A temporary halt on the implementation of new US tariffs has offered a brief sigh of relief to African economies, but experts warn that the broader challenges facing the continent’s trade and industrialization ambitions remain unresolved.
The United States recently announced a pause on additional tariffs targeting a range of imports from developing nations, including several African countries. The move comes amid growing diplomatic pressure and concern over the long-term impact of rising protectionism on global trade. While this decision offers short-term breathing room for exporters, economists caution that the structural vulnerabilities of African economies persist.
For many African countries, the US represents a key export market, particularly in sectors such as textiles, apparel, agriculture, and minerals. Kenya, for example, has seen its apparel industry grow significantly under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free access to the US market. A continuation of heavy tariffs would have dealt a serious blow to such industries, threatening thousands of jobs and stalling export-driven growth. However, Trade experts argue that the pause is not a solution, but rather a delay in addressing deeper issues.
A Nairobi-based trade policy analyst, Dr. Amina Kalume underscored that while the pause on US tariffs is welcome, Africa must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The global trade environment is changing, and the continent needs to accelerate efforts to diversify markets, boost intra-Africa trade, and industrialise.
Despite ongoing efforts to promote regional integration through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intra-African trade remains underwhelming, hovering around 14% of total African trade. Infrastructure deficits, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and weak value chains continue to hinder progress.
Moreover, African economies remain heavily reliant on the export of raw materials, often at low prices, while importing high-cost finished goods. This trade imbalance leaves countries vulnerable to external shocks, such as commodity price fluctuations and shifting global trade policies.
The current geopolitical landscape adds further complexity. With ongoing tensions between major economic powers, particularly the US, China, and the EU, African nations may find themselves caught in the crossfire of trade wars and shifting alliances.
“There’s a real risk that African countries become collateral damage in broader economic rivalries,” said Professor Jean-Paul Mbaye, an economist at the University of Dakar. “What’s needed is a long-term vision that strengthens internal markets, builds manufacturing capacity, and lessens dependence on any single trading partner.”
In the meantime, governments across the continent are being urged to use this window of opportunity to implement policy reforms, invest in local industries, and explore new export markets beyond traditional partners like the US and Europe. Regions in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America offer untapped potential for strategic trade relations.
As African leaders prepare for the next African Union Summit and continued negotiations under AfCFTA, the focus is expected to shift toward building resilience through economic transformation.
“The goal must be to future-proof African economies,” said Kalume. “That means not just reacting to global shifts but proactively shaping our trade and industrial policies to serve African interests first.”
While the pause in US tariffs is a welcome development, it underscores a more urgent truth: Africa’s economic future cannot hinge on the decisions of foreign governments. The path forward lies in deeper integration, strategic investment, and a commitment to building self-reliant economies across the continent.