Navigating global headwinds: Africa's trade landscape and growth opportunities

Michael Chui Leonardo Gambacorta Emanuel Kohlscheen
4 Authors
PDF (8 Pages)
Type
Publication
Series
BIS Bulletin 109
Date Published
18 July 2025
Sources
Asia Office

Key takeaways

  • Africa is not immune from trade challenges. Its direct exposure to new US tariffs is relatively limited, but indirect effects through slower global demand and financial conditions may be larger.
  • Strengthening regional trade integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can help build regional supply chains and reduce reliance on commodity exports.
  • Africa's young workforce, digital innovation and rich natural resources provide longer-term growth tailwinds. Unlocking these opportunities requires investment in skills, infrastructure and financial integration to boost trade and value-added.
The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BIS or its member central banks.
PDF (8 Pages)

Authors

Michael Chui

Principal Economist

Monetary and Economic Department, Emerging Markets
Leonardo Gambacorta
Leonardo Gambacorta

Head, Emerging Markets

Monetary and Economic Department
Emanuel Kohlscheen

Senior Economist

Monetary and Economic Department, Emerging Markets
Han Qiu
Han Qiu

Economist

Monetary and Economic Department, Economics and Financial Markets for Asia and the Pacific

Additional files

PDF
Online appendix