Building Bridges Across Africa: Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth and Integration
Africa is at the forefront of an infrastructure revolution, with transformative projects reshaping the continent’s connectivity, economic dynamics, and social landscapes. Roads, railways, ports, and airports are not just physical links but lifelines for trade, economic growth, and poverty alleviation. This surge in development reflects a shared vision of enhancing intra-African trade, opening up economies, […]
Nigeria-China Trade Surge: VP Shettima Highlights Strong Partnership
The trade relationship between Nigeria and China has reached impressive new levels, establishing it as one of Africa’s highest. Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the ongoing growth of this trade partnership, noting its importance for both nations’ economic progress. Shettima made these remarks while hosting a Chinese delegation led by Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of […]
IEA and COP29 Collaborate to Drive International Energy Transition Framework
As COP29 prepares for pivotal actions toward sustainable energy, the COP29 presidency, in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), has identified essential strategies to expedite the global shift to renewable energy. These strategies align with steps from the Global Stocktake (GST) and build on the ambitious energy targets set at COP28. Five key priorities […]
COP29 Opens with Key Developments in Global Carbon Markets
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) commenced on November 11, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking a historic moment with initial breakthroughs that could reshape global climate action. The first day of the conference set a positive tone as Parties reached a significant agreement on standards for carbon credits under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, […]
Transforming West African Skies – ECOWAS Unveils Reforms for Accessible Air Travel
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has kicked off a series of strategic consultations in Lomé, Togo, aimed at tackling the high costs of air travel across West Africa. The discussions involve aviation ministers, civil aviation authorities, and international stakeholders, focusing on actionable solutions to reduce ticket prices by 25% and make air […]
Balancing Economic Growth and Social Equity in South Africa’s Competition Policy
South Africa’s competition policy has recently garnered attention due to the Competition Tribunal’s ruling to block Vodacom’s R14-billion deal to acquire a stake in Vumatel’s parent company, Maziv. This merger was expected to generate significant benefits for the country’s telecommunications sector, particularly in underserved regions, with plans for R10 billion worth of fiber infrastructure, free internet […]
Cross-Border Dairy Disputes: The Complex Politics of Milk Trade in East Africa
The East African dairy sector has become a focal point for regional tensions, as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania grapple over market access and protectionist policies. Amid efforts by East African Community (EAC) nations to strengthen economic ties, the dairy industry exemplifies the complexities of intra-regional trade, revealing both shared ambitions and competing national priorities. […]
South Africa’s China Connection amid Global Disruption
In light of rising global trade tensions, South Africa is committed to enhancing its trade relationships, particularly with Africa and China. Trade Minister Parks Tau emphasizes the importance of intra-African trade for economic resilience and highlights the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical opportunity for collaboration. By boosting exports and addressing compliance challenges, South Africa aims to navigate the complexities of global trade while strengthening its economic position within the continent and beyond.
EAC Trade Revolution: Aiming for 40% by 2030
A crucial meeting convened in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 12, 2024, led by the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General in collaboration with the East African Business Council (EABC). This assembly aimed to elevate intra-EAC trade from its current figure of 15% to an ambitious target of 40% by the year 2030. Centered around the […]
Stakeholder Engagement on AfCFTA: Capacity Building for Legal Advisers in Nigeria
The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), in collaboration with the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, recently conducted a one-day capacity-building workshop. The focus of the workshop was to empower legal advisers from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) nationwide, to enhance their roles in the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area […]
Digital Customs -The Key to Inclusive Trade and Economic Growth in Africa
The rapid shift toward digitization across industries has brought significant changes to global trade practices, and Customs operations are no exception. The World Customs Organization (WCO), during the WTO Public Forum 2024, underscored the critical role that digitization plays in Customs procedures, emphasizing how it enhances inclusivity, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). […]
Unlocking Africa’s Digital Trade Potential: Integrating Technological Innovations and AfCFTA Insights
Africa stands at the precipice of a digital revolution that could transform its economic landscape. As technology continues to reshape global trade, Africa’s economies have a unique opportunity to leverage digital trade to drive economic development and regional integration. However, significant infrastructural challenges—ranging from inadequate broadband connectivity to unreliable energy supply—persist. To unlock the continent’s […]
Kenya’s Levy on Legumes and Pulses – Impact on Regional Trade and Food Security
Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) announced the imposition of a 2% levy on the customs value of imported legumes and pulses, including beans, lentils, soybeans, and peanuts. While aimed at supporting local farmers and increasing government revenue, the levy raises significant concerns regarding its legal ramifications, disruption of regional trade, and potential impact on […]
Nigeria’s First FLNG Project: A Game-Changer for the Economy
In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, UTM FLNG Limited, the developer behind the country’s inaugural floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility, is set to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) by the fourth quarter of 2024. This pivotal investment aims to bolster energy security, lower gas prices, increase foreign exchange earnings, generate job […]
Nigeria’s AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative: Paving the Path to Economic Integration
The recent launch of Nigeria’s AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s economic trajectory. Led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of Nigeria’s AfCFTA Coordination Office, the event symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to intra-African trade integration and economic advancement. Historical Context and Vision: The event, held at […]
The Nigerian Customs Service Organises Sensitisation and Flag-off Programme of the Advanced Ruling System in Nigeria
On the 16th of July, 2024, the Nigerian Customs Service organised a sensitisation and flag-off programme of the Advance Ruling System in Nigeria. The programme was organised in partnership with GIZ, German Corporation, World Customs Organisation and the European Union. Overview of the Advance Ruling System The Advance Ruling System is a product of Section […]
Liberia’s Energy Potential: Insights from the Invest in African Energy 2024 Reception
Liberia recently showcased its burgeoning opportunities in the energy sector at the prestigious Invest in African Energy Reception, hosted by the African Energy Chamber. Positioned strategically on the West Africa Transform Margin, Liberia boasts extensive 2D and 3D seismic data in the Liberia and Harper basins, affirming substantial petroleum reserves identified by leading global players. […]
Djibouti Hosts AfCFTA Implementation Workshop
Harboursim LP can help your business thrive under the AfCFTA. Connect with us now for expert advice on regional trade strategies.
The Brussels Effect and Its Impact on Africa
The Brussels Effect and Its Impact on Africa
The Brussels Effect highlights the European Union’s (EU) ability to shape global markets through its rigorous regulatory standards. This influence extends to Africa, where adherence to EU regulations becomes increasingly crucial for trade and economic partnerships. From data privacy to environmental standards, these regulations not only set benchmarks but also influence Africa’s integration into global markets. Understanding the Brussels Effect is essential for African businesses navigating international trade dynamics and compliance requirements.
National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill Advances First Reading
Minister of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, has expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill currently undergoing deliberation in the National Assembly. Sponsored by Chairman Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology, the bill recently achieved a significant milestone by clearing […]
Empowering Economic Growth: The Impact of Services Trade
Today’s interconnected global economy underscores the critical role of services trade. A recent report, “Trade in Services for Development: Fostering Sustainable Growth and Economic Diversification,” highlights its significance in driving GDP, employment, and economic resilience, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. Services trade is essential for export diversification, productivity growth, and technological adoption, offering developing economies […]
Nigerian Customs to Integrate with ECOWAS e-System for Abidjan-Lagos Corridor
In a significant move to streamline trade along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, the Customs Directors General from Nigeria, Ghana, and three neighboring African countries have agreed to adopt the ECOWAS electronic Interconnected Transit Goods Management System (SIGMAT). This agreement aims to facilitate trade by enabling the electronic sharing of information on goods in transit, replacing the […]
Securing the Future: Addressing Nigeria’s Major Data Breach Crisis
Recently, Nigeria has been grappling with a significant data breach crisis, affecting numerous sectors and exposing sensitive information. This breach highlights the urgent need for enhanced data security measures. Understanding the Impact The data breach has wide-ranging implications across various industries, including international trade, energy, forensics, and environmental management. Compromised data can disrupt supply chains, […]
Leveraging the WTO Chairs Programme for Inclusive Trade.
The WTO Chairs Programme Annual Conference brought to light the pivotal role of academic research in ensuring that trade benefits all segments of society. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the program’s impact on making trade inclusive for women, young people, indigenous populations, and the environment. Held in Geneva, the conference united members of the Chairs Programme […]
Unlocking the Potential of African Cotton: A Call for Greater Collaboration.
At the 9th Global Review of Aid for Trade, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addressed the significant strides made in the WTO-FIFA-led “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative. This ambitious project aims to boost African countries in the cotton value chain, enabling them to gain more from their cotton production. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala celebrated the expansion of this multi-agency […]
Driving Inclusive Economic Growth: Insights from the Douala EGM on Boosting Intra-African Trade.
On June 19, 2024, Douala, Cameroon, hosted a pivotal Expert Group Meeting (EGM) convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union (AU). This significant event focused on evaluating and advancing the Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT) Action Plan in alignment with the revolutionary objectives of the African Continental […]
AfCFTA Challenges and Their Impact on African Market Integration.
Recent insights from FDI Intelligence highlight the challenges hindering the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) among African nations. These challenges, compounded by infrastructure deficits and limited access to finance, pose significant barriers to achieving a unified African market. As of May 30, 2024, the AfCFTA has been in force for […]
Harboursim LP at the Forefront.
Our Principal Consultant, Soji Awogbade, chaired a session at the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, focused on Climate Change Finance and Sustainable Development. This marks his 8th appearance at the summit, solidifying our company’s position as a thought leader in international trade, energy, environmental sustainability, and forensics. At Harboursim LP, we’re dedicated to driving […]
Key Insights from the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit: Accelerating Climate Finance and Local Adaptation.
The 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, held from 10-13 June 2024, convened stakeholders and experts to address pressing environmental challenges and opportunities in Lagos State. The summit focused on accelerating climate finance and championing local adaptation initiatives as crucial steps toward achieving sustainable development goals. Among the distinguished speakers, Soji Awogbade, Principal Consultant at […]
Celebrating Visionaries: Honouring Soji Awogbade, Benoît de la Fouchardiere, and Julius Rone at IAE 2024.
At the recent Invest in African Energy 2024 (IAE 2024) forum in Paris, France, distinguished individuals were honoured for their exceptional contributions to shaping Africa’s oil and gas sector. This event celebrated the pioneering efforts of industry leaders, showcasing their dedication to driving positive change and fostering collaboration within the industry. Soji Awogbade, Principal Consultant […]