In a recent documentary on the Kenya Airways Flight 507 crash in 2007, one striking fact was mentioned: Cameroon imports flowers from France, while France sources flowers from Kenya. This paradox says a lot about Africa’s trade patterns. Despite being one of the richest continents in agricultural resources, Africa continues to rely heavily on external markets—often bypassing its own neighbors.
At Just4WomenAfrica, we believe this is not just an economic issue; it is a question of self-reliance, empowerment, and Africa’s future.
Africa’s Trade Paradox
Today, intra-African trade makes up only about 15–18% of the continent’s total trade. In contrast, Europe trades 70% within itself and Asia trades over 60% within the region.
This means that while Kenya grows some of the world’s best roses, Cameroonians are more likely to buy flowers shipped all the way from Europe—often at higher prices and after days in cold storage. The same irony repeats across food, textiles, and manufactured goods. Africa spends about US$50 billion each year importing food, much of which could be produced within the continent itself.
Why Does This Happen?
- Colonial trade routes – Africa’s exports were historically designed to flow to Europe, not across the continent. Those patterns still dominate.
- Infrastructure gaps – Poor road, rail, and port systems make it easier to ship Kenyan flowers to Amsterdam than to Yaoundé.
- High tariffs & border delays – Intra-African exporters face tariffs averaging 8.7%, compared to just 2.5% internationally. Border checks can take up to 12 days in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Weak financial systems – Most African trade transactions are still cleared in US dollars, making local trade expensive and slow.
What Can Be Done?
The good news is that change is possible—and already underway.
1. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
If fully implemented, AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by 33% and cut external trade dependence by half. The World Bank estimates it could raise intra-African exports by 81% in coming years.
2. Regional Value Chains
Why should Cameroon buy flowers from France when Kenya produces them? Regional supply chains in agriculture, textiles, and processed foods can keep wealth circulating within Africa.
3. Infrastructure Investment
Africa needs about US$100 billion annually in infrastructure investment, but currently only about US$65 billion is being met. Strategic projects—like the Cape-to-Cairo trade corridor—must be prioritized.
4. Modern Payments
The Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) allows businesses to trade in local currencies without relying on the US dollar. Expanding this system could save billions in transaction costs.
5. Empowering Women and Smallholder Farmers
Women make up over 50% of Africa’s agricultural labor force, yet they face limited access to finance, markets, and land. Investing in women farmers, cooperatives, and agritech solutions can accelerate self-sufficiency while lifting millions out of poverty.
Why It Matters for African Women
This is not just about economics—it’s about empowerment. When trade stays within Africa:
- Women entrepreneurs can access markets across borders without prohibitive costs.
- Farmers (many of them women) can sell produce regionally rather than being locked out by middlemen.
- Youth and creatives can innovate within Africa instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
A Call to Action
Africa cannot afford to keep exporting roses to Paris while buying bouquets back from Europe. The future lies in regional solidarity, stronger policies, and empowering women at every level of the trade chain.
As Africans, we must ask:
- Why should Cameroon buy flowers from France when Kenya grows them next door?
- Why should Africa spend billions importing food when we can feed ourselves?
The answers lie in building trade bridges, not borders.
At Just4WomenAfrica, we believe that the next chapter of African growth must be written by Africans, for Africans—especially women. The solutions are already here; it’s time we choose them.
