AU's Gabriel Setlhoke talks on expanding intra-African trade

The Intra Africa Trade and Investment Indaba in Tshwane served as a platform for discussions around expanding trade between African countries, fostering inclusive growth, and achieving the milestones set by the African Union. During a CNBC Africa interview, Gabriel Setlhoke, Director of Ambassadors at the African Union desk, shared insights on the role of the Halting province in guiding South Africa on engaging in business across the continent. Setlhoke emphasized the importance of government support, particularly from the Department of Trade and Industry, in facilitating a more cohesive South African representation in international markets. One key takeaway was the need for coordinated efforts to enhance the country's presence abroad. Premier Mackore's ambitious goal to boost intra-Africa trade from 12% to over 50% highlighted the imperative of empowering the youth to drive economic growth. Setlhoke underscored the necessity of tackling the high unemployment rate among the youth, stressing the significance of providing them with skills and training to support industrialization and technological advancements. He emphasized that without a skilled workforce, achieving a 50% intra-Africa trade target would be unattainable. In the current African economic landscape, the focus is on fostering inclusive growth and ensuring the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the economy. Setlhoke praised the trend of South African businesses collaborating with SMMEs, leading to increased opportunities for broader participation in the economy. The promotion of local products in African markets, along with facilitating the reciprocal exchange of goods, was highlighted as a vital step towards enhancing economic inclusivity. Setlhoke referenced the example of Kenyan tea being popular in South Africa, urging for reciprocal promotion of South African products in other African nations. Open borders and improved infrastructure were identified as key enablers for expanding intra-African trade. Setlhoke called for streamlined border processes to facilitate the smooth movement of goods across borders, thereby expanding market access within the continent. When asked about potential solutions to address infrastructure and border challenges, Setlhoke proposed the establishment of a pan-African passport. This passport would simplify travel within African countries, eliminating the need for visa applications, and fostering a seamless movement of people and goods across borders. Looking at the milestones achieved by the African continent in recent years, Setlhoke highlighted the progress in infrastructure development. Notably, the AU's leadership in spearheading infrastructure projects across Africa has yielded tangible results. Initiatives like the North Corridor Infrastructure, linking South Sudan to Egypt, showcase the continent's commitment to enhancing connectivity and trade. In South Africa, the ongoing efforts to promote initiatives like the Maputu Corridor aim to facilitate smoother cross-border movement of goods and services. These projects signify Africa's journey towards creating a more interconnected and economically vibrant continent.