US tariff increases under Donald Trump have created uncertainty for African economies, impacting jobs, exports, and industrial sectors.
Lesotho’s textile industry faces potential losses of 13,000 jobs, while Afri-Expo has already laid off 500 workers due to declining US demand.
Madagascar’s vanilla industry struggles with falling prices, forcing farmers to exit the market.
In response, experts call for accelerated African integration to reduce dependency on external markets. Countries are adopting strategic measures: Tanzania is boosting regional exports, Ethiopia is exploring new coffee markets, and South Africa is diversifying trade toward Asia, Europe, and South America.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is positioned to enhance intra-African trade and industrial diversification.
Policymakers are urged to focus on domestic value addition and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, China has offered zero-tariff access to 53 African nations, presenting an alternative pathway for economic resilience amid global trade tensions.
