African Trade: How small businesses can finally tap Into the free trade zone {Business Africa}

Business Africa African Trade: How small businesses can finally tap Into the free trade zone {Business Africa} ©   -   Copyright © africanews Africanews By Afolake Oyinloye Last updated: 30/07 - 18:18 Business Africa Africa's Economic Ambitions Meet Grassroots Reality Nearly a decade after the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), many of the small businesses it was designed to empower say its benefits remain out of reach. While the agreement promises a unified market across Africa, entrepreneurs continue to face barriers such as poor infrastructure, complex border procedures, and limited access to trade opportunities, highlighting the gap between policy goals and everyday economic realities. In an interview with International Trade Centre (ITC) Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton, we examine why many micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have yet to benefit from the AfCFTA, despite significant progress in implementing the agreement. The discussion also explores how economic diversification, green certifications, and expanded access to trade finance can help African businesses become more competitive and resilient in regional and global markets. Togo builds local computers to power Africa's digital future Elsewhere, Togo is taking steps to strengthen its technology sector, with a local company assembling computers from imported components. The initiative aims not only to boost domestic IT manufacturing but also to train local engineers and create skilled employment, supporting the country's long-term industrial development. Recyclers benefit as plastic demand surges amid shortages In Egypt, meanwhile, the country's renowned informal recycling hub, "Garbage City," is experiencing a surge in demand. Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have limited imports of plastic raw materials, prompting manufacturers to turn to locally recycled plastics and providing an unexpected boost to the recycling industry. up next 11:19 Ecowas : will the ECO finally become a reality in 2027? [Business Africa] 27/08 - 15:38 11:19 DRC: Will the copper export ban finally deliver mineral sovereignty? {Business Africa} 21/08 - 14:06 11:20 West Africa: gold rush reshapes the mining market [Business Africa] 13/08 - 16:21 Share More About African economy CFTA Computers Togo Recycling Egypt up next 11:19 Ecowas : will the ECO finally become a reality in 2027? [Business Africa] 27/08 - 15:38 11:19 DRC: Will the copper export ban finally deliver mineral sovereignty? {Business Africa} 21/08 - 14:06 11:20 West Africa: gold rush reshapes the mining market [Business Africa] 13/08 - 16:21 On the same subject NEWS 01:01 US due to cut off UAE branches of Egypt's Banque Misr over Iran ties 29/08 - 16:16 THIS IS CULTURE 02:20 Gaani festival celebrates history of resilient peoples united by shared history 29/08 - 14:27 NEWS 00:57 China's President Xi to hold talks with Egyptian counterpart in Cairo 26/08 - 14:20 NEWS 01:13 Egypt: Sufi muslims celebrate Mawlid al-Nabawi in Cairo 25/08 - 22:53 THIS IS CULTURE 01:30 US returns dozens of smuggled artifacts from three different eras to Egypt 22/08 - 12:24 NEWS 01:09 China and Egypt launch second joint air force exercise 14/08 - 18:08 More stories 01:25 General Abdourahamane Tchiani Calm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 8 hours ago 01:02 Coup Vote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 7 hours ago 00:56 United Kingdom Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 3 hours ago