Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has predicted a major shift in Africa’s trade priorities as rising global tariffs particularly from the United States begin to challenge the continent’s export-dependent economies.
Speaking at the International Democrat Union (IDU) Forum, Dr. Bawumia argued that the resurgence of protectionist policies globally will accelerate Africa’s push for self-sufficiency and strengthen regional trade under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He cited the recent U.S. tariff hikes as a turning point.
“The U.S. has raised its average tariff rate from about 2.4% to 10%, the largest increase since 1943. The impact of this will not be insignificant,” he said.
Although Africa’s overall trade exposure to the U.S. remains relatively low, accounting for just 6.5% of exports and 4.4% of imports.
Dr. Bawumia emphasised that certain African economies are particularly vulnerable.
He pointed to Lesotho as an example, where around 50% of exports, primarily textiles, are destined for the U.S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
With the new tariff regime, those advantages are at risk.
“AGOA is essentially going to collapse under these tariffs,” Dr. Bawumia warned.
In response to these developments, he foresees a growing momentum for self-reliant economic policies across the continent.
“What you’re going to see in Africa, just as elsewhere, is a stronger call for self-reliance. And you’ll see greater political will to promote intra-African trade as a buffer against global shocks,” he stated.