Harnessing Africa’s External Trade Partnerships for ‘Agenda 2063’

In the context of the African Union’s 50-year vision, Agenda 2063, this paper provides an analyti­cal account and critical assessment of Africa’s strategic trade relations with two of its most impor­tant traditional partners, the European Union and the United States; and with two of its most important emerging partners, China and India. Based on the insights these provide, the paper identifies some emerging global issues which could have an impact on Africa’s trading position and its prospects for industrial development. This is followed by indicative policy considerations that could provide strategic guidance to African leaders as well as highlight opportunities and challenges for realising the goals of Agenda 2063. The paper concludes by examining the implica­tions of the changing dynamics of Africa’s key trade relations.