Category: Africa

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SA’s automotive industry continues to drive investment, jobs and innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

Despite the global headwinds, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in South Africa’s auto industry noting that it is making the investments needed to build resilience, protect jobs and lead the way into a new era of green mobility. 

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President emphasised that protecting existing jobs in the automotive sector is paramount, particularly in the light of the looming US tariffs. 

“The need to diversify our export base has become all the greater. We are committed to working with the sector to expand its continental footprint, building on the already strong growth of exports to the SADC [Southern African Development Community] region and leveraging the trade relationships that exist,” he said.

The President highlighted that South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry, with roots dating back over a century, remains one of the country’s most resilient and impactful sectors.

According to the President, the industry has not only cemented itself as the largest manufacturing sector in South Africa but continues to evolve and contribute significantly to the economy.

“Since the first assembly plants were established in the Eastern Cape in the 1920s, the auto industry has grown to become the largest manufacturing sector in the country. South Africa’s role in global vehicle manufacturing has expanded and grown,” he said. 

Major international auto brands, including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, currently operate production plants in the country. These facilities serve both the domestic market and international export destinations, with exports making up around two-thirds of local vehicle production. 

“The sector currently supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than 500,000 across the value chain. It contributes approximately 5.3% to GDP [Gross Domestic Product].”

Sustainability

However, he cautioned that the industry faces mounting pressures, including new emissions regulations in key markets such as the European Union and fresh tariffs from the United States.

“With exports currently accounting for approximately two-thirds of local vehicle production, it is critical that we strengthen the sector to not only overcome current headwinds, but to ensure its long-term sustainability,” the President said.

Last week, the President attended the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model. 

READ | President hails BMW’s local production of plug-in hybrid as milestone for green mobility

The President said the shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in a number of markets means that green mobility is becoming increasingly important for automotive manufacturers. 

He described BMW’s latest investment, which follows its pledge at the 2023 South Africa Investment Conference as “a welcome signal to investors that South Africa remains a favourable place to do business.” 

Government, he said, is actively working to ensure an enabling regulatory and policy environment that supports growth in the automotive sector. He pointed to the Automotive Production and Development Programme as a key mechanism to position South Africa “as a key global manufacturing base for vehicles of the future.”

Youth development

Beyond manufacturing, the President emphasised the sector’s contribution to youth development and skills training.

“BMW, for example, has a training academy that focuses on competencies like EV assembly and robotics. The company is also a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which was established between Government and the private sector to create work experience opportunities for young people.

“BMW’s participation in this programme has supported more than 3,500 young people with training and work placements across all nine provinces.”

President Ramaphosa also encouraged other companies to follow BMW’s example and broaden their involvement in the YES programme. 

“We have invited more companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service programme as broadly as BMW has done. 
“We are working to ensure that more production takes place locally, creating more employment. To do this, we must upskill our workforce and facilitate the creation of new companies across the value chain,” he said. 

He also acknowledged the role of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone’s Centre of Excellence, which includes an artisan training academy, incubation hub, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education initiatives for high school learners. 

“There are also a number of industry-driven training initiatives focusing on technical and artisanal skills, and deepening collaboration between Government departments, vocational colleges and companies to grow a new skills pipeline,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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NSFAS reaffirms commitment to transforming higher education under new leadership

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ministry of Higher Education and Training and the broader government vision of transforming the higher education sector through innovative funding models and inclusive policies.

The recommitment comes after the recent appointment of new Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela and Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

The NSFAS Board extended its congratulations to both appointees and expressed confidence in their leadership.

“The board is confident that Minister Manamela’s leadership will inspire ongoing progress and innovation within the sector, thereby promoting greater access and success for South Africa’s students. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Minister to advance accessible, high-quality higher education for all South Africans,” NSFAS said in a statement.

The board also welcomed Dube-Ncube to her new role, commending her extensive experience in public service.

“Her unwavering dedication will undoubtedly enhance the ministry’s efforts to support learners and institutions nationwide,” NSFAS said.

The appointments were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, following the removal of Dr Nobuhle Nkabane as Minister of Higher Education and Training.

Manamela previously served as Deputy Minister in the same department, a role he held from the 6th administration. 

President Ramaphosa appointed Dube-Ncube in terms of Section 93(b) of the Constitution.

Dube-Ncube brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, among other senior roles.

NSFAS reiterated its role as a key partner in the national effort to improve access and quality in higher education.

“NSFAS remains dedicated to supporting the ministry’s vision and government’s vision of transforming higher education through innovative funding solutions and inclusive policies. The board looks forward to collaborating with both the Minister and the Deputy Minister to further these important goals,” NSFAS said.

Both Manamela and Dube-Ncube were sworn in as Minister and Deputy Minister during a ceremony, held at Tuynhuys in the presence of President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa’s Lithium Market Expansion Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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Africa’s lithium industry is gaining strong momentum in 2025, marked by new project launches, significant discoveries, increased capital inflows and progress in local value addition. In a major milestone for downstream development, Zimbabwe’s Verify Engineering announced in July the successful production of the country’s first locally manufactured lithium-ion battery. The development aligns with Zimbabwe’s national strategy to ban unprocessed lithium exports by 2027 – a move aimed at driving beneficiation, enhancing domestic industrial capacity and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global battery value chain.

These advancements lay the foundation for the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – which will spotlight emerging opportunities across the continent’s lithium value chain.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

New Discoveries

As the official platform for advancing Africa’s mining prospects, AMW 2025 will provide global stakeholders with key updates on the continent’s latest lithium discoveries and project developments. Among these, UK-based Aterian and global major Rio Tinto announced Rwanda’s first lithium find at the HCK Lithium Project in July 2025 – marking a pivotal milestone in the country’s mining sector. Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, Atlantic Lithium reported the discovery of spodumene-bearing pegmatites at its Agboville and Rubino licenses in March 2025. The find comes as the company progresses its flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana, set to become the country’s first industrial-scale lithium operation.

First Production Milestones

AMW 2025 will also spotlight Africa’s growing lithium production capacity and its rising contribution to the global battery mineral supply chain, as several first-production milestones are achieved across the continent. In July, Premier African Minerals commenced operations at its Zulu Lithium Plant in Zimbabwe, reinforcing the country’s role as a leading global lithium producer. Earlier in February, UK-based Kodal Minerals began spodumene concentrate production at its Boungouni Project in Mali, targeting a steady monthly output of 10,000 tons, primarily destined for export to China. Meanwhile, Mali’s Goulamina Project – operated by China’s Ganfeng Lithium – achieved first production in January, with Phase 1 capacity reaching 506,000 tons, positioning the site among the largest lithium operations worldwide.

New Financing Unlocking Africa’s Potential

AMW will also showcase financing deals and innovative mechanisms accelerating the growth of the lithium sector. In July, Canada’s Lithium Africa raised over C$3.4 million through a private placement to fund exploration and development projects across Morocco, the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali and Zimbabwe. That same month, Nigeria’s Continental Lithium expanded its working capital through a strategic merger with Chariot Corporation to support its hard rock lithium assets in Oyo and Kwara states. Meanwhile, in May, U.S. startup KoBold Metals pledged $1 billion to develop the Manono Lithium Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following its acquisition of project operator AVZ Minerals.

As Africa rapidly positions itself as a major hub for lithium production, AMW serves as the focal point for industry dialogue. The event will spotlight investment-ready opportunities and facilitate deal-making between African stakeholders and global financiers, advancing the continent’s ambitions in the lithium space.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Southern Africa Leaders Unite to Advance Bold Health Agenda for Resilience and Equity

Source: APO


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Ministers of Health and senior representatives from ten African Union (AU) Member States in Southern Africa issued a renewed call for collective action on health financing, climate resilience, and outbreak preparedness as they gathered in Lilongwe from 24–25 July 2025 for the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting.

The Government of Malawi hosted the meeting, which was officially opened by Hon. Khumbize Chiponda, Malawi’s Minister of Health, representing the Right Honourable Vice President, Dr. Michael Biswick Usi. The meeting was convened under the theme “One Region, One Health, One Future,” reaffirming the region’s collective commitment to protecting the health of its people.

ReSCO has become a vital platform for countries to align regional priorities and advance the continental health agenda, at a time when Southern Africa faces rising climate-related health threats, persistent disease outbreaks, and growing demands on frontline health systems.

In his keynote address, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), called for transformative investments to secure Africa’s health future.

“Africa’s health future must be shaped by African leaders, for African people,” said Dr Kaseya. “To get there, we must ignite a revolution in health financing, one that invests in regional institutions, accelerates local manufacturing, and ensures sustainable systems that serve our communities.”

Over the course of the two-day deliberations, ministers resoundingly affirmed the urgency of collective leadership and regional unity in advancing health security. Opening the meeting, Hon. Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, issued a powerful call for solidarity, urging Member States to act with resolve in confronting shared public health challenges. Reinforcing this message, Hon. Dr Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia and Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board, reminded delegates that “One Region, One Health, One Future” is not merely a thematic expression, it is a strategic imperative that must drive coordinated action across the continent.

The Committee adopted several major outcomes that will shape the region’s health trajectory. These included the appointment of Hon. Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora as Regional Champion for Climate and Health, acknowledging the urgent link between environmental factors and public health threats. Hon. Dr Luvindao was also named Regional Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, reinforcing the region’s drive to increase domestic investment in health.

Member States also approved the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and endorsed major recommendations from the 8th Ordinary and 9th Extraordinary Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC) meetings. These included practical guidance on the implementation of the Continental Immunisation Strategy (CIS) and improved community-based outbreak surveillance. The Committee further adopted Africa CDC’s “Green Book” vision, a continent-wide pact aimed at rethinking health financing, governance, and service delivery.

A key highlight of the meeting was the Southern Africa ReSCO Award Ceremony, which honoured visionary leaders for their outstanding contributions to strengthening public health across the region. Dr Kaseya was recognised for his exceptional leadership at the continental level. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, former Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, and Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo, former Minister of Health of Zambia, were celebrated for their enduring public service and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration. Dr Lul P. Riek, Regional Director of the Southern Africa RCC, received special commendation for his instrumental role in operationalising the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre and advancing regional public health coordination.

These recognitions highlighted a central theme of the meeting: that real progress depends not just on frameworks and funding, but on the commitment, leadership, and unity of those entrusted with protecting the health of communities.

As the meeting concluded, Member States reaffirmed their resolve to scale up implementation of the African Union’s 2 Million Community Health Workers Initiative, advance the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, and strengthen regional public health systems.

With renewed solidarity and political will, Southern African countries are poised to turn commitments into action. The outcomes of the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting mark a decisive shift, from dialogue to delivery. Africa CDC calls on all stakeholders, governments, and partners to act with urgency: invest in frontline capacity, empower health workers, and build resilient systems that leave no community behind.

Namibia was selected as the host of the 5th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemns abduction of Health Ministry staff in Morobo County, and urges for immediate protection of healthcare workers

Source: APO


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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) strongly condemns the abduction of a Ministry of Health (MoH) staff member from an MSF ambulance in South Sudan’s Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, at around 10:00 am on 25 July 2025. Although the staff member was released unharmed on 26 July, this incident further highlights the growing violence against healthcare workers in South Sudan.

The staff member was accompanying patients who had been referred for advanced medical care in Yei and were returning to Morobo after their discharge. During the journey, armed individuals intercepted the ambulance, forced the MoH staff member to leave the vehicle, and abducted her. The MSF driver, other staff, and patients were allowed to continue.

“What we are witnessing is a disturbing and unacceptable trend, where the impartial provision of healthcare services faces indiscriminate attacks,” says Dr. Ferdinand Atte, MSF’s head of mission in South Sudan. “This incident is not just an attack on one individual; it is a direct assault on the healthcare system meant to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Over the past few months, there has been a deeply concerning rise in attacks on healthcare in South Sudan. MSF has been forced to close two hospitals in South Sudan due to these attacks. In Yei and Morobo counties, the volatile security situation continues to present ongoing challenges for the delivery of medical and humanitarian services. In May, MSF made the difficult decision to reduce its outreach services in these counties due to increased insecurity. As a result, MSF provided only 3,427 consultations in May and June 2025—half the number recorded during the same period in 2024. This sharp decline leaves already isolated communities, who live far from health facilities, with even fewer life-saving medical services.

Attacks on healthcare workers and facilities not only endanger the safety of health workers but also disrupt critical access to medical care for vulnerable communities that depend on these services.

MSF has been working in South Sudan for over 40 years, responding to major crises including conflicts, floods, and disease outbreaks, and continues to deliver lifesaving care despite ongoing violence. But no medical worker should have to risk their lives to save others. This is already the fourth serious security incident affecting MSF in just seven months, putting both our staff and the patients who rely on us at risk.

“MSF continues to call on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in South Sudan to fulfil their obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including healthcare workers, patients, and medical facilities and guarantee safe access to populations in need. Healthcare workers must never be targeted,” Dr Ferdinand adds. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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49 Qatari Aid Trucks Arrive in Egypt, Jordan on Way to Gaza Strip

Source: APO


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As part of the State of Qatar’s ongoing humanitarian support for the brotherly Palestinian people, 49 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid arrived in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The aid was provided by the State of Qatar through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in cooperation with Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent Society. It will be delivered to the World Food Programme (WFP) for distribution to those in need in the Gaza Strip via the Rafah and Zikim crossings.

The aid included 4,704 food parcels for 4,704 families for more than 28,224 beneficiaries, 200 tons of food baskets targeting approximately 50,000 beneficiaries, 174 tons of flour for 43,000 beneficiaries, and 5,000 units of baby formula for the most vulnerable children.

This aid comes amid the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip resulting from the ongoing blockade. It embodies Qatar’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and its commitment to alleviating their deepening suffering and providing urgent relief to the most affected groups.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

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Canon to celebrate the very best in photojournalism at Visa pour l’Image

Source: APO

This September, Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) will be championing the work of photojournalists for the 36th consecutive year, as part of its decades-long partnership with Visa pour l’Image. During the festival’s Pro Week (September 1-6), held in Perpignan in the south of France, Canon will honour the craft of documentary storytelling, awarding two independent project grants, bringing together industry experts to foster meaningful exchange and providing resources for the professional community at the Canon space. As a special highlight this year, Canon has also invited Reuters to showcase a selection of images from the upcoming book ‘In the Moment’, celebrating 40 years of Reuters photojournalism.

Canon to recognise outstanding contributions to photojournalism with two grants

For a quarter of a century now, Canon and Visa pour l’Image have awarded at times career-defining project grants to female photojournalists pursuing a long-term documentary project, alongside the opportunity to showcase their work on the acclaimed Visa pour l’Image stage. This year, the international jury, consisting of leading industry professionals, has chosen to award French photojournalist Marion Péhée for her ongoing photographic investigation of young adults in Ukraine with the Canon Female Photojournalist Grant. With the grant money of €8,000, she hopes to reconnect with young Ukrainian teenagers who she met 10 years ago and to continue exploring the complexities of growing into adulthood in a frontline region.

Alongside this, Canon together with Visa pour l’Image are pleased to be presenting photojournalist, documentary DP and filmmaker Shiho Fukada with the sixth Canon Video Grant for her short-film documentary project ‘Echoes of Little Tokyo’, an intimate reflection centred on Fukui Mortuary, a fifth-generation Japanese American family-run funeral home, serving the Little Tokyo community in Los Angeles since 1918. Set in one of America’s most endangered historic neighbourhoods, the film reflects on what it means to carry a family tradition forward in a world of ongoing displacement and change.

“Canon has long championed photojournalism, and our partnership with Visa pour l’Image reflects our shared commitment to empowering independent voices and bold storytelling. The chosen projects are each a reflection on community perseverance, shaped either by war, discrimination or gentrification. What stood out to us this year across both projects is the unabated dedication to the subject, the emotional depth captured in the work, and the portrayal of wider generational implications”, says Ingrid Masachs, EMEA Marketing Director at Canon.

Preserving the key events that shape our world

This year, Canon has also invited Reuters to showcase a selection of images from the upcoming book ‘In the Moment’. From quiet moments of resilience to defining points in history, this timely publication captures four decades of Reuters news photography and will be released in early October 2025.

Printed by Canon and exhibited in the Canon festival space at the Palais des Congrès, this powerful collection highlights some of the most iconic, moving, and historic moments captured by Reuters photographers over the past four decades and offers an unrivaled insight into the workings of an agency that has long been at the centre of global events.

Canon support at Visa pour l’Image

During the festival in Perpignan, expert technicians from Canon Professional Services (CPS) will be available for accredited photographers, providing a free check-and-clean service of their equipment at the Canon space on the ground floor of the Palais des Congrès. Professional photographers will also have an opportunity to speak to Canon product experts, take out the latest cameras on loan and have an image from their portfolio printed on Canon’s fine art printers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/457ci0e) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: (www.Canon-CNA.com)

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Sign, Graphics, and Imaging (SGI) Dubai 2025 drives new horizons for Africa’s print and signage investors

Source: APO

SGI Dubai 2025 returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 22–24, inviting African investors and trade visitors to witness the latest breakthroughs in printing, labelling and digital signage. As the preeminent B2B showcase for the Middle East and Africa, this year’s 28th edition is calibrated to fast‑track market leadership and deliver measurable returns on investment. African visitors can register by clicking on this link – https://apo-opa.co/3Ul9uYt.

Africa’s printing market is surging, with a regional valuation of approximately USD 2 billion in 2023 and a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent through 2030 according to 6Wresearch (http://apo-opa.co/4fkvOuL). Simultaneously, the Middle East and Africa digital signage solution market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 2.3 billion in 2025 at an 11.1 percent CAGR as per Straits Research (http://apo-opa.co/41gz8Bc). These dynamics reflect an accelerating shift toward digital, colour and smart‑labelling solutions—an imperative for African businesses seeking differentiation and efficiency.

“Africa’s print and signage sector stands at the threshold of a new era,” said Abdulrahman Falaknaz, President of International Expo Consults. “SGI Dubai 2025 is designed to accelerate innovation adoption and catalyse partnerships. Investors and buyers from Nairobi to Lagos and Cairo to Cape Town will discover the technologies and service models that will redefine productivity, sustainability, and profitability across their markets.”

Last year, SGI Dubai welcomed over 200 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and tens of thousands of trade visitors representing every major growth market. SGI Dubai 2025 will elevate that experience with purpose‑built zones spanning large‑format and 3D printing, precision cutting and engraving, end‑to‑end labelling systems, advanced software platforms, sustainable substrates, and consumables. Live demonstrations, exclusive product launches and hands‑on workshops will enable African decision‑makers to assess equipment performance, negotiate bespoke financing and forge strategic alliances under one roof.

Registrants gain complimentary entry, access to curated networking lounges, business matchmaking and insights‑driven panel sessions led by industry veterans.

SGI Dubai 2025’s show profiles encompass the full spectrum of print and signage technology: large‑format and wide‑format printers, industrial 3D printers, digital display and LED signage, precision laser cutting and engraving, automated finishing systems, end‑to‑end labelling and barcoding, workflow software and colour management solutions, sustainable inks and substrates, and specialised materials for automotive wraps, textile printing and retail point‑of‑sale graphics.

Leading global technology providers will be on the show floor as they will showcase live demos of their latest hardware, consumables and software integrations—offering African buyers unprecedented access to innovations that drive faster turnaround, higher quality and lower total cost of ownership www.SignMiddleEast.com.

“I extend a personal invitation to every African print and signage professional to join us at SGI Dubai 2025,” added Falaknaz. “This is where you will discover the innovations that will revolutionize your operations, secure partnerships to scale your business across the continent and gain the competitive advantage you need in today’s fast‑moving markets. Come to Dubai this September and let SGI Dubai 2025 be the launchpad for your next chapter of growth and success.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Expo-Consults (IEC).

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Il est temps de passer à l’action : Renforcer le commerce et l’investissement entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes dans un contexte de perturbation du commerce mondial (Par Pamela Coke-Hamilton et Benedict Oramah)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Par Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Directrice générale du Centre du commerce international et Benedict Oramah, Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque (www.Afreximbank.com).

En dépit d’une longue histoire commune, les échanges bilatéraux entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes n’ont jamais dépassé 6 %, selon une étude de l’ITC et de la Banque africaine d’import-export (Afreximbank). De nouvelles études estiment pourtant qu’il existe un fort potentiel de croissance, pouvant atteindre 2,1 milliards de dollars au cours des cinq prochaines années. La clé de cette croissance réside dans la valorisation de secteurs prioritaires, tels que les minerais, les produits alimentaires transformés, les biens manufacturés, les transports, le tourisme et les industries créatives.  

Nous vivons une période incertaine.

Dans un contexte d’instabilité économique mondiale, de tensions géopolitiques et de fragmentation des chaînes d’approvisionnement, l’Afrique et les Caraïbes se trouvent à la croisée des chemins.

La plupart des pays des Caraïbes sont désormais soumis à un tarif douanier (http://apo-opa.co/455uBCM) uniforme de 10 % (http://apo-opa.co/455uBCM) sur les biens exportés vers leur principal partenaire commercial, les États-Unis — qui absorbent 40 % de leurs exportations totales. Quant aux pays africains, les tarifs dits (http://apo-opa.co/4lIyzZ7) réciproques varient (http://apo-opa.co/4lIyzZ7) entre 10 % et 50 %, le Lesotho étant le plus pénalisé parmi tous les partenaires commerciaux des États-Unis. Ces droits de douane annulent ainsi les avantages accordés par La loi américaine sur la croissance et les opportunités en Afrique (AGOA). 

Il s’agit là de véritables défis, en particulier pour les petites entreprises qui doivent s’adapter rapidement, souvent avec des ressources limitées. Mais il existe aussi des perspectives prometteuses à l’horizon — à condition d’avoir le courage de les saisir.

L’Afrique, pour sa part, entre désormais dans la phase de mise en œuvre accélérée de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), sans doute la décision la plus ambitieuse prise par les chefs d’État africains depuis plus de soixante ans. Ce traité peut non seulement transformer le commerce et le développement en Afrique, mais aussi renforcer la capacité des pays africains à négocier dans les forums multilatéraux — consolidant ainsi leur influence collective sur les règles du commerce mondial.   

Les Caraïbes, avec leurs économies de petite taille, éloignées et fortement dépendantes des importations, figurent parmi les régions les plus vulnérables aux chocs extérieurs — qu’il s’agisse de hausses tarifaires, de catastrophes climatiques ou de perturbations des chaînes d’approvisionnement. Cependant, elles ont aussi une réelle opportunité d’investir dans la stabilité à long terme et la croissance économique : en diversifiant leurs exportations et partenaires commerciaux, en transformant leurs produits avant exportation pour conserver davantage de valeur ajoutée, et en renforçant leurs liens commerciaux, tant régionaux qu’internationaux.

Alors que beaucoup adoptent une attitude attentiste face à la prochaine phase du commerce mondial, l’Afrique et les Caraïbes ne peuvent se payer un tel luxe. Fortes d’une histoire socioculturelle commune profondément enracinée, les deux régions ont aujourd’hui une occasion unique de renforcer leurs liens à travers une croissance économique et un développement portés par le commerce, dans un partenariat gagnant-gagnant. Elles peuvent ainsi devenir un modèle de coopération Sud-Sud, capable d’inspirer d’autres régions à suivre leur exemple.

Investir dans le commerce interrégional à valeur ajoutée

Malgré les efforts d’intégration régionale, le commerce entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes reste limité. Les données du Centre du commerce international (ITC) indiquent que les échanges bilatéraux n’ont jamais dépassé 6 % des exportations totales de chaque région. En réalité, les exportations africaines vers les Caraïbes sont en baisse depuis 2014, tombant à environ 0,1 % depuis 2020. De leur côté, les exportations caribéennes vers l’Afrique restent instables : de 0,8 % des exportations totales en 2020 à 2,3 % en 2022.

Pourtant, le potentiel de croissance est réel : le commerce interrégional, actuellement évalué à 729 millions de dollars US, pourrait atteindre 2,1 milliards de dollars US d’ici cinq ans, à condition de réduire les barrières commerciales et d’investir dans des secteurs clés.

La mise en place d’un corridor commercial formel permettrait de réduire les divergences réglementaires et les barrières non tarifaires. À titre d’exemple, les exportateurs de rhum caribéens font face à un droit de douane de 88 % à l’entrée sur les marchés africains — un frein majeur à leur développement.

Mais la suppression ou la réduction des barrières commerciales ne suffit pas.

L’accès au financement du commerce et de l’investissement est essentiel pour exploiter le potentiel inexploité du commerce de biens à forte valeur ajoutée. Cela est essentiel pour les secteurs prioritaires comme les minerais et métaux, les aliments transformés et les aliments pour animaux, les produits manufacturés, les transports, le tourisme et les industries créatives — des domaines dans lesquels les deux régions disposent d’avantages comparatifs et de synergies possibles. Aujourd’hui, les échanges reposent essentiellement sur des matières premières non transformées, reflétant une absence de collaboration dans les domaines de l’industrialisation, de l’innovation et de la diversification économique. 

La présence d’Afreximbank dans la région, à travers son bureau de la Barbade ouvert il y a deux ans, devrait stimuler considérablement le commerce entre les deux régions À cela s’ajoutent les projets de création du Centre du commerce africain d’Afreximbank (AATC) et de la Banque d’import-export de la CARICOM, une filiale d’Afreximbank.  Par ailleurs, le développement du Système de paiement et de règlement de la CARICOM (CAPSS), en partenariat avec les banques centrales de la CARICOM et Afreximbank, permettra de faciliter les paiements en monnaies nationales au sein de la CARICOM. Grâce à son intégration au système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS), le CAPSS accélérera l’intégration des systèmes financiers des deux régions tout en stimulant le commerce et les investissements entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes.

Dans l’économie créative en pleine croissance, par exemple, les deux régions ont déjà une longue tradition dans les domaines du textile, de la céramique et de la sculpture du bois, et peuvent s’appuyer sur leur patrimoine culturel commun.  La collaboration entre stylistes, musiciens et artistes africains et caribéens offre également un potentiel de croissance important.

Le programme Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) d’Afreximbank a identifié la mode, le design et l’artisanat comme chaîne de valeur prioritaire. Le financement du programme a été doublé, passant de 1 à 2 milliards de dollars US sur les trois prochaines années, afin de fournir les infrastructures, le financement et les ressources nécessaires pour faire croître les industries créatives africaines et de la diaspora à l’échelle mondiale. La Banque est également en train de mettre en place un fonds de capital-investissement de 500 millions de dollars US pour soutenir les cinéastes africains. Ces efforts reflètent l’ambition nécessaire pour transformer les industries créatives en moteurs de croissance mondiale.

Éliminer les goulets d’étranglement

Pour tirer pleinement parti de ces opportunités de croissance économique, il est essentiel de poser des bases solides. Parmi les principaux obstacles au renforcement du commerce entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes figurent la faiblesse des cadres institutionnels, les inefficacités logistiques et les carences en infrastructures. En dépit de leur proximité géographique — seulement 1 600 miles les séparent — l’absence de liaisons de transport directes et la faiblesse des cadres réglementaires rendent les échanges entre les deux régions particulièrement complexes.

Malheureusement, la logistique reste un goulot d’étranglement majeur. Les données du Centre du commerce international (ITC) indiquent que 57 % du potentiel commercial non exploité est lié à des problèmes logistiques. Les deux régions obtiennent de mauvais résultats sur l’indice logistique, selon la Banque mondiale, se classant parmi les plus faibles au monde en termes d’efficacité des transports. Il sera essentiel d’investir dans les infrastructures interrégionales, notamment dans les liaisons directes de transport maritime et aérien, l’amélioration des ports et le renforcement des infrastructures numériques.  

Par exemple, Afreximbank dispose actuellement d’une facilité de crédit de 3 milliards de dollars US pour les pays de la CARICOM, afin de stimuler l’infrastructure commerciale et la compétitivité des petites entreprises. Ce sont ces types d’accords, lorsqu’ils sont reproduits, qui font la différence à long terme.

Donner aux petites entreprises les moyens de saisir leur chance

Néanmoins, tout cela pourrait être vain si les petites entreprises des deux régions ne sont pas en mesure d’agir et de saisir elles-mêmes ces opportunités. Le projet de renforcement du commerce et de l’investissement entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes, une initiative menée par Afreximbank et le Centre du commerce international (ITC), établit des liens essentiels entre les secteurs privés d’Afrique et des Caraïbes. Cette entreprise ambitieuse vise à favoriser non seulement des partenariats commerciaux stratégiques, mais aussi des liens culturels. En collaboration avec l’Organisation du secteur privé des Caraïbes et l’African Business Council [Conseil des entreprises africaines], le projet permet aux deux régions d’identifier des opportunités économiques et de stimuler les échanges entre entreprises, ouvrant ainsi la voie à une synergie dynamique pour transformer le paysage économique de l’Afrique et des Caraïbes.

Les petites entreprises, qui représentent l’ossature des économies africaine et caribéenne, restent insuffisamment représentées dans le commerce international. La toute première Réunion ministérielle mondiale dédiée aux petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) s’est tenue ce mois-ci à Johannesburg, sous l’égide du Centre du commerce international (ITC) et du gouvernement sud-africain, dans le cadre de la présidence sud-africaine du G20. Afreximbank a facilité la participation de 15 ministres, dont 10 venus d’Afrique et 5 des Caraïbes. Quelques jours plus tard, le Forum sur le commerce et l’investissement entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes (ACTIF) débutera à Saint George’s, à la Grenade, du 28 au 30 juillet 2025, dans la poursuite des efforts en cours pour renforcer les échanges commerciaux et les investissements entre les deux régions. Pour participer, veuillez visiter https://ACTIF2025.com.

Notre alliance va bien au-delà d’une simple réponse aux incertitudes mondiales ; elle constitue un véritable modèle de commerce inclusif, résilient et axé sur les opportunités du XXIe siècle. En unissant leurs forces, l’Afrique et les Caraïbes peuvent démontrer que le commerce Sud-Sud est une solution concrète en cette période de profonds bouleversements.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

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Não mais oportunidades perdidas: Fortalecimento das relações comerciais e do investimento entre África e as Caraíbas numa era de perturbações no comércio mundial (Por Pamela Coke-Hamilton e Benedict Oramah)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Por Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Diretora Executiva, Centro de Comércio Internacional e Benedict Oramah, Presidente e Presidente do Conselho de Administração, Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com).

A quota das exportações bilaterais entre África e as Caraíbas, embora tenham uma longa história comum, nunca ultrapassou os 6%, de acordo com um estudo do ITC e do Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank), deixando uma grande margem para um crescimento de até 2,1 mil milhões de dólares nos próximos cinco anos, de acordo com novos estudos. A chave para este crescimento é a adição de valor em setores prioritários, tais como minerais, produtos alimentares transformados, produtos manufaturados, transportes, viagens e indústrias criativas.  

Vivemos momentos de incerteza.

Numa era marcada pela incerteza económica global, tensões geopolíticas e cadeias de abastecimento fragmentadas, África e as Caraíbas estão num momento crítico.

A maioria dos países caribenhos enfrenta agora uma tarifa geral de 10% (http://apo-opa.co/455uBCM) sobre os bens exportados para o seu maior parceiro comercial, os Estados Unidos, que absorvem 40% do total das suas exportações. As chamadas tarifas recíprocas sobre os países africanos (http://apo-opa.co/4lIyzZ7) variam entre 10% e 50%, com o Lesoto a enfrentar a tarifa mais elevada de todos os parceiros comerciais dos EUA, anulando as preferências concedidas através da Lei de Crescimento e Oportunidades para África (AGOA). 

Estes são desafios reais, especialmente para as empresas mais pequenas, que têm de se adaptar em pouco tempo e, muitas vezes, com recursos escassos. Mas há igualmente perspectivas promissoras no horizonte – se nos atrevermos a tirar proveito delas.

África, por exemplo, está agora a avançar para a implementação plena e acelerada do Acordo de Criação da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA), provavelmente a maior decisão tomada pelos Chefes de Governo africanos em seis décadas. Este tratado tem o poder não só de revolucionar o comércio e o desenvolvimento africanos, mas também de dotar os países africanos de um maior poder de negociação nas arenas multilaterais, reforçando assim a sua capacidade colectiva para alterar os termos do comércio mundial. 

As Caraíbas, com as suas economias mais pequenas, remotas e dependentes das importações, são uma das regiões mais vulneráveis aos choques externos, sejam eles provenientes de aumentos tarifários, desastres provocados por factores climáticos ou perturbações na cadeia de abastecimento. No entanto, têm igualmente a oportunidade de investir na estabilidade e no crescimento económico a longo prazo, diversificando as exportações e os parceiros comerciais, transformando os produtos antes da exportação para reter mais valor e reforçando os laços comerciais a nível regional e internacional.

Apesar de muitos estarem a adoptar uma abordagem de espera para ver como será a próxima fase do comércio mundial, para África e as Caraíbas, esta é uma abordagem que nenhuma das duas regiões se pode dar ao luxo de adoptar. Com a longa história sociocultural partilhada pelas duas regiões, está na hora de forjar laços muito mais profundos através de um crescimento económico e desenvolvimento mutuamente benéficos e impulsionados pelo comércio – e servir de modelo de cooperação Sul-Sul que inspire outros a seguir os seus passos.

Investir no comércio inter-regional e de valor acrescentado

Apesar dos esforços de integração regional, o comércio entre África e as Caraíbas continua a ser mínimo. Os dados do CCI revelam que o comércio bilateral nunca ultrapassou 6% do total das exportações de qualquer uma das regiões. Na verdade, as exportações africanas para as caraíbas diminuíram desde 2014 e têm-se mantido próximas de 0,1% desde 2020, ao passo que as exportações das caraíbas para África continuam voláteis, passando de apenas 0,8% do total das exportações em 2020 para 2,3% em 2022.

Há uma margem de crescimento, dos actuais 729 milhões de dólares em comércio inter-regional para potencialmente 2,1 mil milhões de dólares nos próximos 5 anos, se as barreiras comerciais forem eliminadas e se forem feitos investimentos nos principais sectores.

Um corredor comercial formalizado poderia reduzir as divergências regulamentares e as barreiras não tarifárias. Por exemplo, os exportadores de rum das caraíbas enfrentam actualmente uma tarifa de 88% quando vendem para os mercados africanos, o que constitui uma barreira significativa ao crescimento.

No entanto, eliminar ou reduzir as barreiras comerciais não é suficiente.

O acesso ao comércio e ao financiamento do investimento é vital para explorar o grande potencial de crescimento inexplorado no comércio de produtos de valor acrescentado. Isto é fundamental para sectores prioritários como os minerais e metais, os produtos alimentares transformados e alimentos para animais, os produtos manufacturados, as viagens, os transportes e as indústrias criativas, em que as regiões têm vantagens comparativas e são possíveis sinergias. O comércio entre as regiões depende actualmente em grande medida de produtos não transformados, o que reflecte oportunidades perdidas em termos de colaboração industrial, inovação e diversificação económica.

A presença do Afreximbank na região, através da sua delegação em Barbados, criada há cerca de dois anos, deverá impulsionar significativamente o comércio entre as duas regiões. Isto é ainda mais reforçado pelo projecto em curso para criar o Centro de Comércio Africano do Afreximbank (AATC) e pela iniciativa de criar o CARICOM Eximbank, uma subsidiária do Afreximbank. Além disso, o Sistema de Pagamentos e Liquidação da CARICOM (CAPSS), que está a ser desenvolvido pelo Afreximbank e pelos bancos centrais da CARICOM, vai aprofundar e melhorar a eficiência dos pagamentos intra-CARICOM em moedas nacionais. Através da sua integração com o Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamentos e Liquidação (PAPSS), o CAPSS vai acelerar a integração dos sistemas financeiros das duas regiões, impulsionando o comércio e os investimentos entre África e as Caraíbas.

Na economia criativa em rápido crescimento, por exemplo, ambas as regiões já têm tradições de longa data nos produtos têxteis, cerâmica e trabalhos em madeira, e podem aproveitar o seu património cultural comum. A colaboração entre designers, músicos e artistas africanos e caribenhos oferece igualmente um potencial significativo de crescimento.

O Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) do Afreximbank destacou a moda, o design e o artesanato como uma cadeia de valor prioritária e duplicou o financiamento do programa de mil milhões de dólares para dois mil milhões de dólares para os próximos três anos, com o objectivo de fornecer infra-estruturas, financiamento e recursos para expandir as indústrias criativas africanas e da diáspora a nível mundial. O Banco está igualmente a desenvolver um fundo de capital privado de 500 milhões de dólares para apoiar os cineastas africanos. Estes esforços reflectem a ambição necessária para transformar as indústrias criativas em motores de crescimento global.

Eliminar Obstáculos

Para tirar proveito dessas oportunidades de crescimento económico, é necessário criar bases sólidas. Os principais obstáculos ao aumento do comércio entre África e as Caraíbas incluem a fragilidade das estruturas institucionais, as ineficiências logísticas e as lacunas em termos de infra-estruturas. Apesar da sua proximidade geográfica – apenas 2500 km (1600 milhas) separam as duas regiões – a falta de ligações directas de transporte e a fragilidade dos quadros regulamentares tornam o comércio entre as duas regiões difícil.

Infelizmente, a logística continua a ser um grande obstáculo. Dados do CCI revelam que 57% do potencial comercial não realizado decorre de desafios logísticos. Ambas as regiões têm uma classificação baixa no índice de logística, de acordo com o Banco Mundial, situando-se entre as mais baixas do mundo em termos de eficiência dos transportes. O investimento em infra-estruturas inter-regionais será fundamental, incluindo ligações marítimas e aéreas directas, melhoria dos portos e reforço das infra-estruturas digitais.

Por exemplo, o Afreximbank tem uma linha de crédito de 3 mil milhões de dólares para os países da CARICOM, destinada a impulsionar as infra-estruturas comerciais e a competitividade das pequenas empresas. Estes são os tipos de acordos que, quando replicados, fazem a diferença a longo prazo.

Capacitar as pequenas empresas para aproveitar o momento

Mas tudo isso pode ser em vão, a menos que as pequenas empresas de ambas as regiões tenham condições de agir e aproveitar essas oportunidades por conta própria. O Projecto de Fortalecimento das Relações Comerciais e do Investimento entre a África e as Caraíbas, uma iniciativa liderada pelo Afreximbank e pelo CCI, está a criar laços vitais entre os sectores privados de África e das Caraíbas. Este esforço ambicioso visa cultivar não só parcerias comerciais estratégicas, mas igualmente laços culturais. Em colaboração com a Organização do Sector Privado das Caraíbas e o Conselho Empresarial Africano, o projecto capacita ambas as regiões para descobrir oportunidades de negócio e estimular o intercâmbio entre empresas, abrindo caminho para uma sinergia dinâmica que eleve o panorama económico tanto de África como das Caraíbas.

As pequenas empresas são a espinha dorsal das economias africanas e caribenhas, mas continuam sub-representadas no comércio. A primeira Reunião Ministerial Global das Pequenas e Médias Empresas foi organizada pelo CCI e pelo Governo da África do Sul em Joanesburgo este mês, no ano da presidência sul-africana do G20, que posicionou as pequenas empresas como importantes actores na reforma do comércio mundial. O Afreximbank possibilitou a participação de 15 ministros, 10 de África e cinco das Caraíbas. Dias depois, o Fórum de Comércio e Investimento de África e das Caraíbas (ACTIF) terá início em St. George’s, Grenada, de 28 a 30 de Julho de 2025, onde continuarão os trabalhos para aumentar o comércio e o investimento entre as duas regiões. Para participar, aceda a https://ACTIF2025.com.

A nossa aliança é mais do que uma simples resposta à incerteza global; é um plano para um comércio inclusivo, resiliente e orientado para as oportunidades no Século XXI. Juntos, África e as Caraíbas podem apresentar o comércio Sul-Sul como uma solução numa época de grandes mudanças.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.