13 June 2025
Trade Policies Past and Present Haunt South African Industry
The Citizen critiques how both historical and current trade policies have undermined South Africa’s industrial base. It argues that liberalized trade regimes, especially post-apartheid, exposed local manufacturers to intense global competition without sufficient government support. This led to deindustrialization, job losses, and weakened economic resilience. The article also warns that current policies continue to lack strategic vision, failing to balance openness with protection of key sectors. It calls for a more deliberate industrial policy that fosters domestic production, value addition, and long-term economic sustainability.
ARICEA Holds 13th AGM, Emphasizes ICT Growth and Regional Cooperation
COMESA highlights the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Regulators of Information and Communications for Eastern and Southern Africa (ARICEA). The meeting focused on promoting regional integration through enhanced ICT development, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and cross-border digital infrastructure. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration among member states to drive digital transformation, improve connectivity, and support innovation. The AGM also addressed cybersecurity, capacity building, and the need for policy alignment to ensure inclusive digital growth across the COMESA region.
China to Remove Tariffs on Goods from All African Countries
According to Africanews, China has announced it will eliminate tariffs on 98% of taxable goods imported from all African nations. This sweeping move is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen trade ties with the continent and support African economic development. The policy is expected to boost African exports—particularly in agriculture and raw materials—by enhancing market access and competitiveness. Analysts note that while the initiative could offer significant economic opportunities, its long-term impact will depend on Africa’s ability to scale production, add value locally, and ensure balanced trade relations with China.
AfCFTA Secretariat and CIGCI Explore Strategic Collaboration to Boost Africa’s Cocoa Sector
According to AfCFTA, a new initiative between the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CiGCI) to strengthen Africa’s cocoa industry has been reported. The partnership aims to promote value addition, regional trade, and sustainable development within the cocoa value chain. By leveraging the AfCFTA framework, the collaboration seeks to reduce Africa’s dependence on raw cocoa exports and shift toward local processing, job creation, and intra-African trade. The joint effort reflects a broader strategy to use trade integration as a tool for industrialization and economic empowerment across the continent.
Rwanda Walks Away: What’s Behind the Central Africa Rift?
According to Africanews, Rwanda’s decision to withdraw from key regional cooperation efforts in Central Africa is raising concerns about growing political and economic divisions. The move reflects deepening tensions between Rwanda and neighboring countries over issues such as cross-border security, resource management, and regional leadership. Analysts suggest that Rwanda’s increasingly self-reliant and strategic economic posture, especially under the AfCFTA framework, may be driving its shift away from collective regional mechanisms. The article warns that this rift could undermine broader goals of regional integration and economic stability in Central Africa.
Kenya: No New Taxes, Just Reforms as Mbadi Unveils Sh30bn Revenue Plan in 2025 Budget
According to AllAfrica, Kenyan Treasury Chief Administrative Secretary, John Mbadi, has unveiled a KSh 30 billion revenue plan focused on reforms rather than new taxes. As part of the 2025 budget strategy, the government aims to increase efficiency in tax collection, close loopholes, and digitize revenue systems to boost compliance. Mbadi emphasized that the plan seeks to ease the tax burden on citizens while enhancing fiscal responsibility. The government also plans to reduce wastage and improve public service delivery, aligning with broader economic recovery and growth goals.
Kenya: Mbadi Urges Fiscal Prudence in Inaugural Budget Statement
According to AllAfrica, Treasury Chief Administrative Secretary, John Mbadi, has made his first budget address, where he called for greater fiscal discipline and responsible public spending. Emphasizing the need to reduce Kenya’s reliance on borrowing, Mbadi outlined a strategy focused on cutting waste, improving tax compliance, and reforming public financial management. He stressed that economic growth must be anchored in sustainable budgeting and efficient service delivery, urging Parliament and government agencies to prioritize accountability. The speech signals a shift toward austerity and long-term fiscal stability in Kenya’s economic policy.
SEC Warns Public Against Unregistered Investments Outfits
According to The Guardian Nigeria, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a warning to the public about dealing with unregistered investment platforms. The SEC cautioned that many of these outfits operate illegally, promising unrealistic returns and exposing investors to significant financial risk. The Commission emphasized that only firms registered with the SEC are authorized to offer investment services and urged the public to verify the registration status of any investment firm before engaging. The warning is part of broader efforts to protect investors and maintain market integrity amid a rise in fraudulent schemes.
East Africa Finance Ministers Present Budgets for 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
According to CNBC Africa, Finance ministers from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania presented their 2025–2026 national budgets, each focusing on economic recovery, domestic revenue growth, and social development. Kenya unveiled a KSh 4 trillion budget with no new taxes, prioritizing fiscal consolidation, tax reforms, and efficiency in revenue collection. Uganda emphasized industrialization, job creation, and SME support, with increased spending on infrastructure and agriculture. Tanzania's budget centered on education, healthcare, and infrastructure, aiming to sustain inclusive growth and economic stability. Across the region, the budgets reflect a commitment to balancing development goals with fiscal discipline amid global financial pressures.
China, Africa asks U.S. to Return to “Right Track” on Trade Differences
According to CNBC Africa, a joint call during a recent China-Africa forum, Chinese and African officials urged the United States to return to a cooperative and constructive path in resolving trade differences. The appeal emphasized the need for fair and equitable trade practices, warning against protectionism and unilateral actions that disrupt global supply chains and hinder development. Both China and Africa expressed support for multilateralism and highlighted the importance of inclusive growth, especially for developing nations. The statement reflects growing alignment between China and African countries on global trade governance and opposition to U.S. trade measures perceived as discriminatory.
South African Rand Stable Ahead of U.S.-China Trade Talks
According to CNBC Africa, The South African rand remained stable as markets awaited the outcome of high-level trade talks between the United States and China. Investors adopted a cautious stance, monitoring developments closely due to the global economic implications of the negotiations. The rand’s resilience was also supported by steady commodity prices and expectations around domestic monetary policy. Analysts noted that while the currency held firm, its future movement would likely be influenced by the direction of U.S.–China trade relations and any resulting shifts in global risk sentiment.
South African Assets Slump in Risk-Off Trade, Snapping Weeks of Gains
According to MSN, South African assets, including the rand and government bonds, slumped amid a global “risk-off” sentiment and domestic political uncertainty following recent national elections. The markets had previously rallied for weeks on expectations that a pro-business coalition would emerge, but uncertainty over coalition negotiations after the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority has shaken investor confidence. This drop in sentiment coincides with broader emerging market weakness, as global investors shy away from riskier assets due to concerns about U.S. interest rates and geopolitical tensions.
Ghana Accelerates Efforts to Boost Intra-African Trade
According to Zawya, Ghana is intensifying efforts to enhance intra-African trade by implementing strategic policies aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are supporting initiatives such as the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) and the establishment of an Export Trade House in Nairobi to facilitate access to East African markets. These actions aim to boost Ghana’s non-traditional exports, improve regional competitiveness, and promote value addition, with a strong focus on empowering women and youth in trade.
A Single African Currency: Unlocking Tourism and Trade
The Cable explores how a single African currency could significantly boost tourism and trade across the continent by reducing currency exchange barriers, lowering transaction costs, and increasing price transparency. Experts argue that such monetary integration would simplify travel, promote intra-African commerce, and attract more investment. However, achieving this goal requires overcoming major challenges, including economic disparities among countries, inflation control, and political commitment. The African Union and other stakeholders continue to push for progress, with the proposed "eco" currency in West Africa seen as a potential stepping stone toward broader continental monetary unity.
Events – 06/13/2025
The Africa Debate. London, England, United Kingdom. 2 July, 2025.