Executive summary
The world is entering a new era of global trade, with the Global South rising as a major engine of growth. South–South trade is projected to grow by 3.8% annually, and regional GDP is set to outpace advanced economies, expanding at 4.2% per year to 2029. Asia, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East are redrawing trade and investment maps.
Africa sits at the center of this transformation, but risks being left behind. Today, the continent accounts for only ~3% of global trade and 4% of global FDI. Its largest trade corridor with China is growing fast but remains heavily tilted toward importing manufactured goods and exporting unprocessed commodities. Africa must act now to shift from trade participant to trade shaper.
To understand how business leaders view this moment, BCG conducted a survey with over 350 senior African executives in partnership with the Africa CEO Forum. Their message is clear: volatility is rising, but so is readiness to respond.
This report explores how Africa can navigate disruption, unlock competitiveness and lead in the next era of global trade.
