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

Business AfricaAfrican Trade: How small businesses can finally tap Into the free trade zone {Business Africa}©   -   Copyright © africanews AfricanewsBy Afolake OyinloyeLast updated: 30/07 - 18:18Business AfricaAfrica'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 futureElsewhere, 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 next11:19Ecowas : will the ECO finally become a reality in 2027? [Business Africa] 27/08 - 15:3811:19DRC: Will the copper export ban finally deliver mineral sovereignty? {Business Africa} 21/08 - 14:0611:20West Africa: gold rush reshapes the mining market [Business Africa] 13/08 - 16:21ShareMore About African economy CFTA Computers Togo Recycling Egyptup next11:19Ecowas : will the ECO finally become a reality in 2027? [Business Africa] 27/08 - 15:3811:19DRC: Will the copper export ban finally deliver mineral sovereignty? {Business Africa} 21/08 - 14:0611:20West Africa: gold rush reshapes the mining market [Business Africa] 13/08 - 16:21On the same subjectNEWS01:01US due to cut off UAE branches of Egypt's Banque Misr over Iran ties 29/08 - 16:16THIS IS CULTURE02:20Gaani festival celebrates history of resilient peoples united by shared history 29/08 - 14:27NEWS00:57China's President Xi to hold talks with Egyptian counterpart in Cairo 26/08 - 14:20NEWS01:13Egypt: Sufi muslims celebrate Mawlid al-Nabawi in Cairo 25/08 - 22:53THIS IS CULTURE01:30US returns dozens of smuggled artifacts from three different eras to Egypt 22/08 - 12:24NEWS01:09China and Egypt launch second joint air force exercise 14/08 - 18:08More stories01:25General Abdourahamane TchianiCalm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 8 hours ago01:02CoupVote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 7 hours ago00:56United KingdomNotting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 3 hours agoRead the full article at Africanews