Midrand, South Africa – Zimbabwean Member of Parliament, Hon. Tafanana Zhou, delivered a strong condemnation of recent US tariffs at the 5th Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan-African Parliament, labeling them “unethical.”
Zhou highlighted the immediate political and diplomatic repercussions for Africa, emphasizing the significant impact on African economies heavily reliant on the American market for exports.
“These tariffs also threaten to nullify trade preferences, long established in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) that was enacted in 2000,” Hon. Zhou stated, expressing concern over the program’s uncertain future.
However, amidst this uncertainty, Hon. Zhou presented an opportunity for the African continent. He urged African nations to “reset its trade relations with the United States, repositioning itself as a vital and strategic trade partner.”
He advocated for advancing and defending Africa’s long-standing economic integration goals.In a proactive call to action, Hon. Zhou proposed a “coercive trade strategy” to support individual economies and expand continent-wide integration.
He stressed the urgency for African countries to strengthen regional integration through agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to reduce reliance on external markets.
By emphasizing value addition, harmonizing public procurement, and scaling African trade agreements, countries can build resilience against external shocks.
Furthermore, Hon. Zhou advised African countries to “explore partnerships with other nations like China to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and visa restrictions.” His concluding remark, “We must look east, Mr. President,” underscored a strategic shift in Africa’s trade outlook.
