African trade ministers are set to convene an emergency meeting on April 14 to deliberate on how the continent will respond to newly imposed U.S. import tariffs, following an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The directive, effective April 9, will impose varying import tariffs on several countries, with Ghana facing a base rate of 10%, while others like Lesotho could see rates as high as 50%.
Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, described the move as a wake-up call for Africa to accelerate its journey toward economic self-sufficiency.
“We must respond strategically, and in Africa’s best interest,” he said, emphasizing that the upcoming meeting would help determine the continent’s collective stance.
Meanwhile, the AfCFTA Secretariat has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Bar Association of the United States.
This partnership is intended to enhance legal and economic collaboration between both parties. However, concerns linger over the implications of Trump’s “America First” policy, which some fear could undermine Africa’s benefits from bilateral trade arrangements.
Wamkele Mene reassured stakeholders that Africa would prioritize mutual respect and benefit in its trade engagements, stating “We are not going to support partnerships where Africa comes last. Our goal is to transform this challenge into an opportunity.”
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