China-Africa Trade 

The Chinese have been very keen to forge trade agreements to benefit their ecommerce exports in SA and elsewhere in Africa. In that regard, EFA was invited to a meeting between AfriLabs (which brings together innovation hubs around Africa), the Chinese organisors of the recent e-Silk Road conference in Europe, and ourselves. The proposal was for a China-Africa Ecommerce conference in the first quarter of 2024.  We will keep readers informed.

The China-Africa Trade Index, based on trade-indicator data between China and African countries, was released for the first time at the opening of the 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo on Thursday in Changsha. The index, which was released by the General Administration of Customs, shows strong growth in trade over the past 2 decades and indicates that trade between China and Africa has become increasingly close, with trade potential continuing to grow. In the first 5 months of 2023, China’s total import and export volume with Africa reached 822.32 bn yuan (US$113.5 bn), up 16.4% year on year, according to the China’s data.

It is worth noting that China has agreed to participate actively in the development of the AfCFTA, and provide continued support to the AfCFTA secretariat towards the full integration of Africa.