Program
Africa
Africa’s Trade Relations

After decades of hyper-globalization, global trade is shifting towards reshoring supply chains in advanced economies alongside increased regional integration in other parts of the world. In 2019, African countries created the world’s largest single free trade area, the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Our work on trade examines the changing landscape of Africa’s trade relations and the implications of regional integration for export diversification and new trade agreements for access to global markets as well as the future of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

article
How Is China’s Economic Transition Affecting Its Relations With Africa?

China’s slowing growth will increasingly impact its economic relations with Africa. Policy directions within African countries and third parties such as the United States will greatly shape how these changes in the China-Africa relationship continue to unfold.

· May 30, 2024
commentary
How the AGOA Reauthorization Process Could Help Diversify U.S. Critical Mineral Supplies

The ongoing African Growth and Opportunity Act reauthorization process could facilitate the expansion of U.S.-Africa trade in critical minerals.

· April 30, 2024
In The Media
in the media
America Should Not Allow Its Trade Program With Africa to Die

Growth and Opportunity Act should be reimagined and made fit for an era of renewed great power competition.

· February 8, 2024
Financial Times
commentary
Africa’s Infrastructure-Led Growth Experiment Is Faltering. It Is Time to Focus on Agriculture

African policymakers should embrace a more pragmatic economic agenda that recognizes and capitalizes on Africa’s comparative edge: a greater abundance of land rather than low-cost labor.

  • David Ndii
· April 21, 2023
paper
Africa’s Infrastructure-Led Growth Experiment Is Faltering. It Is Time to Focus on Agriculture.

Instead of fixating on infrastructure, African countries should look to the experience of Latin American countries with similar resource endowments: a greater relative abundance of land than low-cost labor.

  • David Ndii
· December 20, 2022
commentary
Will U.S.-China Competition Shape Kenya’s Trade Trajectory?

Kenya’s notable progress in securing regional and international trade deals is positioning the country as an important trading economy.

· September 15, 2022
commentary
Latest Milestone for the African Continental Free Trade Area: The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System

In the long run, PAPSS could also substantially reduce dependence on external currencies, and the associated financial volatilities. Cross-border transactions such as remittance transfer by migrants within Africa and exchanges among small businesses should be easier, quicker, and cheaper.

· February 7, 2022
commentary
The WTO’s Historic New Leader

Can the leadership of a distinguished Nigerian economist steer the World Trade Organization onto a steadier course?

· February 18, 2021