insufficient national commitment to implement protocols, harmonize regulations, and remove non-tariff barriers. Dr. Owusu-Gyamfi urged African leaders to prioritize integration over narrow national interests, warning that failure to act decisively could delay the continent’s economic transformation.
According to Africa.com, Algeria’s has renewed push to attract foreign investment into its mining industry as part of broader economic diversification efforts. With vast untapped reserves of minerals like iron ore, phosphate, and rare earth elements, the Algerian government is revising regulatory frameworks, streamlining licensing processes, and offering incentives to international investors. Officials emphasize that foreign participation is key to modernizing infrastructure, boosting production, and creating jobs. The move aligns with Algeria’s strategy to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and position itself as a competitive player in global mineral supply chains.
