Prøve GULL - Gratis
SA and the AfCFTA: a strategic opportunity to lead continent's industrial future
The Star
|May 12, 2025
THE African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unite 54 nations into a thriving common market, igniting an African industrial revolution with the potential to echo across global trade systems.
-

For South Africa, often regarded as the continent's economic engine, this is a pivotal moment to lead with intention, conviction and pride.
As global powers set their sights on Africa's critical mineral reserves, lithium, cobalt and a demographic advantage expected to represent nearly 40% of the world’s population by 2060, the AfCFTA provides a path toward prosperity on our own terms.
"Africa isn’t just rising; it’s ready to lead," declared IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. This leadership, however, will depend not on rhetoric but on execution—on the collaborative efforts of private enterprise, public governance, youth innovation and policy clarity.
The global economy is in flux. Fragile supply chains, shifting alliances and the race for sustainable and digital industrialisation have left gaps that Africa is well-positioned to fill. The AfCFTA connects our fragmented markets, forming an economic bloc with a combined GDP of over US$3.4 trillion.
This isn’t just theoretical
The World Bank estimates that the AfCFTA could lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and increase incomes across the continent by 7% by 2035. South Africa, with its minerals, manufacturing base, financial systems and technology ecosystem, is uniquely placed to drive this transformation—if we act with urgency and unity.
Yet, as with any ambitious journey, the road ahead is not without obstacles. Infrastructure remains a stubborn barrier. Port delays in Durban, underinvestment in rail freight and overburdened roads in Gauteng undermine our competitiveness.
Skills shortages further limit our readiness—too many South African youth remain locked out of opportunities in advanced manufacturing, green energy and digital industries.
Denne historien er fra May 12, 2025-utgaven av The Star.
Abonner på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av kuraterte premiumhistorier og over 9000 magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FLERE HISTORIER FRA The Star
The Star
Race to the finish: Our racing driver's last round at Zwartkops
AND just like that it’s about to end.
2 mins
October 23, 2025

The Star
Young Bull Ludwig’s leadership earns praise
IT’S been a season of growth and quiet authority for Bulls lock Reinhardt Ludwig, one that now sees the 23-year-old emerge as a genuine leader within the squad.
1 mins
October 23, 2025

The Star
Land Cruiser FJ prototype brings off-road capability to a more affordable segment
THE all-new Land Cruiser FJ has been revealed, and it's set to make Toyota's iconic 4x4 nameplate more accessible to a wider audience.
2 mins
October 23, 2025
The Star
Dixon earns ‘surprise’ Bok recall
IT’S been a rather eventful 12 months for Springbok loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon - most of it off the field.
2 mins
October 23, 2025
The Star
Celebrating production of 500,000th Polo at SA‘s Kariega Plant
WITH the South African motor manufacturing industry under increasing pressure as a result of the influx of cars from China and India, tariff wars, the change to New Energy Vehicles and steel challenges, to name a few, it’s heartening to see that the Volkswagen plant in Kariega has announced that the 500 000th unit of the Polo has rolled off the assembly line.
1 mins
October 23, 2025
The Star
Murder of engineer linked to Transnet corruption
SLAIN engineer Armand Swarts was killed days after the company he worked for raised questions about a Transnet tender issued to SK Group, a company found to be inflating prices.
2 mins
October 23, 2025
The Star
Frustrated MPs accuse Mchunu of dishonesty
Grilled him on PKTT, SAPS and his alleged connections to Matlala
4 mins
October 23, 2025
The Star
US’ scheme to disrupt Beijing Time exposed
CHINAS national security agency revealed on Sunday that the United States National Security Agency has long plotted cyberattacks against the National Time Service Center, which is responsible for generating and maintaining standard Beijing Time.
2 mins
October 23, 2025
The Star
Mo Salah has to find his own mojo without Trent
ONE plus one makes 11. The proverb, of course, refers to when two individuals or entities work together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.
2 mins
October 23, 2025

The Star
Beganovic wary of in-form Golden Arrows
TS GALAXY coach Adnan Beganovic says he will be wary of a dangerous Golden Arrows side, even though his team holds an impressive record against the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
2 mins
October 23, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size