Introducing the AGTA Trade Intelligence Report: Issue 01 is out
When Made in Africa evolved into the Africa Global Trade Alliance, we made a commitment in our Global Trade Charter: the knowledge generated across the alliance should return to its members. The AGTA Trade Intelligence Report is how we keep that commitment, every month.
Each issue follows the same format. It gives a global overview of trade and Africa’s place in it, then features one country to know, one product to understand and one leader to learn from. It closes with opportunities members can act on through AGTA.
Issue 01 arrives at a revealing moment. On 8 October the World Trade Organization raised its 2026 forecast for world goods trade growth to 3.9%, double its March projection. Investment in artificial intelligence is pulling trade along despite war in the Middle East. Africa is set to do better still, with merchandise exports forecast to grow 5.6% and imports 8.9%. Intra-African trade reached US$213.8 billion in 2025, according to Afreximbank.
The gains are uneven, though. Brent crude is near US$104 a barrel, container rates remain high, and AGOA access to the United States is secured only until 31 December 2026. Commodity prices are swinging hard in both directions.
Inside this issue:
- Country Trade Showcase: Ghana. Ghana has completed its IMF programme, cut inflation to 5%, and posted a US$8.85 billion trade surplus in the first eight months of 2026, driven by record gold prices. The issue sets out five opportunities for members and a step-by-step market entry guide.
- Product of the Month: Cocoa. Prices have more than halved from their December 2024 peak. That is painful for farmers but opens a window for processors. With EU deforestation rules due from 30 December 2026, traceability is becoming the price of access to Europe.
- Trade Personality: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The WTO Director-General has long made the case AGTA exists to act on: Africa wins when it trades more with itself and adds value before it exports.
- AGTA Opportunities. This section covers AGTA Connect on 28 November, the Q1 2027 West Africa Agri-Processing Mission to Accra and Abidjan, Trade Academy enrolment, AfriCanada Expo 2027 in Edmonton, and the AGTA Summit 2027 in Manila.
Every page ends with a short “What this means for AGTA members” panel, because trade intelligence is only useful if it leads to action.
Read the full report here:
We want this report to serve you. Tell us what you would like to see in future issues, suggest a Product or Personality of the Month, or submit an opportunity, at hello@agtaworld.org.
Not yet a member? Join at agtaworld.org/membership.