The week of November 23 to 30 brought important movements shaping Gulf and African trade.
South Africa launched its first Clean Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union, which stabilises its green export outlook at a time when AGOA has expired. Morocco's Africa Investment Forum secured more than five billion dollars in new commitments, strengthening infrastructure and renewable energy projects that include several Gulf investors.
Across the continent, AfCFTA-linked private capital flows continue to gain traction and are expected to support a 4.2 percent expansion in Africa's GDP next year, driven by digital growth and clean energy. Kigali's Gulf-Africa mission confirmed the depth of GCC investment interest, even as geopolitical risks threaten to slow momentum.
Latest developments from key markets.
On November 20, 2025, South Africa signed its first Clean Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union. The agreement focuses on renewable energy, critical raw materials, and sustainable supply chains.
The agreement secures more than ten billion dollars in EU foreign direct investment during a period of uncertainty after AGOA expiry. It is expected to lift GDP by 2–3% through growth in green exports and battery value chains. United States tariffs remain a risk and could reduce revenue by 1–2%.
Hosted the Africa Investment Forum 2025 Market Days from November 26 to 28 and secured more than five billion dollars in infrastructure and private capital commitments.
The forum strengthens Morocco's role within AfCFTA and supports a projected 20% rise in foreign direct investment inflows. It remains an important destination for Gulf-backed renewable energy partnerships. Political uncertainty, however, could delay projects by up to 10%.
Momentum is growing across borders.
The Africa Investment Forum highlighted progress in private capital mobilisation and regulatory reform. It projected fifty billion dollars in deals facilitated through AfCFTA.
The forum is expected to support 4.2% GDP growth across Africa in 2025. The discussions highlighted a renewable energy investment pipeline of 22 billion dollars. Infrastructure gaps remain a major constraint and could reduce efficiency by 20%.
Kigali hosted a high-level Gulf-Africa Trade Mission on November 28 that expanded cooperation between African governments and GCC states.
Cumulative GCC investment into Africa now exceeds 113 billion dollars since 2012, with growing attention to food security corridors in East Africa. Geopolitical tensions may disrupt 5–10% of expected trade and investment flows.
MTN Group supported the Nigeria-South Africa Presidential Trade Dialogue on November 26, which focused on deepening bilateral investment activity.
The dialogue aligns with AfCFTA's goal of raising intra-African trade to 30%. Opportunities in digital infrastructure are significant, although ongoing US tariff pressures could trim regional growth by about 1%.
Make full use of the South Africa-EU CTIP by expanding participation in renewable energy and sustainable supply chain projects.
Position ahead of Morocco's infrastructure and renewable energy opportunities.
Support private capital mobilisation across AfCFTA trade corridors.
Strengthen Gulf-Africa food security and logistics partnerships based on insights from the Kigali mission.
Track WTO reform efforts closely and use bilateral agreements to reduce exposure to tariff and geopolitical shocks.
"Gulf-Africa ties are moving from high-level intent to practical execution. Governments and private capital are aligning around green value chains and AfCFTA-led integration."
For leaders, the takeaway is straightforward. The most competitive strategies this cycle will be built around digital capacity, clean energy investment and deeper Gulf partnerships.