22 August 2025
Kenya Seeks China's Approval to Convert Dollar Loan to Yuan
According to Africanews, Kenya has asked China to approve the conversion of a $1.5 billion dollar-denominated loan for the Standard Gauge Railway into Chinese yuan, a move aimed at easing pressure on the country’s shrinking foreign exchange reserves and reducing demand for U.S. dollars. Treasury Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u explained that the request is part of efforts to diversify debt repayment currencies and mitigate the impact of a weakening shilling. If granted, the shift would not only help stabilize Kenya’s dollar supply but also deepen its financial ties with China, which is already the country’s largest bilateral creditor.
According to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ethiopia has officially gazetted its provisional schedule of tariff concessions (PSTCs), marking a key milestone in implementing its commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area. This step allows Ethiopia to begin reducing tariffs in line with AfCFTA rules, enhancing its integration into continental trade. The Secretariat congratulated the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for this progress, emphasizing that the move will boost intra-African trade, encourage investment, and promote industrialization while advancing the broader goals of economic integration across the continent.
AfCFTA Secretary-General Attends Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting in Maputo
According to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Secretary-General Wamkele Mene attended the Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting in Maputo, Mozambique, where he highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment in advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Mene emphasized that efficient transport, energy, and digital networks are essential to unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade, attracting investment, and fostering industrialization. The meeting brought together African leaders, investors, and development partners, underscoring the critical role of partnerships in financing and delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that support the AfCFTA’s implementation.
Africa Braces for Likely End of AGOA Trade Deal Under Trump
According to AllAfrica, African nations are preparing for the possibility that the United States will end the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) if Donald Trump returns to the White House, raising concerns about the loss of preferential access to the U.S. market. Policymakers and trade experts warn that such a move could significantly disrupt African exports, particularly in sectors like textiles and apparel that depend heavily on AGOA benefits. The uncertainty has prompted calls for African countries to accelerate diversification of their trade partners and strengthen continental initiatives like the AfCFTA to cushion against potential economic fallout.
Africa: Boosting Trade in the World's Least Developed Countries - the Power of Technology
According to AllAfrica, technology is emerging as a powerful tool to boost trade in the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs), particularly across Africa, by addressing structural challenges and opening new market opportunities. Digital platforms, e-commerce, and innovations in logistics are helping small businesses access global markets, reduce transaction costs, and improve supply chain efficiency. The article highlights that with the right investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, and supportive policies, technology can significantly accelerate economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and integrate LDCs more effectively into regional and global trade systems.
Ghana: We're Open to Business ...President Mahama Woos Investors At TICAD-9
According to AllAfrica, Ghanaian President John Mahama used the TICAD-9 summit to assure international investors that Ghana is open for business, highlighting the country’s stability, economic reforms, and commitment to creating a favorable investment climate. He emphasized opportunities in sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, noting that Ghana’s strategic location and participation in the AfCFTA make it an attractive hub for accessing wider African markets. Mahama urged partners to view Ghana as a reliable destination for long-term investment, stressing that collaboration with global stakeholders is vital to driving sustainable growth and development.
Africa: TZ Urges Trade Unions to Drive Africa's Labor Agenda
According to AllAfrica, Tanzania has called on trade unions across the continent to take a leading role in advancing Africa’s labor agenda, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers’ rights while adapting to changes in the global economy. Officials stressed that trade unions should champion decent work, fair wages, and social protection, while also engaging in policy discussions that shape industrialization and trade under the AfCFTA. The call highlighted that strong labor institutions are essential not only for safeguarding workers but also for ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development across Africa.
AUC Chairperson had a Constructive Engagement with H.E. Dr. Akihiko Tanaka
According to the African Union, Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat held a constructive engagement with the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), focusing on strengthening Africa–Japan cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, infrastructure, and human capital investment. The discussions highlighted shared priorities under the AU’s Agenda 2063 and Japan’s support for Africa’s economic transformation, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening partnerships that advance peace, stability, and inclusive growth across the continent.
According to the African Union, the organization actively participated in the general debate of the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the United Nations, which is tasked with developing a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. The AU emphasized Africa’s unified position on tackling plastic waste, calling for ambitious global action while ensuring that the needs and circumstances of developing countries are addressed. The statement underscored that Africa is disproportionately affected by plastic pollution and highlighted the importance of international cooperation, technology transfer, and financing to support sustainable solutions across the continent.
S.African Trade Body Recommends Duties to Curb Steel Imports
According to MSN, South Africa’s International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has recommended the imposition of duties on certain steel imports to protect domestic producers from a surge in cheaper foreign products. The proposal comes amid growing concerns that rising imports are undercutting local manufacturers and threatening jobs in the steel sector. Industry representatives have welcomed the move as a necessary safeguard, while critics caution that higher duties could increase costs for downstream industries that rely on steel inputs, potentially impacting competitiveness and consumer prices
IATF 2025- Catalyzing Intra-African Trade
According to MSN, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 is highlighted as a key driver of intra-African trade, designed to connect businesses, governments, and investors across the continent under the framework of the AfCFTA. The fair is expected to provide a platform for showcasing African goods and services, securing investment deals, and promoting stronger regional value chains. Organizers stress that IATF 2025 will not only expand trade opportunities but also advance Africa’s industrialization and integration by reducing barriers, linking markets, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Tunisia Emerges as Türkiye’s Key Gateway to Africa in Growing Trade Ties
According to Daily Sabah, Tunisia is emerging as Türkiye’s key gateway to Africa amid rapidly expanding trade relations between the two countries. Officials highlighted that Tunisia’s strategic location and role as a member of both the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional blocs make it an ideal hub for Turkish businesses seeking access to African markets. Bilateral trade has been growing steadily, with cooperation extending into sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Both sides emphasized that strengthening these ties will not only boost economic exchange but also foster deeper political and cultural partnerships across the region.
How Africa Can Shape its Trade Future Beyond AGOA
According to the World Economic Forum, Africa must proactively shape its trade future beyond the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in 2025, by accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthening regional value chains. The article stresses that while AGOA has boosted exports like textiles and agriculture, its uncertain renewal highlights the need for Africa to diversify markets, invest in infrastructure, and foster industrialization. By leveraging AfCFTA, enhancing competitiveness, and deepening intra-African trade, the continent can reduce dependence on unilateral trade preferences and build a more resilient, self-sustaining trade system.
According to UNECA, the African Union Commission (AUC), ECOWAS, and ECA have jointly launched a new initiative to strengthen cross-border agricultural value chains in West Africa. The program aims to boost food security, enhance regional trade, and support smallholder farmers by improving infrastructure, reducing trade barriers, and promoting agro-processing. Officials emphasized that the initiative will also foster private sector investment and create jobs, while aligning with broader goals under the AfCFTA to advance economic integration and sustainable development across the continent.
Events – 08/22/2025
Invest Africa Spotlight: Unlocking Africa’s Agribusiness Potential. Dar es Salaam Tanzania. 27 August 2025.