The 2026 outlook for Africa highlights resilience amid global uncertainty. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to outperform global growth, with forecasts of 4.3% in 2026, led by fast-growing economies like Guinea, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Major African economies, including Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya, are projected to grow above 3%, while South Africa lags at 1.4%. Geopolitical and geoeconomic risks—including tariffs, state-based conflicts, military interventions, and foreign influence from the US, China, Russia, and Gulf countries—pose challenges for African nations. Despite these risks, Africa’s economic reform potential, natural resource leverage, and intra-African trade through AfCFTA offer opportunities for sustainable growth. 2026 will test African resilience, but strategic policies can transform uncertainty into growth.
Tag: trade
Why Africa needs collaborative funding value chains to drive intra-continental trade
Africa’s path to stronger intra-continental trade relies on collaborative funding value chains that unlock growth for SMEs. Despite the AfCFTA’s potential to boost regional exports and integrate a $22 billion market opportunity, small businesses still face a $100 billion annual trade-finance gap, infrastructure limits, and information barriers. By aligning commercial banks, DFIs, government agencies, and fintech innovators, Africa can streamline due diligence, expand access to liquidity, improve market intelligence, and create a borderless trade ecosystem. This collaborative model can accelerate SME competitiveness, drive cross-border commerce, and help lift millions out of poverty through sustainable economic growth.
The Economics of Trust: Comoros and the UN’s Digital Trade Model
Comoros is leveraging UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA, deployed across 100-plus economies, to turn customs digitalization into macro-level gains, with export and import transactions up since 2020 and customs revenues rising despite headwinds. By aligning with international standards and preparing for an EU-funded expansion of its Single Window, the island economy is positioning itself to participate more effectively in AfCFTA trade corridors and to convert paperwork into policy-grade data.
Driving Africa’s Digital Future: Insights from Tamu Dutuma, Absa’s Head of Strategy & Transformation
Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy & Transformation at Absa Regional Operations, shares insights on unlocking SME growth in Africa through technology, cross-border trade, digital payments, and ecosystem collaboration. He highlights the transformative role of fintech, partnerships, and early-stage startup engagement in shaping Africa’s digital economy.
NIQ State of Retail: Signs of recovery in some sectors, but consumer spending remains cautious
NielsenIQ’s State of the Retail Nation report for the first half of 2025 reveals a mixed retail landscape in South Africa. While consumer spending in the FMCG sector reached R324.4 billion—reflecting a 7.4% year-over-year growth—there are signs of cautious spending, driven by high food prices and unemployment. Traditional trade outlets are surging in popularity, outpacing modern trade growth. Notably, private label sales slowed, while independent brands bounced back. The Tech & Durables (T&D) market remained sluggish, particularly in the smartphone segment, with a decline in sales value and units. However, growth was seen in small appliances and IT hardware. As consumers focus on value-driven purchases, brands must target promotions and adapt to the changing spending priorities of South African households.
Lesotho.biz – A Smart Digital Asset Investment
Lesotho.biz, a premium exact-match domain representing the Kingdom of Lesotho, is now on auction at SEDO. This short, memorable, and globally recognizable domain is ideal for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking a digital foothold in Lesotho or targeting international audiences. With its .biz extension, it is perfectly suited for e-commerce, tourism, trade platforms, and national branding projects. As a rare digital asset in a politically stable and emerging economy, Lesotho.biz offers a strategic opportunity to establish a strong online presence and capitalize on growing interest in the region.
How to Start a Food Trading Business in Dubai: Guide for Entrepreneurs
Dubai’s booming food trading sector offers global entrepreneurs a prime opportunity to tap into international markets. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for setting up a food trading company in Dubai, from choosing the right jurisdiction and securing licenses to understanding compliance and estimating costs. With tax incentives, strategic location, and advanced logistics, Dubai stands out as an ideal hub for food import and export ventures.
Global Trade Credit Insurance Claims Drop in 2024, but Africa Remains Key Risk Zone, Survey Finds
Global trade credit insurance claims dropped in both volume and value in 2024, with total claims falling by nearly 25% to just over $400 million, according to a survey by the Lloyd’s Market Association and partners. Despite the decline, Africa remained the leading source of claims, accounting for 71% of cases. Most claims were paid promptly, highlighting the reliability of trade credit insurance, particularly in high-risk regions and infrastructure sectors.
Major New Study Challenges the ‘Clothes Dumping in Africa’ Narrative
A new study by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, commissioned by Humana Lithuania, examines the export of second-hand clothing from Sweden to Kenya. Tracing the journey from collection and sorting to resale, the report dispels the myth of “clothes dumping” in Africa. Instead, it finds that the second-hand clothing trade supports a circular economy, creates jobs, and delivers environmental and economic benefits to both Europe and Kenya. The research emphasizes the importance of quality control and highlights Kenya’s robust mitumba market.
Driving Economic Transformation: The Role of ICT in Empowering Emerging Markets
The article explores the transformative role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in driving economic growth in emerging markets, with a particular focus on the AfTIAS 2.0 program in Algeria. Through targeted initiatives, AfTIAS 2.0 supports startups and SMEs by improving competitiveness, providing training, and enabling global participation. The program emphasizes the role of digital transformation in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering women and youth in the ICT sector. Despite challenges, AfTIAS 2.0 is helping Algeria and other Arab states leverage ICT to fuel sustainable economic development.