The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and all states in the African continent (excluding Eswatini) and will play a pivotal role in Africa’s economic recovery.

Moving into 2022, the outlook for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to a recent survey by the Pan-African Private Sector Trade and Investment Committee (PAFTRAC), will be largely shaped by private sector perceptions, optimism and motivation for engaging with cross-continental agreement.

The transition to a carbon-neutral future raises questions on how this will be achieved. Transport infrastructure continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels, with maritime trade acting as no exception. The South Africa: fueling the future of shipping report issued by Ricardo and the Environmental Defense Fund highlights the chance which South Africa has in forming a carbon-neutral maritime fuel industry which will play to the strengths of the country.

The International Trade Centre report, Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship, published last month, suggests that Africa’s youthful population may prove to be one of the continent’s greatest assets as the awaited African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) swings into effect.

The World Trade Organization’s report, Strengthening Africa’s Capacity to Trade, highlights the means by which Africa can re-engage in global trade as it recovers economically from COVID-19.

The road to economic rebound will be through public-private partnership, and that this sort of partnership is no longer a matter of convenience, but of necessity.