Archive for the ‘Africa’ Category

Infrastructure Africa, the leading business event dedicated to infrastructure development on the continent, has unveiled the Projects Dealroom. This innovative platform is designed to accelerate investment in African infrastructure projects, meeting the continent’s urgent socio-economic needs.   The Projects Dealroom serves as a dynamic marketplace for project developers, investors, financiers, and other key stakeholders to […]

Africa, News

March 4, 2024

South Africa has initiated a safeguard investigation into certain flat-rolled products of iron, non-alloy steel, or other alloy steel, as reported to the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards on February 29, 2024.   In this notification, South Africa outlined the procedure for interested parties to participate in the investigation. Interested parties are required to make themselves […]

Africa, Europe, International Trade, News

December 6, 2023

In a recent study conducted by the German Economic Institute (IW), it has been suggested that the European Union (EU) should collaborate with African countries to revamp the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) subsidy regulations. This strategic move aims to counteract market distortions caused by China’s subsidies and its diplomatic influence.   The IW, a respected […]

Africa, Geopolitics, News

November 24, 2023

Somalia has officially become the eighth member of the East African Community (EAC) trade bloc, a development expected to have significant implications for the region’s economy and trade opportunities. The EAC, comprising countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and others, has welcomed Somalia into its common market, expanding its market size to nearly 300 million […]

In a bipartisan effort to support trade relations between the United States and Africa, Democratic Senator Chris Coons has called for a 16-year extension of a trade program that grants qualifying African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market. Senator Coons, a prominent advocate for U.S.-Africa policy, believes that extending the program is vital for […]

  U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai emphasized the need for a “more useful and effective” trade programme with Africa during talks in South Africa over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA, which grants qualifying African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, is set to expire in September 2025, with […]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has highlighted the Biden administration’s intention to not only renew but also improve the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a pivotal trade program with Africa. AGOA, initially launched in 2000, offers qualifying African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, the largest consumer market globally. With its expiration […]

Africa, International Trade, News

November 2, 2023

The African Union (AU) is advocating for a minimum 10-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), emphasizing the need for stability and predictability in trade relations between Africa and the United States. Speaking at a series of meetings between African trade ministers and U.S. officials, AU Trade Commissioner Albert Muchanga urged that […]

Africa, Germany, International Trade, News

October 30, 2023

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu during his West Africa tour, emphasizing trade and investment prospects. This visit reflects Germany’s interest in diversifying its trade partners and expanding economic collaborations in the resource-rich West African region.   During their meeting in the capital city of Abuja, Scholz emphasized the need […]

Africa, International Trade, News

October 30, 2023

In a significant step towards enhancing Africa’s role in global trade, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a comprehensive regional course. This initiative, primarily focused on deepening the understanding of WTO agreements within the African trade policy context, marks a notable advancement in integrating the continent more effectively into the global trading system.   […]

Africa, News, Trade Relations

September 14, 2023

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has taken a significant step to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) by permitting the establishment of offshore accounts. This new directive aims to facilitate easier fund deposits from both equity and loan financing for approved projects and attract foreign currency into the Ethiopian economy. Scope of the New Directive […]

Africa, Foreign Direct Investment, News

September 12, 2023

Cross River State in Nigeria has secured $1 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), as announced by State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu. The investment follows the recently concluded International Cooperation and Investment Summit hosted by the state. Investment Details and Impact on Employment In a media briefing marking his first 100 days in office, Governor […]

Africa, International Relations, News

September 11, 2023

The International Trade Council extends its congratulations to the G20 leaders and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the historic inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. The landmark announcement came during the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, India, on September 9, 2023.   The G20, formerly a coalition […]