The recent Tariffs by Trump have triggered urgent discussions among African trade leaders. The new U.S. directive, signed by President Donald Trump, imposes import tariffs on countries worldwide.
Under the tariffs by Trump policy, Ghana will face a base rate of 10 percent on imports from the U.S. Other countries like Lesotho could pay as much as 50 percent when the directive takes effect on April 9.
Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, confirmed that African ministers of trade will converge for a crisis meeting on April 14. The meeting will be to deliberate on how the continent should respond to the tariffs by Trump.
Wamkele Mene stressed that while Africa must act quickly to deal with these tariffs by Trump, it is equally a wake-up call to the continent. He said, “The President of the United States has given us a wake-up call, and the wake-up call is that we must accelerate our own economic self-sufficiency. The ministers of trade will meet on the 14th of April to deliberate on this matter and exactly how our continent should respond.”
New Partnerships Aim to Mitigate Impact of Trump’s Tariffs
While preparing to respond to tariffs by Trump, AfCFTA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. National Bar Association. The agreement focuses on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment. The agreement also seeks to strengthen collaboration with the African diaspora and promote legal and economic partnerships within the AfCFTA framework.
Despite this development, concerns remain that tariffs by Trump and America-first policies could limit Africa’s gains. However, Wamkele Mene maintains that Africa will not compromise its interests.
“We will continue to pursue that trade and investment partnership that is based on mutual respect and mutual benefits. We will pursue what is in Africa’s best interests, not last interests- but best interests, as we seek a path forward,” he declared.
Turning Tariffs by Trump Challenges Into Opportunities
Wamkele Mene expressed confidence that Africa can turn the tariffs by Trump challenge into an opportunity. He emphasized the importance of pursuing Africa’s development goals despite external trade restrictions.
Mene stated, “Combined with some of the trade instruments that we have introduced, as well as the overall liberalization objective of the AFCFTA, I believe that we are well-positioned as a continent to turn this crisis into an opportunity.”
Many African stakeholders remain hopeful that the agreement with the U.S. National Bar Association will promote dialogue. They believe this partnership can help Africa navigate the legal and economic impacts of tariffs by Trump.
