Trade ministers from across Africa have gathered in Kinshasa this week to chart a unified response to Washington’s unexpected move to impose sweeping tariffs on African imports, a decision that has unsettled several economies across the continent.
The United States had earlier announced a 10/percent baseline tariff on goods from nearly all African nations, with some countries—such as Lesotho—facing rates as high as 50/percent. Although the Trump administration temporarily suspended the measure for 90 days, the brief pause has done little to ease mounting concerns among African policymakers.
For over two decades, African exporters have relied on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to access the U.S. market duty‑free. The abrupt policy reversal has reignited debates over dependency on Western trade preferences and is being viewed by many as a sharp wake‑up call.
The Kinshasa summit, convened under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aims to forge a coordinated position before the suspension period lapses. Organizers say the meeting reflects a broader urgency to strengthen intra‑African trade and shift toward a more self‑reliant continental economy.
“Tariffs of this magnitude, even if delayed, threaten hard‑won economic progress,” one official told our reporters. “This is a moment for Africa to rethink its global trade posture.”
Dr. Da Sen, founder of Africa Catalyst, emphasized the importance of intra‑African collaboration during the summit, noting that “this tariff dispute offers Africa a unique opportunity to advance its economic independence and reframe its global trade position.”
In 2023, African exports totaled $682 billion, with less than 6/percent —around $40 billion—headed to the United States. While that may seem minor on a continental scale, the impact is deeply uneven. Countries like South Africa, which recorded a $9 billion trade deficit with the U.S. last year, risk losing critical export markets. South African products such as vehicles, wine, aluminum, and chrome could become uncompetitive almost overnight if the tariffs are enforced.
The U.S. has hinted at a pivot toward bilateral trade agreements—most notably with Kenya—but such arrangements have triggered debate. Critics warn that fragmenting Africa’s negotiating power could undermine the broader goals of AfCFTA, which seeks to reduce internal trade barriers and present a unified front in international talks.
Ministers in Kinshasa are also wary of a possible surge in dumped goods from outside the continent, should African exports lose ground in key overseas markets. Several delegations have called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect African industries from such shocks.
The Kinshasa talks are scheduled to continue through the week, with working groups focused on risk mitigation, legal preparedness, and long‑term trade alignment. A final communiqué is expected by Friday, with leaders pushing for a bold continental stance as they brace for an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.