African leaders and business experts gathered Thursday for the webinar “Trump, Trade, and Africa: Turning Policy Shifts into Opportunities” to discuss how evolving U.S. trade policies could provide significant opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, chairperson of the East African Business Council (EABC), called for a unified African stance and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to leverage the policy shifts. “Africa must position itself as a key player in global trade, particularly as the U.S. administration redefines its approach to international business relations,” Akol said.
Trade as a Catalyst for Growth
John Thomas of Nestpoint Associates outlined the transactional nature of the new U.S. administration’s trade policies. “Africa has a unique opportunity to benefit from increased U.S. tariffs on China by positioning itself as an alternative supply chain hub,” Thomas said. He also highlighted Africa’s growing potential in the technology sector, particularly in data centers, which could serve as a valuable asset for future economic expansion.
Regionalization and AGOA’s Expiration
During the webinar’s panel session on “Navigating Policy Shifts for Africa’s Economic Growth,” Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS, chairperson of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and vice chairperson of EABC, discussed the global trade shift from globalization to regionalization and localization of global brands. Bedi also pointed to the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on September 30, 2025, which has supported U.S.-Africa trade relations for decades. “AGOA has been instrumental in bolstering U.S.-Africa trade relations, but as its expiration nears, we must prepare for the future,” Bedi said.
Bedi noted that Africa’s economy accounts for only 3.5% of the global economy and contributes just 2% of U.S. imports, suggesting the continent does not pose major competition in terms of global market share or geopolitical influence. Despite this, he emphasized Africa’s demographic advantage, with its young and rapidly growing population. “We must capitalize on this asset by focusing on value-added commodities and fostering regional integration,” Bedi added.
Unlocking Investment and Trade Opportunities
Michael P. Murphy, chief strategy officer at Fairfield Management and senior advisor to Africa at Nestpoint Associates, described the ongoing U.S. policy shifts as a historic opportunity to redefine trade and investment relations with Africa. “This is a historic opportunity for the U.S. to unlock capital and invest more deeply in Africa,” Murphy said. “The new U.S. administration is eager to prioritize greater American investment in Africa.”
Dr. Valencia de la Vega, an expert in manufacturing leadership and supply chain management, spoke about the importance of optimizing transportation between Africa and the U.S. through AI-driven logistics solutions to improve supply chain efficiency. “AI-driven logistics can dramatically improve transportation between Africa and the U.S., unlocking new efficiencies for trade,” de la Vega said. She also highlighted key trade and investment sectors, including renewable energy, battery production, textiles, and the research and development of value-added manufacturing.
Shifting Focus from Aid to Trade
EABC Vice Chairperson Simon Kaheru reinforced the sentiment that Africa should pivot from relying on aid to focusing on trade. “Africa must move beyond its reliance on aid and focus on trade as the pathway to long-term development,” Kaheru said. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been reshaping its global aid priorities, moving away from traditional support structures. Over the past two decades, AGOA has played a pivotal role in enhancing Africa’s access to the U.S. market, supporting economic growth and job creation across the continent. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, African countries benefiting from AGOA exported approximately $103 billion worth of non-crude products to the U.S. between 2001 and 2022.
The webinar, moderated by Adrian Njau, acting executive director of EABC, attracted more than 300 stakeholders, including policymakers, thought leaders, and business executives from Africa and the U.S. “We are here to discuss how current policy shifts can turn into actionable opportunities for Africa’s economic transformation,” Njau said.
As AGOA’s expiration nears, experts agree that it is vital for African nations to strategically position themselves in global trade discussions to ensure long-term economic growth.
