African Nations Urged to Seek Ways Out for Success of AfCFTA as Global Trade War Rages

 

Addis Ababa, April 25, 2025 (ENA)—As the global trade war unleashed by President Donald Trump and the U.S. and China have continued to escalate, an expert stressed the need for taking proactive measures to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Approached by ENA, the AfCFTA Secretariat’s Senior Digital Trade Expert, Talkmore Chidede elaborated the weaponization of trade policies serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of Continental Free Trade Area.

The ongoing trade conflict between China and the United States has drawn significant global attention, with the strict trade policies introduced during the Trump administration creating ripple effects across the world.

 African nations have not been immune to these impacts, the expert noted.

highlighting the pressing need for proactive measures Chidede emphasized this urgency.

 Chidede, whose expertise lies in advising and supporting member states in developing policies related to digital trade rules, shared his insights during an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) at the third edition of the GITEX event held in Marrakech, Morocco.

He further underscored the significance of recent developments, stating, "We have witnessed the weaponization of tariffs and trade policies. This should be seen as an opportunity—a wake-up call for African countries to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA."

Chidede stressed that the current moment is pivotal for recognizing the importance of the AFCFTA and taking decisive action.

 The expert further elaborated on the primary objective of the AfCFTA, which is to bolster intra-African trade.

At present, only a small percentage of trade conducted by African nations occurs within the continent, with the majority involving non-African countries.

The AFCFTA seeks to transform this dynamic by significantly increasing trade among African nations, thereby fostering stronger economic ties and collaboration.

Moreover, Chidede highlighted the broader developmental goals of the AFCFTA.

 Acknowledging trade as a powerful tool for addressing poverty across Africa, he revealed that by enhancing production capabilities, facilitating the movement of goods, and strengthening trade across value and supply chains—the AFCFTA has the potential to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

The expert is therefore convinced these advancements would, in turn, contribute to widespread development and prosperity across the continent.