Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has urged Africans to prioritise the patronage of Made-in-Africa Products in the current era of global trade turbulence.
PAMA in its news bulletin For February said that “for decades, African markets have been flooded with imported goods, ranging from electronics and textiles to other everyday consumer products.
“This dependence has created a convenient short-term solution to meet immediate needs. A reliance that, in today’s fraught global trade environment, poses an existential threat to the continent’s industrial future.”
It added that “this continued reliance now comes at a dangerous crossroads when trade wars are beginning to intensify with the renewed ‘America First’ policies under President Donald Trump’s administration with escalating tariff wars between the United States of America and key global players like; China, Mexico, Canada, the EU, and even BRICS member nations.
“Consequently, it cannot be overemphasized that building a resilient manufacturing sector is not just an economic imperative; it is a strategic necessity for Africa’s future. This is because, when African consumers choose locally made goods, they not only support their country’s economy but also drive innovation and quality improvements within their industries and in turn, achieve a strengthened manufacturing sector that can reduce vulnerability to external shocks and build a more competitive, self-sustaining economy that benefits all citizens.”
The Association noted that “if African consumers and the public fail to prioritise the patronage of locally manufactured goods, the consequences could be severe and far-reaching.
“The persistence of heavy import reliance would not only stifle the development of Africa’s burgeoning manufacturing sector but could also undermine the continent’s long-term economic sovereignty and its ambitious integration agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
PAMA highlighted that “all relevant stakeholders, including governments, development institutions, and partners, should partner with PAMA, a continental advocacy body that promotes and protects the interests of African manufacturers to launch a continent-wide public awareness campaign for ‘Buy Made-in-Africa’. This proposed initiative will foster a culture of indigenous patronage.”
“African governments should assist industries, especially the SMIs to acquire necessary certifications that will boost consumer trust and increase local product acceptance.
“Many African countries lack clear industrial policies to bolster local production. The respective governments of such countries should collaborate with relevant development institutions and stakeholders to address the change and prioritize implementing policies that encourage local processing.
“Governments must fully exploit the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by harmonizing trade policies and reducing intra-African tariffs. Also, governments must deepen invest in critical infrastructure, including power supply, logistics, and broadband connectivity to reduce trade costs and improve supply chain efficiency.”
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