The 2025 edition of the African Trade Report, published by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), examines trade and economic development in Africa and other parts of the world during 2024 and explores how a rapidly fragmenting global economy – marked by intensifying geopolitical schisms and industrial-policy rivalries – is reshaping Africa’s trade dynamics just as the continent pursues industrialisation and deeper intra-African trade integration. Its release comes as protectionism- fuelled tariff wars are heightening risk and deepening policy uncertainty.

Read the full report here

Africa’s inclusion in the G20 offers a strategic seat at the table to advocate for long-overdue reforms – ranging from Special Drawing Rights (SDR) reallocation and enhanced climate finance access to fairer credit rating mechanisms and the formal affirmation of the critical role of Africa’s multilateral financial institutions in fighting poverty and achieving global economic stability.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could act as a catalyst for industrialisation and economic diversification of African countries. By October 2024, 48 African countries had ratified the AfCFTA as State Parties, and seven had commenced trading under its mechanisms and protocols.

• The European Union remains Africa’s largest export market, accounting for about 31 % of the continent’s exports, followed by China at around 12.6 %

• Intra‑African trade is rising, reaching US $208 billion in 2024, with Southern Africa leading in regional exports

• Total UK–Africa trade in 2024: £45 billion

• Top UK trade partners: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana

Join us for the Understanding the African Economy & Opportunities Webinar

Africa is a diverse continent of 54 nations, each with its own unique political and economic landscape, making it important to approach the region with an open-minded perspective backed up with local knowledge and experience.

Africa's top 5 economies include South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Ethiopia, which together make up half of the continent's GDP.

Join the conversation as we dive into the African economy and the many opportunities it holds for foreign businesses and investors looking to tap into the fast-growing sectors across the continent.

Date:  Thursday 25 September  10.00am - 11.00am 
Platform:  Zoom
Cost:  FREE for Members - Non-Members £25.00 + VAT