African trade ministers to meet over U.S. tariff concerns as they hit the continent’s exports hard

Trade ministers from across Africa will gather on 14 April to discuss the implications of the new 10% tariff imposed by the United States on imports from several African nations.

The tariffs,announced by president Donald Trump,are expected to severely impact African exporters,especially those reliant on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),which has traditionally provided duty-free access to U.S. markets. The meeting,set to convene policymakers,economists,and trade experts,aims to strategize on mitigating the effects of these tariffs. Wamkele Mene,secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),described the tariffs as a “wake-up call” for the continent,urging African nations to accelerate efforts towards economic self-sufficiency and regional integration.

Meanwhile,the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has noted “with profound concern” the imposition of new tariffs on imported products,including those from SADC member states. In response,SADC said is “carrying out a detailed assessment of the impact of the global geopolitical developments on the different sectors of the region.” Kako Nubukpo,Togolese economist and former minister,has warned that the tariffs would hit African nations already suffering from political difficulties. In response,“African countries should promote their own national and regional value chains” as buffers against the tariffs,Nubukpo said.

Among the countries hardest hit are Lesotho,which faces a staggering 50% tariff on its textile exports,and South Africa,where industries like agriculture and vehicle manufacturing will suffer from increased costs. South African officials are exploring new markets to offset the losses,while experts warn that the tariffs undermine AGOA’s promise of trade,not aid. With AGOA’s expiration approaching in September 2025,African countries are reconsidering their trade strategies. AfCFTA Secretary General emphasized the importance of fostering regional value chains and strengthening intra-Africa trade under the AfCFTA to reduce dependence on external markets and protect the continent’s economic future.