The Strategy Digest
The Strategy Digest / BCG

Seizing Opportunity in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

BCG · Article · 1 Dec 2025 · Industry report · Editor's rating: No stars

As global trade fractures and the Global South rises, African businesses must shift from trade participants to trade shapers to avoid being left behind.

Summary

The authors note that South-South trade and Global South growth are outpacing advanced economies, yet Africa holds only about 3% of global trade and 4% of foreign direct investment. Its trade with China remains tilted toward importing manufactured goods and exporting unprocessed commodities. A survey of more than 350 senior African executives shows rising volatility but also readiness to respond. While direct tariff effects appear modest, they

Editor's opinion

As global trade fractures and the Global South rises, African businesses must shift from trade participants to trade shapers to avoid being left behind.

Key concepts

Africa trade repositioning · South-South trade · Geopolitical volatility

Read the original ↗

More on this topic