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  1. Negotiations

Africa

Bilateral deal-making involving governments of Africa.

photo: World Bank/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Japan proposes ‘economic zone’ linking Indian Ocean to Africa, seeks greater role in the region
22-Aug-2025 The Asahi Shimbun
Japan’s Prime Minister proposed an economic zone connecting the Indian Ocean to Africa as the country seeks to play a greater role in the African continent while America’s presence there decreases and China’s influence rapidly grows.
Japanese government is considering signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with African countries
19-Aug-2025 Maeil Business newspaper
The Japanese government is considering signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with African countries. The priority is the eastern part, which is a major logistics hub such as Kenya, and Nigeria, which has a large population.
New white elephants in Africa?
19-Aug-2025 bilaterals.org
The third summit on financing African infrastructure development is set to take place in Luanda from 28 to 31 October 2025. It aims to mobilise capital from Africa and elsewhere to strengthen the corridor strategy and boost investment in infrastructure to increase trade within the AfCFTA.
South Africa counters US trade pressure with new trade deal with China
18-Aug-2025 Business insider Africa
A preliminary trade agreement with China focuses on the export of five types of stone fruit. This development signifies a strategic shift by South Africa to diversify its trade partnerships.
Kenya revives FTA negotiations with US as clock ticks towards Agoa expiry
15-Aug-2025 Zawya
Kenya has announced plans to kickstart negotiations with the United States on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that President Donald Trump initiated during his first administration.
Where a zero-tariff deal won’t fly
30-Jul-2025 Politico
As President Donald Trump rushes to finalize new trade deals before the end of the month, American companies operating abroad are still waiting for clarity on existing agreements. South Africa will not accept a trade deal with the United States that eliminates all tariffs on American goods.
Canada eyes investment pact as Ethiopia opens $169bn economy
25-Jul-2025 Finance in Africa
As Ethiopia opens its doors to foreign investment, Canada is positioning itself to be among the first in line, with legal safeguards in place.
‘It ain’t feasible’: Ethiopia rules out EAC bid, roots for continental free trade
23-Jul-2025 Capital News
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Investments noted that joining the EAC would demand harmonization of trade policies and revenue-sharing frameworks—changes that could strain Ethiopia’s economic structure if implemented prematurely.
Namibia, Tanzania fortify trade and investment opportunities
21-Jul-2025 New Era Live
The two countries are only now starting to deepen their bilateral relations, with more targeted initiatives in the pipeline and will be announced in due course. A major gap remains in trade and capital cooperation, as per the Tanzanian president. However, both counterparts have agreed to take joint measures to bridge this gap.
Trump’s Africa summit heats up rivalry for continent’s resources
18-Jul-2025 Bloomberg
US President Donald Trump’s meeting with African leaders shows a sense of urgency in competing for scarce resources with China, which recently lifted tariffs on imports from the continent.

    Links

  • African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) legal texts and policy documents
    Tralac’s page on the African Continental Free Trade Area
  • SEATINI Uganda
    The Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI) is a regional non-governmental organization founded in 1996 soon after the WTO Singapore Ministerial Conference — mainly focusing on WTO, but also bilateral and regional trade negotiations in Africa.
  • SEATINI Zimbabwe
    The Southern and Eastern African Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI) is an African initiative to strengthen Africa’s capacity to take a more effective part in the emerging global trading system and to better manage the process of globalization.