November 05, 2025
According to The Conversation, The uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has left many African exporters in a difficult position, particularly those in sectors like textiles and agriculture that rely heavily on U.S. market access. The delay in extending the trade deal, primarily due to the U.S. Government shutdown, has created instability for businesses and governments across the continent, as they struggle to plan for future exports. Experts suggest that African nations should focus on diversifying trade partners, strengthening regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and improving competitiveness to reduce dependency on preferential access to the U.S. market.
Africa Coping with the “Trump Shock”
According to Global Finance Magazine, African economies are bracing for potential economic disruptions under U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed trade and foreign policy agenda, which emphasizes protectionism and reduced foreign aid. The uncertainty surrounding U.S. engagement, especially regarding programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), has raised concerns about export stability, investment flows, and economic growth across the continent. Analysts note that while some countries may adapt by strengthening intra-African trade and diversifying partnerships with China and the EU, others remain vulnerable to shifts in U.S. tariffs, aid cuts, and changing geopolitical priorities.
According to CNBC Africa, South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mtho Xulu emphasized that aligning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could strengthen Africa’s long-term trade resilience and regional prosperity. He noted that while AGOA provides vital access to U.S. markets, African nations should use the AfCFTA to build integrated value chains and reduce reliance on external partners. Xulu also highlighted the need for African governments to focus on industrialization, infrastructure, and policy harmonization to ensure that trade agreements translate into sustainable economic growth across the continent.
According to Dawan Africa, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Kenya serves as a critical test of diplomacy, trade relations, and mutual trust between the two nations. The trip comes amid uncertainty over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and ongoing negotiations under the U.S.–Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). Vance’s meetings with President William Ruto are expected to address trade cooperation, investment opportunities, and regional security, as both countries seek to reaffirm their partnership while navigating shifting U.S. trade policies and growing competition from China’s influence in Africa.
Kenya Seeks Input on Regs for Min. Tax, Advance Pricing
According to Law360, President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose sweeping new tariffs on imports has raised alarms among economists and trade experts, who caution that such measures could fuel inflation, disrupt global supply chains, and provoke retaliatory actions from major trading partners. The plan—featuring a 10% universal tariff and increased duties on Chinese goods—is framed as an effort to boost domestic manufacturing but may instead weaken U.S. competitiveness and reduce consumer purchasing power. Analysts emphasize that while politically resonant, the approach could complicate trade relationships, unsettle markets, and strain existing international trade frameworks.
All in Place for UNCTAD-SADC PF Collaboration
According to The Herald (Zimbabwe), preparations are complete for a new collaboration between the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) aimed at strengthening regional trade, investment, and development frameworks. The partnership will focus on capacity building, policy harmonization, and supporting member states in implementing trade and economic reforms. Officials emphasized that the initiative seeks to enhance intra-African trade, promote sustainable development, and align regional priorities with broader continental goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Kenya Negotiates Tariff Cuts for Horticulture Exports
According to HortiDaily, Kenya is negotiating tariff reductions with key trading partners to boost its horticultural exports, particularly flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The move aims to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan produce in international markets and protect the sector from potential trade disruptions as global economic policies shift. Government officials emphasized that lowering tariffs would help farmers access new markets, increase export earnings, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading horticultural exporter in Africa.
Tanzania’s Instability could Harm Trade in Southern Africa
According to MSN, Growing political instability in Tanzania is raising concerns about potential disruptions to trade and economic activity across southern Africa. Analysts warn that turmoil in Tanzania—an essential logistics hub linking regional economies through its ports and transport corridors—could hinder the movement of goods, impact investment confidence, and slow regional integration efforts. The situation underscores how political uncertainty in one key state can ripple through neighboring markets, threatening progress toward stronger economic cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
How Int’l Trade is Driving African Hornbills Towards Extinction
According to Phys.org, International researchers have warned that African hornbill populations face a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. The study found that deforestation and land conversion across sub-Saharan Africa are destroying vital nesting trees, while poaching and illegal trade further threaten the species. Scientists describe the situation as “potentially fatal” for several hornbill species, emphasizing that urgent conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and stronger wildlife policies, are needed to prevent irreversible declines.
Scientists Call for Increased Protection of the Hornbills
According to Mongabay, Scientists are calling for stronger protections for African hornbills as the birds face escalating threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction. Researchers warn that hornbill parts, particularly casques and feathers, are increasingly trafficked for ornamental and traditional uses, pushing several species toward extinction. The study highlights the urgent need for tighter law enforcement, improved habitat conservation, and international cooperation to curb poaching and trade networks. Scientists stress that without immediate protective measures, Africa risks losing one of its most ecologically important and culturally symbolic bird groups.
Infrastructure: From Foreign Loans to Domestic Capital
According to AfricaNews, African nations are shifting their infrastructure financing models away from heavy reliance on foreign loans toward mobilizing domestic capital. Historically, large-scale projects, such as roads, energy, and transport networks, were primarily funded through external borrowing, often from China and multilateral lenders. However, rising debt burdens and tighter global financing conditions have prompted countries to explore homegrown solutions like pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and local capital markets. Analysts highlighted that tapping domestic savings could provide more sustainable, long-term investment while reducing vulnerability to foreign currency fluctuations and external shocks. The report emphasizes that this shift, though gradual, marks a significant step toward financial independence and stronger regional ownership of Africa’s development trajectory.
AfCFTA Secretary General Commends Sierra Leone’s Leadership in AfCFTA Implementation
According to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Secretary-General Wamkele Mene praised Sierra Leone’s government for its strong leadership and commitment to implementing the AfCFTA. Mene highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in adopting trade facilitation measures, strengthening customs systems, and building institutional frameworks aligned with AfCFTA protocols. He emphasized that the country’s efforts demonstrate how smaller economies can play a leading role in advancing regional integration and inclusive trade. The statement also underscored that Sierra Leone’s initiatives, such as promoting private sector engagement and improving market access for local producers—, erve as a model for other member states working to operationalize the agreement’s goals of boosting intra-African trade and industrialization.
SCOTUS to Hear Tariff Challenges
According to SCOTUSblog, The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges to former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policies, which critics argue exceeded executive authority under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The lawsuits, brought by importers and trade associations, question whether Trump’s use of Section 232—invoked on “national security” grounds to impose tariffs on steel, aluminum, and a range of other goods—violated constitutional separation of powers. The petitioners contend that Congress delegated too much discretion to the executive branch, allowing tariffs unrelated to genuine security threats. The Biden administration defended the policy framework, urging the Court to preserve broad presidential flexibility in trade matters. The case could redefine the limits of executive trade authority and have major implications for future administrations’ use of tariff powers.
SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments on Tariff Challenges, Nov. 4, 2025
According to Yahoo News’s, SCOTUS is preparing to hear challenges related to former President Trump’s tariff policies under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, as well as cases addressing the limits of executive authority in foreign affairs and administrative enforcement. The newsletter also summarized lower court rulings recently granted review and provided insights into how the justices’ questions in oral arguments might signal their leanings. Overall, the briefing framed this week’s activity as part of a broader term focused on separation of powers, executive discretion, and the balance between national security and statutory limits.
Events – 11/5/2025
“Forging Sustainable Infrastructure Pathways: Unlocking UAE-Africa Collaboration.” Invest Africa. Dubai. 12 November 2025.
“2025 Conference on Land Policy in Africa (CLPA2025).” UNECA. Ethiopia. 10 November-13 November 2025.