African trade ministers will convene on April 14 to deliberate on a new U.S. tariff policy introduced by President Donald Trump that threatens to reshape global trade dynamics.

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The policy imposes a blanket 10 percent tariff on imports from over 100 nations a move that could place significant pressure on African exporters.

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The upcoming summit will assemble a coalition of trade experts, government officials, economists, and regional blocs to examine the policy’s implications and strategize Africa’s collective response.

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Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), addressing journalists from Washington, D.C., cautioned that Africa must not remain passive in the face of such sweeping trade realignments.

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“This isn’t just a U.S. policy shift; it’s a signal that Africa must tighten its economic foundation,” Mene said. “We can’t afford to be caught off guard. We must respond with urgency and unity.”

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The tariff, expected to affect a broad range of African exports — from agricultural products and raw materials to textiles and manufactured goods — raises concerns about the future of Africa’s trade relationships with the U.S., especially under existing frameworks like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

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Mene noted that the real challenge lies not in reacting to protectionist policies, but in preparing for them.

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“We should treat this as a turning point,” he said. “Rather than depend on uncertain access to distant markets, we must create reliable trade systems among ourselves. This is a pivotal moment for AfCFTA to move beyond ambition and into full implementation.”

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While the U.S. policy is likely to affect several global partners, African nations—many of which rely on export-led growth—could face the harshest consequences if timely measures are not adopted.

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In anticipation of those impacts, the April 14 meeting will explore policy alternatives, trade diversification, and accelerated continental integration to ensure African economies remain resilient amid rising global protectionism.

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“Africa must now define its own trade future,” Mene emphasized. “And we must do so together.”

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