Africa’s Trade Ministers to Meet on April 14 to Tackle Trump’s Tariff Challenge
Leaders unite to explore strategies for reducing dependency on global powers and boosting intra-African trade.
- President Trump's 10% tariff on imports threatens African export competitiveness
- Ministers will discuss accelerating policies to reduce dependency on global powers
- African leaders are calling for a unified, proactive approach
On April 14, African trade ministers will gather to discuss the consequences of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy, which imposes a 10% tax on goods imported into the United States from over 100 countries.
This crucial meeting will unite policymakers, economists, and trade experts from across the continent to explore strategies for navigating the rise of global protectionism.
Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), called the U.S. tariff a “wake-up call” for Africa, urging the continent to fast-track initiatives that encourage intra-African trade and reduce dependence on major global powers.
Mene emphasized the need for African nations to prioritize economic self-sufficiency in the face of rising trade barriers globally.
The new tariff poses a threat to the competitiveness of African exports, particularly textiles, agricultural products, raw materials, and manufactured goods, many of which are currently traded under agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
With the growing shift toward economic nationalism, African leaders are advocating for a unified response to protect the continent’s trade interests.
