2 May 2025
Nigeria’s Entrepreneurs at Risk Amid U.S.-China Trade War
According to All Africa, China’s trade war with the U.S. may lead to a redirection of Chinese goods to markets like Nigeria, threatening local entrepreneurs. Key Nigerian sectors—textiles, furniture, footwear, and cosmetics—face risks from cheaper, subsidized Chinese imports that could undercut local producers. Entrepreneurs are already hampered by weak infrastructure, inflation, high interest rates, policy instability, and currency depreciation, all of which compound their vulnerability. To survive, Nigerian businesses must focus on niche markets, improve customer service, adopt innovation, diversify supply chains, and expand exports through AfCFTA. Strategic government support, including targeted tariffs and investment in promising sectors, will be essential to shield Nigeria’s economy.
China Backs Kenya, Global South Against Trade Coercion
Writing for All Africa, Moses Muoki reports that China has vowed to support Kenya and other Global South countries in defending multilateral trade norms and opposing economic coercion, amid escalating tensions with the U.S. Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan reaffirmed China's firm stance during President Ruto’s state visit to Beijing, which resulted in the elevation of Kenya-China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit yielded 20 bilateral agreements and over USD 1.06 billion in investment deals, targeting infrastructure, agriculture, and education, including expanded export opportunities for Kenyan products like avocados and anchovies. President Ruto and President Xi Jinping jointly denounced trade wars and protectionism, with China pledging continued support for Kenya's development and its role in the Belt and Road Initiative. The visit strengthened economic and diplomatic ties while signaling unified resistance against unilateral trade barriers.
Ethiopia Reaffirms Commitment to WTO Accession by 2026
All Africa reports that Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Eyob Tekalign, met with Neil J. Beck from the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office during the 2025 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings to discuss Ethiopia’s progress toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). Dr. Eyob reaffirmed Ethiopia’s goal to complete its WTO accession by March 2026. Beck praised Ethiopia’s efforts and reiterated U.S. support for its integration into the global trading system. Both parties agreed to deepen cooperation and maintain momentum as Ethiopia continues fulfilling WTO membership requirements.
Somalia and Qatar Seek Stronger Trade and Investment Ties
According to All Africa, Somalia’s Minister of Commerce, Mahmoud Aden Geseed, met with Qatar’s Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Salem Al Nuaimi in Mogadishu to enhance trade relations and boost investment cooperation. The discussion focused on Qatar supporting Somalia’s economic development through investments in industry, infrastructure, and trade. Both officials emphasized improving Somalia’s investment climate by reforming laws and business conditions. Minister Geseed thanked Qatar for its longstanding support in development and humanitarian aid, while the Qatari ambassador reaffirmed his country’s commitment to job creation and economic growth in Somalia. The meeting reflects Somalia’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment and foster economic recovery through international partnerships.
Tanzania Pauses Trade Retaliation Against Malawi and South Africa Amid Ongoing Negotiations
All Africa reports that Tanzania’s Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe issued a retaliatory trade ban after Malawi and South Africa imposed restrictions on Tanzanian agricultural imports like maize, rice, flour, and ginger. Despite prior diplomatic efforts, both countries stood firm, prompting Tanzania to block key exports such as South African apples and grapes, and bar Malawian-bound fertilizer and maize from transiting through Dar es Salaam. The trade standoff escalated sharply, with Bashe declaring the measures were necessary to protect Tanzanian interests, though he assured they would not affect domestic food security. However, on April 25, 2025, Tanzania suspended all trade restrictions to allow diplomatic negotiations led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to proceed with both countries. The situation reflects growing regional trade tensions and the limits of unilateral retaliation in addressing market access disputes.
Global Spotlight on Conflict Coltan Trade Between Rwanda and the EU
Ronald Musoke, writing for The Independent, reports that Global Witness has accused Rwanda of exporting conflict coltan smuggled from war-torn eastern DRC to the European Union, implicating EU-based trader Traxys and calling for the EU to cancel its minerals partnership with Rwanda. The report ties the surge in Rwanda’s coltan exports to the M23 rebel group’s control of key mining zones in DRC, which allegedly funds the militia through taxation and smuggling. Rwanda denies the claims, asserting its exports originate from legitimate domestic mines like Rukaragata, while Traxys and African Panther Resources maintain they use traceability and due diligence protocols. However, critics like Uganda’s Bwesigye Don Binyina argue that Rwanda’s coltan supply chain is deeply contaminated and call for broader accountability across the international supply chain, including tech companies like Apple and Boeing. Congolese civil society voices, meanwhile, emphasize DRC's own governance failures, demanding stronger domestic protection of mineral-rich territories to curb smuggling and exploitation.
Nigeria’s Unregulated IVF Industry Exploits Female Students
This Day reports that the booming fertility industry in Nigeria has come under scrutiny following reports that some clinics exploit young female students by harvesting their eggs in exchange for money. With pressure from society to bear children and one in four couples facing fertility issues, demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and donor eggs has surged. However, apart from Lagos, Nigeria lacks national legislation to regulate Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), leaving a loophole for unethical practices. The World Health Organization advises limiting egg harvesting to twice yearly and opposes payment for egg donations, but such guidelines are widely flouted in Nigeria. Experts are calling for urgent regulation, stakeholder collaboration, and intervention by NAPTIP to address the commodification of vulnerable women in this poorly monitored industry.
South Africa Hosts Key G20 Trade Talks Focused on Inclusive Growth and Green Industrialization
According to All Africa, South Africa will host its second G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) meeting from 6–8 May 2025 in Somerset West, continuing preparations for the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in October. Discussions will focus on four priority themes: promoting inclusive trade and a G20-Africa agenda; shaping a responsive trade and investment agenda to address global challenges; advancing green industrialization and resilient supply chains for critical minerals; and reforming the World Trade Organization with a focus on development. Under its 2025 G20 Presidency themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa seeks to foster stronger coordination on trade issues affecting the Global South. Officials from the African Union, EU, and major economies will participate, with the goal of building consensus on a future-facing trade and investment framework.
West Africa Urged to Pivot Amid "Trade War 2.0"
At the GTR West Africa 2025 Conference in Lagos, experts warned that West Africa must urgently diversify trade partnerships and overhaul its infrastructure financing approach amid rising global protectionism and the looming expiration of AGOA, reports All Africa. Keynote speaker Tedd George described the current landscape as "Trade War 2.0," urging a shift from dependency on traditional Western allies to deeper ties with emerging economies and greater engagement through AfCFTA. A panel of financiers emphasized closing the infrastructure funding gap as critical for growth, advocating export credit, blended finance, and stronger regulatory frameworks. Case studies from Côte d'Ivoire and Angola highlighted how early-stage project development and domestic capital, such as Nigeria's pension funds, can enhance bankability. The consensus: bold and immediate action is vital for West Africa to remain competitive in a fractured global trade system.
Zimbabwe Courts Iranian Investment with Business-Friendly Reforms
All Africa reports that at the Iran-Africa Economic Conference in Tehran, Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga invited Iranian investors to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe, emphasizing reforms aimed at making the country a competitive investment destination. He highlighted the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy and the establishment of a One Stop Investment Services Centre to streamline approvals within 24 hours. Chiwenga encouraged partnerships in mining, agriculture, tourism, energy, and technology-based sectors while calling for the removal of trade barriers between Africa and Iran. He underscored the shared values and economic resilience of both regions, and urged Iranian firms to take advantage of Africa’s single market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which encompasses 1.4 billion people and a GDP of USD 2.4 trillion. The remarks reflect Zimbabwe’s broader engagement strategy to attract foreign investment and expand global economic ties.
African Firms at Zimbabwe Trade Fair Eye Expansion into Chinese Market
Additionally, at the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), African exhibitors expressed strong interest in deepening trade ties with China, reports All Africa. Over 600 exhibitors, including participants from 28 countries, showcased products with hopes of leveraging China’s vast market. Malawian agricultural firm Tilawe Products aims to export its aromatic Kilombero rice to China, while South African mining and clothing companies are pursuing partnerships with Chinese manufacturers and tourists. These efforts reflect growing optimism among African businesses about China’s role as a vital trade and investment partner. Many exhibitors plan to participate in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo to solidify deals.
BRICS Gears Up to Counter U.S. Trade Pressure and Assert Global Influence
According to Vanguard, senior diplomats from BRICS nations will meet in Brazil to unify their stance against U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff policies, which have disrupted global markets and triggered IMF growth forecast cuts. The two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro, ahead of the July leaders’ summit, will focus on defending multilateralism, with a joint declaration reaffirming commitment to the global trading system. With its expansion to include Iran, Egypt, and the UAE, BRICS now represents nearly half the world’s population and 39% of global GDP. Topics on the agenda include climate change ahead of COP30, and the war in Ukraine, where the bloc may discuss diplomatic pathways amid U.S. pressure. The BRICS ministers will also engage with nine additional “partner” nations to deepen South-South cooperation and global strategic alignment.
Ghana Must Reduce Overreliance on AGOA, Says Former Finance Committee Chair
Former Finance Committee Chair Patrick Yaw Boamah has cautioned Ghana against depending indefinitely on the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), warning that the policy, while beneficial, cannot substitute long-term economic strategy. Speaking on May 1, Boamah acknowledged AGOA’s contributions to sectors like textiles but emphasized the need for stronger local industrial policies. He supported initiatives like "One District, One Factory" and urged greater investment in pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, and import substitution. While lobbying for an AGOA extension remains important, Boamah stressed that Ghana must develop sustainable, export-driven industries or risk future job losses and revenue shortfalls.
Events – 05/02/2025
“Unlocking Investment in Tanzania’s Minerals Value Chain.” Invest Africa. England, United Kingdom. 20 May 2025.
“Digital Finance: The Next Wave.” Invest Africa. Johannesburg, South Africa. 21 May 2025.
“African Island States Climate Commission - AIS High-Level Dialogue on SDG14.” ECA. Nice, France. 13 June 2025.