THE East African Business Council (EABC) has suggested the need for a unified African position and strong public-private collaboration to transform evolving US trade policies into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.

John Lual Akol, Chairperson of the (EABC), emphasized the need for Africa to leverage emerging trade opportunities under the new U.S. administration. He made these remarks yesterday during the webinar “Trump, Trade, and Africa: Turning Policy Shifts into Opportunities.”

John Thomas of Nestpoint Associates highlighted the transactional approach of the U.S. administration, noting its openness to new trade deals. He pointed out that Africa could benefit from increased U.S. tariffs on China by positioning itself as an alternative supply chain hub. He also underscored Africa’s potential in the technology sector, particularly in data centers.

Michael P. Murphy, Chief Strategy Officer at Fairfield Management and Senior Advisor to Africa at Nestpoint Associates, described current U.S. policy shifts as a historic opportunity to redefine U.S.-Africa trade and investment relations. He noted that the new administration is expected to prioritize unlocking capital, creating investment opportunities for Americans in Africa and beyond.

Dr Valencia de la Vega, an expert in Manufacturing Leadership and Supply Chain Management, emphasized the need to optimize transportation between Africa and the U.S. using AI-driven logistics solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency. She highlighted key trade and investment sectors, including renewable energy, battery production, textiles, and research & development in manufacturing value addition.

"Africa should focus on trade rather than aid," stated Simon Kaheru, EABC Vice Chairperson.

USAID is reshaping its aid priorities and areas of engagement globally. Over the past two decades, AGOA has played a critical role in improving Africa’s access to the U.S. market, supporting economic growth, job creation, and industrial development across the continent. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, African beneficiary countries exported approximately $103 billion worth of non-crude products to the U.S. between 2001 and 2022.

The webinar, moderated by Adrian Njau, Acting Executive Director of EABC, brought together over 300 stakeholders, including thought leaders, policymakers, and business executives from Africa and the U.S. The discussions focused on turning U.S. policy shifts into actionable opportunities for Africa’s economic transformation.