27 June 2025
The Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) has announced its 4th International Conference for 2025, focusing on the tax and customs regime for cooperative companies. Scheduled for October in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, the conference aims to explore legal and fiscal frameworks that support the growth of cooperative enterprises within OHADA member states. It will bring together legal experts, tax professionals, and policymakers to discuss harmonized approaches to taxation and customs that can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of cooperatives in the region.
Seychelles Tax Officials Trained on Double Taxation Avoidance
According to COMESA, Tax officials in Seychelles received training to enhance their understanding and application of double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs). The workshop, organized by the COMESA Secretariat in collaboration with the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), focused on improving the negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of DTAAs. Participants were trained on best practices, including how to prevent tax evasion and profit shifting by multinational enterprises. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization by ensuring Seychelles can effectively manage international tax matters and protect its tax base.
COMESA Horticultural Engagement Mission to German
According to COMESA, they have led a horticultural engagement mission to Germany, aimed at promoting market access and investment opportunities for horticultural products from the COMESA region. The delegation, which included officials and private sector representatives, participated in meetings with German importers, retailers, and trade organizations. The mission focused on enhancing trade partnerships, understanding market requirements, and showcasing the region’s capacity to meet European standards. It is part of COMESA’s broader strategy to boost agricultural exports and economic integration by supporting member states in accessing high-value international markets.
Ghana Approves $2.8 Billion Debt Restructuring Deal
According to Africanews, Ghana’s Parliament has approved a $2.8 billion debt restructuring agreement with official creditors, marking a key step in the country’s efforts to stabilize its economy. The deal, part of Ghana’s broader plan to meet the terms of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) support program, involves reworking terms with bilateral lenders under the G20 Common Framework. Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam emphasized that the restructuring would help reduce debt servicing costs and restore fiscal sustainability. The agreement follows months of negotiations and is expected to support Ghana’s economic recovery and ongoing reform agenda.
Trade Disruptions Across Africa due to Israel Iran Tensions
According to Africanews, Analysts are warning that escalating tensions between Israel and Iran could lead to significant trade disruptions across Africa. The concerns stem from potential impacts on shipping routes, energy prices, and regional stability, particularly in countries dependent on oil imports or trade through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Experts note that African economies could face increased transportation costs and delays, especially in North and East Africa. The article highlights the continent’s vulnerability to external geopolitical shocks and underscores the need for diversified trade routes and stronger regional integration to mitigate such risks.
Angola tells U.S.: Shift From Aid to Investment
According to Africanews, Angolan President João Lourenço has urged the United States to prioritize investment over aid in its engagement with Africa. Speaking at a U.S.-Africa summit in Luanda, Lourenço emphasized that sustainable development on the continent requires long-term investment in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, rather than short-term aid packages. He called for a shift in U.S. policy to support mutually beneficial partnerships that promote industrialization and job creation. The remarks align with broader calls from African leaders for economic relationships based on trade and investment rather than traditional donor-recipient dynamics.
AU Bilateral Meeting with U.S. State Department
According to the African Union, The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, held a bilateral meeting with U.S. State Department Senior Advisor for Africa, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, and Senior Bureau Official Joy Basu. The meeting focused on strengthening AU-U.S. relations, with discussions covering peace and security, governance, climate change, and trade cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic partnerships and advancing shared priorities under the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa. The engagement underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to enhance collaboration between the AU and the United States.
AU Calls for Deeper Integration for Botswana and Ethiopia
According to All Africa, The AU calls for deeper economic integration as Botswana and Ethiopia work to strengthen their bilateral business ties. During a trade and investment forum in Addis Ababa, officials from both countries emphasized the importance of intra-African cooperation in advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event highlighted opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. AU representatives stressed that stronger partnerships between African nations are essential for achieving sustainable development and improving the continent’s global competitiveness.
Africa: U.S. Diplomat Denies Unfair Trade Claims Amid African Concerns
According to All Africa, A U.S. diplomat has denied allegations of unfair trade practices amid growing concerns from African nations. During a recent forum on U.S.-Africa trade relations, African officials raised issues about market access barriers, preferential trade treatment, and the impact of U.S. domestic policies on African exports. In response, the U.S. representative emphasized that the United States remains committed to equitable trade partnerships and highlighted ongoing initiatives under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Prosper Africa. The diplomat acknowledged challenges but reaffirmed Washington’s intention to support Africa’s economic growth through fair and mutually beneficial trade frameworks.
Africa’s Trade Finance Gap Tops U.S. $420b
According to All Africa, Africa’s trade finance gap has exceeded $420 billion, posing a significant barrier to the continent’s economic growth and trade expansion. Experts at the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Annual Meetings attributed the gap to limited access to credit, high perceived risk, and inadequate financial infrastructure. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly affected, struggling to secure the financing needed to engage in regional and international trade. Stakeholders called for innovative financial solutions, increased investment in trade-supporting institutions, and stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to address the shortfall and boost Africa’s participation in global markets.
Kenya: Ruto Mandates Automatic Tax Reliefs As He Signs Finance Bill 2025
According to All Africa, Kenyan President, William Ruto, has signed the Finance Bill 2025 into law, introducing automatic tax relief measures aimed at easing the burden on low-income earners. The new legislation mandates that individuals earning below a certain threshold will receive tax relief without needing to apply for it. President Ruto stated that the move is part of his administration’s broader commitment to tax justice and economic equity. The law also includes provisions to streamline tax administration and enhance revenue collection. The bill’s passage follows public consultations and debate over its potential impact on different income groups.
South Africa: SA Ratifies Landmark Women and Youth Protocol for Inclusive Trade
According to All Africa, South Africa has ratified the African Union’s Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, marking a significant step toward inclusive economic participation across the continent. The protocol, developed under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aims to remove barriers and create targeted opportunities for women and youth in intra-African trade. South Africa’s ratification is expected to accelerate the implementation of gender- and youth-responsive trade policies. Officials highlighted that this move aligns with national goals of empowerment and regional objectives under Agenda 2063, promoting equitable growth and sustainable development across Africa.
According to All Africa, Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has vowed to take decisive action against individuals with unexplained wealth, as a public feud unfolds between businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and former minister Saviour Kasukuwere. Both figures have accused each other of corruption and illicit enrichment, drawing national attention. In response, Chiwenga emphasized the government's commitment to combating corruption and warned that those who cannot justify their assets would be held accountable. The controversy reflects growing political tensions and public demands for greater transparency and accountability among Zimbabwe's political and business elites.
Peace Deal Between Sudan and Israel: Supported by Trump?
According to MSN, a peace deal signed in 2020 between Sudan and Israel, brokered with the support of the Trump administration as part of the broader Abraham Accords initiative is now being discussed again. Under the deal, Sudan agreed to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for its removal from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. The agreement was seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, aligning Sudan with other Arab and African nations that had recently established ties with Israel. However, the article notes that the long-term impact of the deal remains uncertain, particularly given shifting political dynamics in both Sudan and the broader Middle East and North Africa region.
Afreximbank Launches 2025 Report on African Trade in a Shifting Global Financial Landscape
According to Zawya, Afreximbank has launched its 2025 African Trade Report, focusing on the theme "Africa’s Trade in a Shifting Global Financial Landscape." The report highlights how global economic uncertainties, rising interest rates, and tightening financial conditions are affecting African trade and access to capital. It emphasizes the need for African countries to enhance intra-continental trade, diversify export markets, and strengthen regional value chains to build resilience. The report also calls for innovative financing solutions and greater collaboration among African financial institutions to close trade finance gaps and support sustainable economic development across the continent.
Africa Envisions Superior Trade Standard in ARSO General Meeting
According to Daily News, the 30th General Assembly of the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO), where African leaders and experts emphasized the need to develop and adopt superior trade standards to boost intra-African and global trade, took place. Held in Dar es Salaam, the meeting focused on harmonizing product standards across the continent to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Delegates highlighted that aligning standards will reduce technical trade barriers, enhance product competitiveness, and foster industrial growth. The assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation and building capacity for standardization in African countries.
According to Nairametrics, The full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could potentially double intra-African trade by 2035, according to Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah. Speaking at a recent event, Oramah highlighted that the agreement, once fully operational, would significantly boost the movement of goods and services within the continent, reduce reliance on external markets, and foster industrialization. He emphasized the importance of eliminating non-tariff barriers, investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fully realize the AfCFTA’s potential. The remarks underscore the transformative promise of the agreement for Africa’s economic future.
Türkiye’s trade with Africa grows on back of ‘win-win’ strategy
According to AA, Türkiye’s trade with Africa has grown significantly, driven by a "win-win" strategy that emphasizes mutual benefit and long-term partnership. Turkish officials highlighted that bilateral trade with African countries has increased more than tenfold over the past two decades, reaching over $40 billion in 2022. Key sectors include construction, manufacturing, textiles, and defense. Türkiye has also expanded its diplomatic and commercial presence across the continent, with more embassies and trade offices. Analysts note that this approach reflects Ankara’s broader geopolitical strategy of deepening ties with emerging markets through investment, infrastructure projects, and development cooperation.
Events – 06/27/2025
“What to Expect at HLPF 2025.” IISD. Virtual. 8 July, 2025.