This week reinforced AfCFTA as the central driver of Africa's next trade phase.
South Africa advanced economic diplomacy under AfCFTA, while GITEX Africa highlighted the scale of digital infrastructure required to support continental trade, including demand for more than 700 data centres. At the same time, China confirmed its zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries effective 1 May 2026, creating a significant external demand opportunity for African exporters.
Intra-African trade forecasts also strengthened, with projections pointing to 10 percent growth in 2026, reaching approximately USD 230 billion. The direction is clear. Africa's trade expansion is shifting from policy to execution, with digital infrastructure, regional supply chains, and export readiness becoming the primary drivers of value creation.
The opportunity is no longer theoretical. The infrastructure of African trade is being built now, and the firms that move first will define the corridor.
Latest developments from key markets.
Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka participated in the Economic Diplomacy and AfCFTA Colloquium, reinforcing South Africa's commitment to structured partnerships and regional trade growth.
This strengthens South Africa's role as a policy and industrial anchor within AfCFTA, particularly for manufacturing, services, and regional supply chains.
Prepare AfCFTA compliance and localisation strategies to capture early-mover opportunities in value-added exports and regional distribution networks.
Momentum is growing across borders.
At GITEX Africa Morocco, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene noted that Africa requires more than 700 data centres to support digital trade under the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. Intra-African trade is projected to grow by 10 percent to approximately USD 230 billion in 2026.
This signals major opportunities across cloud infrastructure, payments, connectivity, and cross-border commerce. Regional supply chains and localised manufacturing will play a central role in capturing AfCFTA growth.
Position early in digital infrastructure, fintech, logistics, and telecoms to shape standards and secure first-mover advantage. Build corridor-based expansion strategies and strengthen regional distribution networks.
South Africa's AfCFTA engagement aligns with broader regional integration and export diversification across Southern Africa.
Southern Africa continues to emerge as a key implementation region for AfCFTA industrial coordination, offering established logistics corridors and manufacturing capacity.
Prioritise Southern Africa as a gateway for regional manufacturing and export expansion under AfCFTA frameworks.
China confirmed its zero-tariff policy covering 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries, effective 1 May 2026.
This significantly expands African export access to China across agriculture, manufacturing, and processed goods, rewarding exporters who can deliver compliant, value-added products at scale.
Secure logistics capacity, compliance frameworks, and offtake agreements ahead of the 1 May implementation date.
Digital Infrastructure: position investments in data centres, cloud, and payments aligned with the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.
Regional Supply Chains: accelerate localisation and corridor-based manufacturing strategies to capture AfCFTA growth.
China Market Access: lock in logistics, compliance, and export capacity ahead of the zero-tariff rollout on 1 May 2026.
Policy Engagement: participate in AfCFTA implementation forums and regulatory shaping processes to secure early-mover positioning.
"AfCFTA is entering its execution phase. The conversation is shifting from policy commitments to infrastructure, logistics, and digital capability."
The requirement for more than 700 data centres underscores the scale of what must be built to unlock continental trade. China's zero-tariff opening expands export potential, but the advantage will favour firms that can deliver compliant, value-added goods at scale. Companies that invest early in digital infrastructure, payments, and regional logistics will shape the next phase of African trade. The firms that move first will define the corridor.