Intra-African trade rose to an all-time high of $220.3 billion in 2024, reflecting a 12.4% year-on-year increase as the continent’s top economies recovered from previous global and regional disruptions. According to the 2025 African Trade Report by Afreximbank, the trade expansion was driven by renewed economic activity in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
ALSO READ: Kenya’s Economy Expands by 4.9% in Q1 2025
South Africa remained the continent’s largest intra-African trader, contributing $42.14 billion or 19.3% of the total, while Nigeria’s trade volume nearly doubled to $18.43 billion, securing its position as the second-largest contributor. According to Vanguard, these performances were supported by greater integration into regional value chains, improvements in transport logistics, and increased export capacity in manufacturing and refined petroleum.
The report attributes the trade growth in part to early-stage implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has begun to facilitate tariff reductions and boost cross-border commerce. According to The EastAfrican, trade diversification has become more visible, with countries expanding their intra-African exports beyond raw materials to include processed goods and industrial inputs.
ALSO READ: ACCI Urges Nigerian Government to Unlock Trillion-Naira Space Economy
Despite the upward trend, a persistent trade finance gap continues to hinder broader participation in intra-African trade, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Afreximbank reported a $100 billion shortfall in available financing and has pledged to double its support to $40 billion by 2026 to ease access to capital and support regional trade expansion.
Looking ahead, the implementation of digital payment platforms such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), along with harmonized customs protocols, is expected to further accelerate trade integration. According to Reuters, full AfCFTA implementation could increase intra-African exports by as much as 81% over the medium term, strengthening the continent’s economic resilience amid global trade uncertainty.
