AfCFTA Vital Amid Global Trade Uncertainty, Say African CEOs in Newly Released PAFTRAC Report
The 5th Africa CEO Trade Report highlights resilience, digitisation, and sustainability as key drivers of Africa’s trade future.
The Pan-African Private Sector Trade and Investment Committee (PAFTRAC), in partnership with African Business, launched the Africa CEO Trade Report 2025 on the sidelines of the WTO Public Forum. The report, based on responses from more than 2,000 senior executives across 51 African countries, provides the most comprehensive snapshot yet of how African businesses are navigating today’s uncertain and turbulent global economy.
Key findings from the report include:
- AfCFTA resilience: Almost all respondents (98%) see the AfCFTA as crucial to safeguarding Africa’s trade interests, with over half rating it “extremely important.”
- Digital leap: More than half of African firms now use digital payments, though high costs, poor internet connectivity, and cybersecurity risks remain barriers.
- Green momentum: 98% of executives believe sustainability is central to future trade strategy.
- New frontiers: Businesses are increasingly exploring partnerships with the Gulf States and the Caribbean.
Commenting on the report’s findings, Professor Patrick Utomi, Chairperson of PAFTRAC, said: “The AfCFTA offers a foundation for building integrated markets and value chains, while digitisation and sustainability provide the means to future-proof African trade.”
The report comes at a time when global trade is disrupted by U.S. tariff hikes, geopolitical tensions, and fragile supply chains. African businesses, however, are responding with resilience and strategic foresight, reinforcing the continent’s role in shaping a fairer and more inclusive global economy.
Get the report here: https://african.business/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PAFTRAC25_Report.pdf
