Africa Trade Foundation

🌍 Africa at a Crossroads Africa is facing multiple global shocks—economic crises, climate disruptions, and geopolitical tensions—that compound its vulnerabilities. UNCTAD’s Economic Development in Africa Report 2024 shows that high debt levels, over-dependence on commodities, and critical infrastructure gaps are major challenges. 📊 Key Insights: ·       ⚠️ Six Interconnected Shocks: Political instability, economic pressures, rapid demographic shifts, energy dependence, digital divides, and climate impacts all work together to heighten Africa’s vulnerability. ·       💎 Commodity Dependence: With more than half of exports tied to oil, gas, or minerals, Africa is highly exposed to market fluctuations. ·       🚚 Infrastructure & Energy Gaps: High transport costs and unreliable energy access are holding back industrial growth. For example, inefficient road networks push internal transport costs to 29% of goods’ prices, compared to just 7% for international trade. ·       🚀 The Path Forward: Boosting intra-African trade and diversifying exports under the AfCFTA could unlock a $3.4 trillion growth potential. This would enhance stability and help mitigate the effects of global shocks. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/4kdQ1Vb #Africa #Trade #EconomicGrowth #AfCFTA #UNCTAD #Resilience Source: UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) calculations, based on data from the world uncertainty index, 2024. 

The world is facing growing uncertainty, with Africa impacted by reduced foreign aid and shifts in U.S. policy affecting global trade and energy markets. These changes could have major consequences for the global economy, especially for Africa. With global uncertainty on the rise, how will Africa’s economic growth be impacted, and what can be done to protect it? Policymakers face tough choices to navigate these challenges. Strengthening intra-African trade, reducing costs, and diversifying exports are key to building economic resilience. Africa’s vast market has the potential to drive sustainable growth. https://bit.ly/40TPKxK Find out how our experts can help navigate Africa’s trade and investment landscape: https://bit.ly/48MV8F1 #AfricaTrade #EconomicResilience #AfricaEconomy #GlobalTrends #IntraAfricanTrade #ExportDiversification #InvestmentOpportunities #TradePolicy #EconomicGrowth #AfricanMarkets #SustainableDevelopment

Artificial Intelligence in Africa holds immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and improve digital inclusion. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, skills gaps, and weak regulatory frameworks must be addressed to fully unlock its benefits. According to IMF's AI Preparedness Index (AIPI) 2024, Sub-Saharan Africa has an average index value of 0.34 out of 1, indicating significant room for improvement in AI readiness. Africa's performance was amongst the lowest in regional averages and slightly higher than the average of Low Income Countries. The AIPI measures AI preparedness in 174 countries as of 2023 using indicators on digital infrastructure, human capital, labor policies, innovation, economic integration, and regulation. AI preparedness varies across Sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, Southern Africa leads with stronger digital infrastructure and innovation, while other regions face challenges in infrastructure and human capital. To enhance AI readiness, African nations need to invest in strengthening ICT infrastructure and capacity building, fostering innovation led development. Beyond infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and governance play a critical role in AI adoption across Africa. Many countries across the region lack comprehensive regulations on data protection and transparency, which are essential for responsible AI deployment. Check out IMF’s AI Preparedness Index: https://bit.ly/4hkxC7c    #AI #AIAfrica #DigitalTransformation #TechForGood #AIInnovation #AIforDevelopment

🌍  The AfCFTA has the potential to address Africa's Triple Nexus of humanitarian, development, and peace challenges   A new report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) explores the steps that are needed to ensure that trade and related economic development initiatives, particularly AfCFTA, effectively contribute to the Triple Nexus. 🚀 For AfCFTA to fully deliver on the development dimension, key policy levers as part of national and regional AfCFTA implementation strategies must be considered. The report recommends below nine key policy levers to advance the Triple Nexus in the context of the AfCFTA: ✅ Improving the business climate & promoting competitiveness – Removing bureaucratic barriers such as customs delays and restrictive licensing to facilitate seamless trade and fostering innovation in all sectors. ✅ Removing supply-side constraints – Closing Africa’s infrastructure gap, particularly for landlocked countries, by mobilising investment and enhancing private sector participation. ✅ Eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers and restrictions on investment – Creating a more integrated regional market by removing trade and investment restrictions. ✅ Strengthening value chains & promoting economic diversification – Facilitating technology transfer and boosting local production through strategic partnerships. ✅ Ensuring a stable and growth-oriented macroeconomic environment – Complementing sound macroeconomic policies with measures to improve supply capabilities of the economy and improve the competitiveness of the private sector. ✅ Strengthening the capacity of the private sector – Strengthening African enterprises to compete regionally and globally. ✅ Enhancing governance & institutional capacity – Promoting effective and competent states that guide development and provide support services to producers and exporters. ✅ Building a strong financial sector – Promoting the presence of strong and well-capitalised banks, backed by an effective regulatory and supervisory system, to promote private sector engagement in regional trade and investment. ✅ Aligning the social dimension with trade policy – Upholding labour rights and decent working conditions under AfCFTA agreements. The full report can be accessed here: 👇

🌍Global Trade Update - December 2024 📈 As we wrap up 2024, the global trade landscape is rapidly evolving! Here are the key highlights you need to know: 🔹 Global trade has added a remarkable US$ 1 trillion this year, reaching nearly US$ 33 trillion, driven by strong growth in services. 🔹 Developed countries led trade growth in Q3, while developing regions struggled, with East Asia's growth stalling. 🔹 The ICT and apparel sectors were the key drivers of trade growth in Q3, while the automotive sector faced a decline. 🔹 As we look ahead to 2025, we face growing uncertainty amid risks of trade wars and ongoing geopolitical challenges. For further information, dive into the report👉  https://bit.ly/3OZ6oql #GlobalTrade #TradeTrends #2024Highlights #TradeGrowth

🌍 Exciting News for Africa’s Digital Future! 🌍 The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol (AfCFTA DTP) is set to revolutionize digital trade across Africa! Adopted earlier this year, this comprehensive framework aims to: 🔗Streamline Digital Trade with electronic trust services, paperless transactions, and interoperable digital payments. 🔒Strengthen Data Governance & Cybersecurity to protect businesses and consumers. 💼Empower MSMEs & Drive Innovation by promoting digital inclusion and skills development across the continent. While the protocol is adopted, negotiations are still ongoing—marking a critical step in unlocking Africa's digital economy, which could contribute up to $712 billion to GDP by 2050! Let’s bridge the digital gap and unlock Africa’s digital economy! 🚀💻 #AfCFTA #DigitalTrade #AfricaDigitalEconomy #ECommerce #DigitalTransformation #TradeProtocol #DigitalAfrica #ICT #Innovation #EconomicGrowth

🌍Breaking Down Barriers to Trade! The AfCFTA is focused on removing barriers to trade across the continent – helping drive exports and investment within, into and across Africa! ▶️ Learn more about the Protocol on Trade in Goods on our website 👉 https://bit.ly/4fg9664 Did you know that the AfCFTA Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) Reporting App is your go-to tool for addressing trade obstacles across Africa? Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) refer to any measures, other than tariffs, that can act as a barrier to international trade between countries. These can include a range of measures such as government subsidies, customs procedures, and rules of origin, among others. With the NTB Reporting App, you can easily report these barriers and track the progress being made to address your complaint. 📱 Register now and start using the NTB App 👉 https://bit.ly/4fCgusb #AfCFTA #TradeinGoods #NonTariffBarriers #AfricaTrade