Africa’s New Trade Era: Journalist Interview with Samuel Shay on the Continent’s Shift Toward Global Industrial Power
A profound shift is unfolding across Africa as the continent redefines its place in the global economy. For decades, Africa supplied raw materials while foreign nations controlled production, profits and global brands. Today, this model is being rewritten. According to economic strategist Samuel Shay, one of the key figures advising governments under the Abraham Accords framework, Africa is entering an era of industrialization, value creation and strategic trade diplomacy.
In a special interview, Shay reveals how new trade agreements with Asia, Europe and the United States are reshaping Africa’s economic future.
From Exploitation to Equal Partnership
Shay explains that the old pattern of extraction is fading. “Africa has decided to reclaim the economic value that was taken offshore for generations,” he says. Governments across the continent now require that part of the production chain stays in Africa, including processing, packaging and branding.
Countries like Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire are already implementing policies that prevent raw export without local value addition. According to Shay, this is a turning point in the continent’s economic identity.
“Africa is no longer only a supplier of cocoa or minerals. It is becoming a producer of chocolate, refined metals and premium consumer goods,” he notes.
The Rise of New Trade Corridors
The journalist covering this shift outlines the three major routes now driving Africa’s transformation.
Africa and Asia: A New Co Production Relationship
Trade with India, Japan and South Korea is moving beyond simple export and import. India’s involvement in the IMEC corridor and Japan’s investment in automotive assembly in East Africa symbolize a relationship based on shared supply chains.
Shay remarks that African leaders are now insisting on fair agreements with Asian partners, including environmental standards and transparency.
Africa and Europe: Industrial Capacity at the Center
Under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Economic Partnership Agreements, Europe is encouraging industrial development on African soil. European investors view Africa as a production base for green technologies, pharmaceuticals and textiles.
Shay highlights that Europe’s interest is also strategic due to Africa’s proximity and young workforce. “Europe understands that Africa is essential for the next generation of sustainable industries,” he explains.
Africa and the United States: From Raw Materials to Finished Products
The United States, through AGOA and follow on frameworks, is promoting the export of African manufactured goods. American companies are investing in textile production, agro processing and modern logistics hubs.
According to Shay, “The United States sees Africa as a partner that can compete globally and help stabilize supply chains outside Asia.”
Industrialization as the Heart of the Strategy
Shay describes the new philosophy in clear terms: produce in Africa, export from Africa, and build African wealth inside Africa.
This requires massive development of industrial zones, logistics corridors and modern manufacturing infrastructure. Special economic zones in several countries now promote co investment between African, Gulf, American and European partners.
Examples include premium chocolate manufacturing in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, large scale coffee roasting in Ethiopia and Uganda, and the expansion of cosmetics and organic food industries using African vanilla, shea butter and tropical fruits.
Competing and Partnering at the Same Time
The journalist notes that rising labor costs in Asia are pushing global companies to explore Africa as their next production frontier. With strong governance and modern logistics, Africa can compete directly with China in sectors such as agro processing, textile production and renewable energy components.
Shay says that the real opportunity lies in triangular cooperation. “Africa can combine Gulf investment, Western technology and African human capital. This is the formula that will reshape global trade flows.”
Recommendations for the Next Decade
Shay outlines practical steps African governments must adopt:
- Invest in infrastructure including rail, ports, electricity and broadband.
- Develop industrial clusters that link agriculture, logistics and manufacturing.
- Simplify customs systems under the AfCFTA framework.
- Build global African brands in food, fashion and technology.
- Negotiate trade agreements that guarantee technology transfer and local ownership.
A Continent Reclaiming Its Value
As the interview concludes, Shay reflects on the historical moment Africa is experiencing. “Africa is no longer waiting for permission to industrialize. It is claiming its economic power,” he says.
The journalist notes that Africa’s new trade agreements represent declarations of ambition rather than mere economic arrangements. With strategic partnerships across Asia, Europe and the United States, the continent stands at the threshold of industrial maturity.
“The next decade will determine whether Africa remains part of someone else’s supply chain or becomes a full partner in shaping global prosperity,” Shay says.