The ingredients for export success in Africa

“African countries can increase trade amongst themselves if they back the political commitment to integration as contained in various regional trade agreements with the appropriate policies and actions,” World Trade Organisation deputy director-general Valentine Rugwabiza said in Johannesburg recently. And debunking the entrenched view that Africa cannot trade with Africa, he pointed out that Kenya had shown that increased trade with other African countries was possible within the right framework. “The majority of Kenya’s exports (over 50%) are destined for other Comesa member states, particularly Tanzania and Uganda. It is also among the largest foreign investors in these countries.” South Africa, he added, had also seen its trade with SADC member states and other African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya blossom. “MTN, the South African telecommunications operator, is now operating in 16 African countries and a significant portion of its profits is increasingly coming from these countries. South African retailers are also establishing a footprint in many African countries.” All of these success stories show that with the right regulatory frameworks and political will, the potential for trade amongst African countries could be unlocked and contribute tremendously to the growth and development goals of the continent, he said.