October 20, 2025
Kenya’s WTO Candidate on Climate Change and Trade
According to Reuters, Kenya’s candidate for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General position, Amina Mohamed, stated that addressing climate change would be a key priority if she were selected. Mohamed emphasized that the WTO should play a more active role in supporting environmentally sustainable trade and promoting green growth. She argued that trade policies must align with global efforts to tackle climate challenges, including through encouraging environmentally friendly technologies and reducing trade barriers for green products. Mohamed also underscored the need to reform the WTO to better respond to modern global issues, strengthen multilateralism, and restore trust among member states.
Barriers Endure in African Digital Trade, says WTO and World Bank
According to The Independent (Uganda), The WTO and the World Bank reported that despite rapid growth in Africa’s digital economy, significant barriers continue to hinder digital trade across the continent. The organizations highlighted challenges such as inadequate internet infrastructure, inconsistent regulations, limited access to financing, and high costs of data and logistics. These obstacles disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises, preventing them from fully participating in cross-border e-commerce. The report urged African governments to strengthen digital policies, harmonize standards, and invest in digital infrastructure to unlock the continent’s potential for inclusive and sustainable trade growth.
EACJ Looking for Legal Externs
According to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), the court is issuing a call for applications for Legal Expert Fellows to serve at its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania! The fellowship program seeks qualified legal professionals with expertise in regional integration law, international law, and judicial processes to support the court’s mandate of interpreting and applying the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Fellows will assist judges and legal officers in research, drafting, and case preparation, gaining hands-on experience in regional adjudication. The initiative aims to strengthen the court’s capacity, enhance access to justice within the region, and promote professional development among emerging legal practitioners in East Africa.
WTO Raises Global Trade Growth Forecast
According to Africanews, The WTO raised its 2025 global trade growth forecast from 0.9% to 2.4%, citing stronger-than-expected recovery in goods demand and easing supply chain pressures. The organization attributed the improvement to stabilizing inflation, increased consumer spending, and gradual rebounds in key manufacturing and export sectors. However, the WTO cautioned that geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions, and uneven regional growth could still pose risks to sustained recovery. The revised outlook reflects cautious optimism about global economic resilience, while emphasizing the need for continued cooperation and open trade to maintain momentum in the face of persistent uncertainty.
Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Value up to 9.7% but Tariffs Expected to Grow
According to African Business, Trade values in sub-Saharan Africa rose by 9% in 2025, driven by strong commodity exports and growing intra-African commerce, but upcoming tariff adjustments could slow this momentum. Analysts warned that new tariff structures and rising trade costs may dampen growth prospects, particularly for manufacturing and agricultural exports. The report noted that while trade liberalization efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are helping to integrate markets, inconsistent tariff policies and external economic pressures threaten to undermine these gains. Economists emphasized that sustaining regional trade growth will require greater policy coordination, investment in value-added industries, and efforts to cushion the impact of global market volatility.
U.S. Government Shutdown Raises Fears for Global Trade
According to Africanews, The U.S. Federal Government entered a shutdown after Congress failed to pass a budget, prompting concerns about global economic instability. The shutdown forced thousands of federal employees to go on unpaid leave and halted nonessential government services, creating uncertainty in both domestic and international markets. Analysts warned that the prolonged impasse could disrupt U.S. trade commitments and delay international aid programs, potentially affecting partners in Africa and other regions. Economists also noted that the shutdown underscored deep political divisions in Washington and could weaken investor confidence, further heightening fears of global financial volatility.
Importers and Exporters Association call on Government to Fast-Track AGOA Renewal
According to MSN Africa, Ghana’s Importers and Exporters Association has urged the government to expedite negotiations on a new trade agreement with the United States following the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The association emphasized that swift action is necessary to preserve Ghana’s access to U.S. markets and protect local industries that have benefited from duty-free exports under AGOA. Members expressed concern that delays in reaching a replacement framework could lead to job losses, reduced foreign exchange earnings, and diminished investor confidence. They called on the government to prioritize the talks and ensure that the new deal supports industrial growth, value addition, and long-term competitiveness for Ghanaian businesses in global trade.
Trump’s Next Deal Awaits in Africa
According to MSN, U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to launch a major new trade initiative in Africa as part of his administration’s broader effort to reshape global economic relations. The proposed deal aims to strengthen U.S. commercial influence on the continent and counter China’s growing presence in African markets. Advisors close to Trump suggested the initiative could expand upon or replace existing trade frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which recently expired. The plan is expected to prioritize bilateral agreements with select African nations, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and technology investments, while also linking trade policy to U.S. national security and strategic interests.
DHL Plans to Invest to Expand Logistics in Africa
According to Bloomberg, DHL has announced plans to invest $300 million to expand its logistics network and strengthen trade infrastructure across Africa. The investment will focus on building new warehouses, improving transport routes, and enhancing digital supply chain systems to support the continent’s growing e-commerce and manufacturing sectors. DHL executives stated that the initiative aims to boost intra-African trade and streamline cross-border movement of goods, aligning with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The company emphasized that improved logistics capacity is essential for unlocking Africa’s economic potential, reducing trade costs, and fostering sustainable growth across regional markets.
Trade is Shaping New Global Power Relations: What this Means for Africa
According to The Conversation, Global trade patterns are increasingly reshaping international power dynamics, with significant implications for Africa’s economic and geopolitical position. As major economies like China, the United States, and the European Union compete for influence, Africa has become a key arena for trade and investment partnerships. The article explains that this shift offers opportunities for African countries to diversify markets and strengthen regional integration under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). However, it also warns that without coordinated strategies, African nations risk being drawn into asymmetric trade relationships that favor external powers. Strengthening local value chains, improving governance, and fostering collective bargaining within the continent are highlighted as essential steps for ensuring that Africa benefits equitably from the evolving global trade order.
Kenya to Incur Higher Europe Trade Costs on Red Sea Attack “Jitters”
According to Business Daily Africa, Kenya is facing higher trade costs with Europe following a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, which have disrupted key shipping routes. The instability has forced cargo operators to take longer and more expensive alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to increased freight and insurance charges. Kenyan exporters, particularly in the horticulture and tea industries, are expected to be hit hardest as delays and rising logistics costs erode profit margins and competitiveness in European markets. Analysts warned that if the disruptions persist, they could further strain Kenya’s balance of trade and slow economic growth by driving up import prices and reducing export earnings.
Events – 10/20/2025
“International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Climate Change Obligations and Its Implications for Investment Policy-Making”. IISD. Online Webinar. 29 October 2025.
“Africa Renewables Investment Summit 2025”. Invest Africa. Cape Town, South Africa. 5-6 November 2025.