Africa Must Look Inward

TRADE: LOOKING AFTER ITSELF IMPERATIVE

- Amanda Visser

Africa is being forced to look towards itself in the current global "chaotic" trade environment, with the US introducing punitive measures against countries that do not toe the line the American way.

The South African government failed to secure a more favorable trade deal with officials from US President Donald Trump's administration by Friday. As such, South African exports are now burdened with a 30% tariff.

Rob Davies, former minister of trade and industry and member of the African Continental Free Trade Area's (AfCFTA's) trade and industrial development advisory council, said the current global conjuncture is adding to the imperative for collaboration and coordination within the African trade area.