30 May 2025
COMESA Advances Efforts in Trade Regime
COMESA is advancing efforts to expand its Simplified Trade Regime (STR) to include selected services such as transport, tourism, and business services, in a move aimed at facilitating cross-border trade for small-scale traders. The initiative, currently being piloted at selected border posts, seeks to align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by formalizing informal service trade and reducing transaction costs. Through stakeholder consultations, COMESA is identifying priority services and developing implementation guidelines to support regulatory cooperation, improve data collection, and enhance the participation of women and youth, who are often active in informal service sectors. This marks a significant step in promoting inclusive regional integration and deepening intra-African trade.
Malawi Open to Business and Value-driven Partnerships
COMESA highlights Malawi's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and attracting value-driven partnerships across the COMESA region. Speaking at the 2025 COMESA Business Forum, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera emphasized the country’s openness to investment, particularly in sectors like agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, and tourism. He called for partnerships that promote inclusive and sustainable economic development, especially those that support youth and women entrepreneurs. President Chakwera also underscored the importance of regional integration, urging COMESA member states to work together to enhance trade facilitation, remove barriers, and strengthen private sector engagement to unlock the region’s economic potential.
COMESA Confers with EU and AU to Strengthen Africa-Europe Partnership
A high-level meeting between COMESA, the European Union (EU), and the African Union (AU) has occurred which aimed at strengthening the Africa-Europe partnership. Held on the sidelines of the EU-AU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, digital transformation, climate resilience, peace and security, and migration. COMESA emphasized the need for balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships that support Africa’s development priorities, particularly in building productive capacities and value chains. The dialogue also highlighted the importance of aligning EU support with Africa’s continental and regional integration agendas, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
President of AfCHPR Calls AU Commission Chairperson
A courtesy visit has been made by the President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Hon. Justice Imani Daud Aboud, to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. During the meeting, Justice Aboud reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with AU institutions and promoting human rights, justice, and the rule of law across the continent. The discussions emphasized the importance of the African Court’s role in the AU’s legal and human rights framework, as well as the need for greater support and cooperation from member states to enhance the Court’s effectiveness and accessibility.
OHADA’s has participated in the first Forum of Members of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), held in Abidjan. OHADA (the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) highlighted its commitment to promoting legal certainty and economic development in Africa through harmonized business laws. The forum focused on strengthening collaboration among ALSF members to better support African countries in negotiating complex commercial and investment agreements. OHADA emphasized the need for legal frameworks that protect African interests and promote sustainable development, while also reinforcing its partnership with ALSF to enhance legal capacity and governance across the continent.
Alliance of Sahel States: Toward Accelerated Economic Integration
According to Africanews, there has been discussion regarding the potential launch of a new regional currency, the AES, by the Alliance of Sahel States (comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger), as part of their broader effort to assert greater economic and political sovereignty. The move comes amid growing discontent with the CFA franc, which the countries view as a vestige of colonial influence and French economic control. Leaders of the AES are exploring the feasibility of introducing a shared currency to boost regional trade, reduce dependency on external monetary systems, and reinforce their recent political alignment following military-led transitions. While details remain in development, the proposed currency signals a strategic shift toward deeper regional integration and self-determination.
AfDB Downgrades Africa Growth Outlook But Sees Signs of Resilience
According to Africanews, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has revised Africa’s 2024 economic growth forecast downward to 3.7%, citing challenges such as global economic uncertainty, high debt levels, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. Despite the downgrade, the AfDB emphasized signs of resilience across the continent, including improved macroeconomic management, investment in infrastructure, and progress in regional integration. The Bank urged African governments to implement structural reforms, enhance domestic resource mobilization, and invest in sectors like energy and agriculture to sustain long-term growth. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening climate resilience and inclusive development strategies to weather ongoing global and regional shocks.
South Africa Positions G20 Presidency as Pivotal for the Continent
According to AllAfrica, South Africa is preparing to assume the G20 presidency in 2025 and is framing it as a critical opportunity to advance Africa’s interests on the global stage. According to South African officials, the country aims to use its leadership role to spotlight issues such as global financial reform, climate justice, and development financing for African nations. The presidency will prioritize strengthening multilateralism and ensuring African voices are central in discussions on global governance and economic resilience. South Africa has also emphasized the need to address debt sustainability and access to capital for developing countries. The government sees this G20 term not only as a national milestone but as a strategic platform to shape a more equitable international order for the continent.
Lesotho: Big U.S.-Funded Chicken Project Shuts Down in Lesotho
According to AllAfrica, a major U.S.-funded poultry project in Lesotho, known as Matekane Chicken Project, has unexpectedly shut down, raising concerns about sustainability and accountability in foreign aid-backed initiatives. Funded through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the project aimed to boost food security, create jobs, and reduce chicken imports by supporting local production. Despite significant investment and initial optimism, the facility struggled with operational challenges and failed to become commercially viable. The closure has left hundreds unemployed and sparked criticism over poor planning, lack of local capacity building, and limited long-term oversight. The incident has prompted calls for rethinking how donor-backed development projects are designed and managed in Africa.
Rising Arbitration Focuses as African Trade Grows
According to AfricanLawBusiness, Africa’s expanding intra-continental and global trade, driven by frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is fueling increased demand for reliable dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly arbitration. As cross-border commercial activity grows, so does the need for legal certainty and investor confidence. The article notes a surge in African countries strengthening their arbitration infrastructure, legal frameworks, and regional centers such as the Kigali International Arbitration Centre and the Lagos Court of Arbitration. Experts emphasize the importance of aligning national laws with international standards and boosting the capacity of local practitioners to ensure Africa can resolve its own disputes efficiently, reduce reliance on foreign forums, and reinforce rule of law in business transactions.
Technology-Focused Firm Launches in Kenya
According to AfricanLawBusiness, the launch of Anjarwalla Collins & Haidermota (ACH), a new Nairobi-based law firm focused on technology, innovation, and cross-border legal services has been reported. ACH is a collaboration between leading African law firms Anjarwalla & Khanna (Kenya) and Haidermota & Co. (Pakistan), aiming to serve clients in emerging sectors like fintech, AI, data privacy, and digital infrastructure. The firm positions itself as a regional hub for tech-related legal work, bridging African and Asian markets. ACH intends to meet the legal demands of startups, venture capital firms, and tech multinationals, responding to Kenya’s growing status as an innovation leader in Africa.
Egyptian Platform Concludes USD 15.7 Million Funding
According to AfricanLawBusiness, Egyptian logistics and e-commerce platform Cartona has successfully closed a USD 15.7 million Series B funding round. The financing was led by SANAD Fund for MSME, with participation from existing investors such as Silicon Badia, Arab Bank Accelerator, and Disruptech. Cartona connects retailers with suppliers through a digital marketplace aimed at streamlining Egypt’s fragmented supply chain. The new capital will support Cartona’s expansion across Egypt, development of its tech infrastructure, and entry into new markets. Legal advisory was provided by law firm Al Tamimi & Company, reflecting increasing investor interest in Africa’s digital logistics space.
South Africa Advances Mineral Resources Bill
According to AfricanLawBusiness, South Africa’s long-awaited Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment (MPRDA) Bill, aimed at reforming the legal framework governing the country’s extractive industries, is advancing. The bill seeks to improve regulatory certainty, streamline licensing, and ensure broader economic participation, especially for historically disadvantaged South Africans. It also proposes stricter environmental standards and clearer guidelines for oil and gas operations. The government emphasizes that the bill balances investor interests with national development goals. However, industry stakeholders are cautiously reviewing the legislation for potential operational and compliance impacts, particularly regarding discretionary powers and local ownership requirements.
Sidi Ould Tah Elected as African Development Bank President
According to AfricanBusiness, Sidi Ould Tah, a Mauritanian economist and current head of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). His election marks a significant leadership transition as he succeeds Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. Ould Tah's appointment reflects a broader continental push to deepen Arab-African financial cooperation and strengthen development finance institutions. He brings experience in diplomacy, economics, and multilateral development banking, and is expected to focus on boosting infrastructure investment, climate finance, and private sector development across Africa
South Africa Submits Revised Trade and Investment Proposal to United States
According to AGOA, South Africa has submitted an updated trade and investment framework proposal to the U.S. as part of ongoing negotiations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The revised proposal emphasizes mutual benefits, industrialization support, and greater U.S. market access for South African goods. It also highlights South Africa’s commitment to intellectual property protection, labor rights, and transparent regulatory practices. The move comes amid growing uncertainty over AGOA’s renewal, with South Africa seeking to solidify its eligibility and deepen bilateral trade ties. U.S. officials are reviewing the proposal within the broader context of AGOA modernization and strategic engagement with Africa.
Tariffs and AGOA: How South Africa’s Trade Minister Summarized US-SA Trade Talks
AGOA outlines key takeaways from South African Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel’s summary of recent trade discussions with the United States. Patel emphasized that talks focused on tariff alignment, AGOA renewal, and removing trade irritants. He noted progress in addressing U.S. concerns around market access and regulatory transparency while reaffirming South Africa’s strategic interest in preserving AGOA benefits. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining preferential access to U.S. markets to support South African jobs and exports, particularly in sectors like automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing. He also highlighted a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral trade ties beyond AGOA, possibly through a more permanent trade framework.
Events – 05/30/2025
“Third UN Conference”. UN. Nice, France. 9 June-13 June 2025.