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On global trade: Africa must unite or perish

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  • Nicholas Biekpe

    (Chartered Institute of Development Finance)

Abstract

The combined GDP of Africa, in 2025, was approxi- mately USD 3.6 trillion (nominal)1. According to Forbes India 2, the ten largest economies, by GDP in April 2025, are USA (USD 30.51 trillion), China (USD19.23 trillion), Germany (4.74 trillion), India (USD 4.19 trillion), Japan (USD 4.19 trillion), UK (USD 3.83 trillion), France (USD 3.21 trillion), Italy (USD 2.42 trillion), Canada (USD 2.23 trillion) and Brazil (USD 2.13 trillion). This means that the GDP of India is more than the entire African continent combined. The statistics above underlies the insig- nificant role played by Africa in global trade. The three biggest trade development challenges facing Africa are the continent’s inability to maintain peace and security (which are core to trade facilitation), inability to optimise cross border trade and lack of technology needed to produce finished products for export to the rest of the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Biekpe, 2025. "On global trade: Africa must unite or perish," Development Finance Agenda, Chartered Institute of Development Finance, vol. 10(3), pages 1-3.
    • Handle: RePEc:afj:journ4:v:10:y:2025:i:3:p:3
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    File URL: https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/ejc-defa_v10_n3_a1
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