A New Voice for African Trade Integration | Issue IV

A New Voice for African Trade Integration

September has been a whirlwind for Africa’s trade, industrialisation and climate agenda. From AfCFTA milestones to Africa-led food systems summit and Africa climate summit, the interconnectedness of trade, industrialisation, and sustainability has been on full display. 

This edition of Trade Talks Africa highlights key outcomes from the AfCFTA Trade and Industrial Development Advisory Council Meeting, the Ministerial Retreat, and the Council of Trade Ministers. The Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 highlighted youth-led innovation and collaboration, driving commitments in financing, policy, and partnerships to boost intra-African food trade, mechanization, and agricultural resilience. 

The Africa Climate Summit underscored Africa’s leadership in driving trade, industrial development, and climate-smart strategies, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient future. On the global stage, G20 Working Group meetings were in focus as many groups wrapped up their work and prepared to hand over leadership to the next incumbents. 

Stay informed. Stay engaged. 

Trade Talks Africa | Editor-in-chief
Dr Noncedo Vutula

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Shaping Africa’s Trade and Industrialisation Future: Key Outcomes from the AfCFTA Advisory Council Meeting and Trade Ministers’ Retreat

The Advisory Council convened in Cairo, Egypt, immediately following the Ministers of Trade Retreat and the Council of Ministers. Beyond reviewing its workplan and progress in AfCFTA implementation, the Council engaged in robust discussions on geopolitical and trade developments, exploring ways to position AfCFTA strategies for greater global relevance and impact in a rapidly evolving international landscape.

A key focus was the Green Industrial Development Expert Panel (GIDEP) position paper and roadmap with members reviewing its strategic alignment with the AfCFTA industrialisation and sustainable development objectives, and its linkage to the outcomes of the recent Africa Climate Summit. The session concluded with clear recommendations, action points, and follow-up measures to guide the Council’s work going forward. 

The Trade Minister’s Retreat discussed several issues including global geopolitical and economic shifts. The meeting was advised that recent US trade measures including reciprocal and expanded Section 232 tariffs threaten African market access and undermine AGOA, risking a return to raw material dependency. Three potential AfCFTA futures were highlighted: fragmentation with external dependence, mercantilist dominance by larger economies, or developmental regionalism, which is the preferred path. Achieving developmental regionalism requires strong political will, swift action on rules of origin, and coordinated strategies to protect African markets while using AfCFTA to drive industrialisation and inclusive growth. 

The Retreat also discussed fast-tracking the completion of the African single market for goods and services and finalising the outstanding rules of origin. Additionally, the Retreat discussed the acceleration of industrialisation through regional value chains.  

The programme featured a presentation on Cotton, Textiles and Apparel, as well as digital transformation and electronic payment systems, underscoring their role as key enablers of intra-African trade and industrialisation, and major drivers of investment.   The private-sector vision for Africa’s cotton, textile, and apparel value chain was presented. While challenges such as reliance on imported textiles and dominance of second-hand clothing were noted, rising costs in Asia and growing demand for sustainable fashion create new opportunities. A strong call was made to build an integrated ‘fibre-to-garment’ industry powered by renewable energy, anchored in eco-industrial parks, and championing African brands. The first AfCFTA Regional Value Chain on cotton, textiles and apparel is set to be launched in Togo at the AfCFTA Biashara in November 2025.

A key agenda item at the Council of Trade Ministers’ Meeting was the discussion on Rules of Origin. Ministers agreed that state parties may apply Provisional Rules of Origin through a Ministerial Directive, which will outline eight elements, including transitional measures allowing importing countries to designate which existing REC rules will apply in their markets. These interim arrangements will remain in force until AfCFTA rules of origin negotiations are concluded now extended by an additional two years with the Directive also setting parameters to guide their implementation. Ministers agreed that this remains a top priority for unlocking intra-African trade.
 
The Africa Food Systems Forum 2025, held in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 August to 5 September, highlighted youth-led innovation and collaboration in transforming Africa’s food systems. The forum generated commitments in financing, policy, and strategic partnerships to strengthen intra-African food trade and mechanization. Key highlights included a competition for young entrepreneurs, a focus on private investment in commercial farming, and the launch of legacy programs to build agricultural cooperatives and enhance cold storage, reducing post-harvest losses across the continent.

Green Industrial Development Expert Panel (GIDEP) flagship report

The Nelson Mandela School had a unique opportunity to launch the flagship Green Industrial Development Expert Panel position paper on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit 2 in Addis Ababa. The launch was a joint effort between the School and the African Climate Foundation (ACF). 

Pathways to Green African Industrialisation position paper is available for downloads here and the Executive Summary is available from this webpage.