Africa is having an unexpectedly strong year in global trade. The World Trade Organization expects the continent’s merchandise imports to grow by 8.9 percent in volume in 2026, the second-fastest pace after Asia, while export volumes are projected to rise by 5.6 percent. In dollar terms, African merchandise exports jumped 23 percent in the first half of the year and imports rose 18 percent.
For East Africa, however, the numbers carry a warning. The region is trading more with the world even as conflict in the Middle East disrupts energy supplies, shipping routes and fertiliser markets. But some of the forces lifting Africa’s trade figures are also increasing the costs of doing business: higher prices for fuel, minerals, fertiliser and machinery, alongside rising freight and insurance costs.
