Amid geopolitical fragmentation, protectionist shifts and ongoing global uncertainty, Africa is moving forward with purpose. Regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA, coupled with infrastructure expansion, industrial diversification, technological advancement and a thriving creative economy, continues to drive the continent's upward trajectory.
To sustain and accelerate this momentum, it is essential to harness the interconnected power of trade, investment, infrastructure and technology to strengthen self-reliance and deepen economic linkages across the continent.
Setting the scene: Africa in a changing global orderThe close of 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Africa's global economic engagement. The expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act AGOA, combined with disruptions in global trade and higher tariffs on key African exports, is reshaping external relationships. This creates an opportunity for recalibration and renewed emphasis on intra-African trade. At the same time, South Africa's presidency of the G20 group of nations and its business counterpart the B20 places the continent at the centre of international policy dialogue. It offers a unique opportunity to integrate African priorities into global frameworks and advocate for more equitable trade, investment and financing systems.