09 August 2025
Ramaphosa and Trump Talk South Africa-U.S. Trade as Tariffs Kick in
According to MSN, U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently discussed bilateral trade, focusing on the future of economic ties between the two countries. The conversation addressed the potential impact of Trump’s proposed tariff policies and explored ways to strengthen cooperation despite looming trade uncertainties. Both leaders agreed to hold further talks aimed at preserving and enhancing market access, with particular attention to sectors such as automotive exports and agriculture that rely heavily on preferential treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
South Africa’s Struggle with U.S. Trade Relations Amidst Looming Tariffs
According to MSN, South Africa is grappling with uncertainty over its trade relationship with the United States as Washington considers imposing new tariffs on certain imports. Analysts warn that these measures could threaten South Africa’s preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has been central to boosting exports to the U.S. in sectors such as automotive manufacturing and agriculture. Officials in Pretoria are working to strengthen diplomatic engagement and emphasize the mutual benefits of trade, but the prospect of higher U.S. duties is raising concerns about job losses, reduced competitiveness, and broader economic repercussions.
Analysts Warn South African Government is, “Wasting Efforts in Engaging with Donald Trump”
According to MSN, analysts caution that South Africa’s ongoing trade discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump may yield little benefit if his proposed tariff policies are implemented. Trump has signaled plans to impose steep duties on imports from various countries, including African nations, which could undermine South Africa’s preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Experts warn that even successful talks may not shield South Africa from these measures, potentially threatening key export sectors such as automotive manufacturing and agriculture, and creating broader economic challenges.
OHADA and CEMAC Sign Cooperation Agreement
According to OHADA, OHADA and Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen regional integration and economic development. The partnership aims to harmonize business laws, improve the investment climate, and promote legal certainty across member states. By aligning their efforts, OHADA and CEMAC seek to facilitate cross-border trade, enhance private sector growth, and support the broader objective of fostering sustainable economic progress in Central Africa.
Working Visit to the Congolese Authorities
According to Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), the organization’s Permanent Secretary conducted a working visit to the Republic of the Congo to engage with national authorities on strengthening the implementation of OHADA’s legal framework. Discussions focused on enhancing the application of harmonized business laws, supporting judicial and legal reforms, and promoting training initiatives for legal professionals. The visit aimed to deepen cooperation between OHADA and Congolese institutions, ultimately improving the business environment and facilitating greater regional economic integration.
AfCFTA Secretary-General Participates in the 4th Africa–Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum
According to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Secretary General Wamkele Mene participated in the 4th Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) to promote deeper economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. In his remarks, Mene highlighted the opportunities for increased trade, investment, and cooperation under the AfCFTA framework, emphasizing the importance of building resilient supply chains and diversifying export markets. The forum served as a platform for business leaders, policymakers, and investors from both regions to explore partnerships, with a focus on sustainable development and mutually beneficial economic growth.
African Nations Hopeful to Re-Negotiate Trump’s Tariffs and Fear Economic Fallout
According to Africanews, several African nations are seeking to renegotiate proposed tariffs announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, fearing that the measures could have severe economic consequences. The tariffs, which target a range of imports from smaller economies, threaten to undermine preferential trade arrangements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and could disrupt key export sectors including agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. Leaders are urging diplomatic engagement to preserve market access and avoid job losses, warning that the new duties could reverse progress made in boosting trade and investment between the U.S. and African countries.
East African Community Competition Authority to Begin Assessing Mergers
According to African Law & Business, the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) is set to begin assessing mergers and acquisitions within the region starting in 2025. This marks the implementation of the EAC’s competition regulations, which aim to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and prevent anti-competitive practices across member states. The EACCA will review transactions that meet specific thresholds to ensure they do not harm market dynamics or create monopolies, signaling a significant step toward deeper regional economic integration and regulatory harmonization.
Shell Identifies Steps to Nigeria’s Sustainable Energy Future and Pledges Support
According to The Guardian Nigeria, Shell has outlined key steps toward achieving a sustainable energy future in Nigeria and pledged its support for the country’s energy transition. The company emphasized the importance of expanding access to cleaner energy, investing in renewable power sources, and strengthening energy infrastructure to meet growing demand while reducing carbon emissions. Shell also reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships with government, industry, and communities to advance projects that align with Nigeria’s climate goals and long-term economic development.
Nigeria and Tanzania to Strengthen Collaboration on Maritime Development
According to The Guardian Nigeria, Nigeria and Tanzania have agreed to strengthen collaboration in maritime development to boost trade, security, and economic growth. The partnership will focus on capacity building, technology exchange, and investment in port infrastructure to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the maritime sector. Officials from both countries emphasized the strategic importance of maritime cooperation in facilitating regional integration and supporting the blue economy.
TETFund Partners Drive Innovation Through SGCI Project
According to The Guardian Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is partnering with stakeholders to drive innovation in Nigeria through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) project. The collaboration aims to strengthen research and development capacity, promote knowledge transfer, and support innovative solutions to national challenges. TETFund highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in science, technology, and innovation.
Events – 07/26/2025 & 8/9/2025
Celebrating Women’s Month. Johannesburg Aon, Sandton, GP, 2196, South Africa. 22 August 2025.
Invest Africa Spotlight: Unlocking Africa’s Agribusiness Potential. Dar es Salaam Tanzania. 27 August 2025.