Africa Trade Barometer: Sector Shifting Insights in Trade
For the first time since the Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer was launched in 2022, firms across 10 African markets report improvements across every major infrastructure category, from power generation and logistics to digital border systems.
This signals an important shift in the continent’s trade landscape.
Across Africa, deeper regional integration, improving infrastructure and strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals are reshaping how businesses trade and where new opportunities are emerging.
The latest edition of the Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer (ATB) offers valuable insight into this evolving environment. Drawing on responses from 2 218 firms across 10 African markets – Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia – the report highlights how businesses are adapting to a changing trade landscape and positioning themselves for growth.
For entrepreneurs, these insights provide practical signals about where trade opportunities are expanding and how companies are building resilience in a more integrated regional economy.
Infrastructure improvements are lowering trade barriers
One of the most notable developments highlighted in the report is the improvement in trade-enabling infrastructure across the continent.
Firms surveyed reported gains across key infrastructure categories, including power generation, telecommunications, roads, rail, ports and digital border systems. These improvements reflect increasing investment in logistics capacity and the digitisation of trade processes, helping reduce delays and improve supply-chain reliability.
For entrepreneurs, stronger infrastructure translates into lower transaction costs, faster delivery times and more predictable logistics, all critical factors when scaling operations or expanding into new markets.
Regional trade is gaining momentum
Regional trade is becoming an increasingly important growth driver for African businesses.
Awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has reached around 50% among firms surveyed, with businesses citing easier movement of goods, wider market access and industrialisation opportunities as key benefits.
East Africa provides a strong example of this trend. Policy coordination and trade facilitation reforms across the region have helped drive an increase in export activity. Measures such as the Kenya–Uganda trade reclassification and renewed efforts to remove non-tariff barriers are improving cross-border trade flows and strengthening regional supply chains.
For many entrepreneurs, neighbouring markets represent the most accessible pathway to export growth.
Businesses are diversifying suppliers and markets
The Barometer also highlights a strategic shift in how businesses manage trade risk.
Firms are broadening supplier networks, expanding export destinations and strengthening intra-African trade links. This diversification reflects a deliberate response to global uncertainty and evolving trade dynamics.
Recent global trade policy changes have also influenced sourcing patterns. Many businesses report increasing engagement with Asian markets, particularly China, citing competitive pricing, product variety and supply-chain reliability as key drivers.
For entrepreneurs, this underscores the importance of building flexible supply chains and exploring multiple trading partners.
Digital systems are transforming cross-border trade
Digitalisation is playing a growing role in enabling cross-border trade.
According to the Barometer, digital payments now facilitate close to 80% of cross-border sales and purchases. This shift is being driven by bank-led payment rails, mobile money integration and the growing use of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which enables faster settlement in local currencies.
For SMEs, digital financial tools are helping simplify cross-border transactions, reduce settlement times and improve access to trade finance.
A more integrated trade future
Encouragingly, business confidence across the markets surveyed is strengthening. Many firms expect stronger turnover and more stable trading conditions in the years ahead.
Growth across ATB markets is projected to trend towards 4.3% in 2026, supported by moderating inflation and improving macroeconomic stability in several economies.
For entrepreneurs, the message is clear: Africa’s trade ecosystem is becoming more connected, more digital and increasingly regional in orientation.
As infrastructure improves, digital systems expand and regional trade agreements deepen, new opportunities are emerging for businesses that are ready to explore new markets, diversify supply chains and scale beyond domestic borders.
Africa’s trade environment is evolving and entrepreneurs who position themselves early will be best placed to benefit from the continent’s next phase of growth.
3 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
1. Look beyond domestic markets
Regional trade opportunities are expanding as AfCFTA implementation progresses. Neighbouring markets may offer the most accessible path to export growth.
2. Strengthen supply chain resilience
Diversifying suppliers and export markets can help businesses manage risk and respond more effectively to global trade disruptions.
3. Embrace digital trade tools
Digital payments and cross-border settlement systems are simplifying international transactions and improving access to working capital.