SCIX African Trade Talks

🎙️ Scix African Trade Talks, Insights on Africa Podcast daily brief

Episode 2 — "Africa on the Move: Travel, Trade & the AfCFTA Momentum"

📅 23 October 2025

🎧 Hosted by Chad Chawanda , The Intra-Africa Trader

🌍 Episode Overview

Africa is on the move literally and economically. In today's episode, Chad explores how new visa-free corridors, rising intra-African trade, and private-sector participation in the AfCFTA are connecting the continent like never before.

From Nairobi to Dakar, and from Johannesburg to Lomé, Africa's integration story is accelerating.

✈️ Key Highlights

1️⃣ Travel & Mobility

• Senegal & Kenya sign a visa-free travel agreement allowing 90-day stays.

• More African nations are adopting bilateral visa waivers, boosting tourism and cross-border business.

• Yet a University of Cape Town study shows travel between African states remains costly and complex.

→ Insight: Africa must harmonize visa systems, go digital, and lower intra-Africa airfares to unleash its tourism & business potential.

2️⃣ Trade & Intra-Africa Growth

• Intra-African trade rose 8.5%, while exports outside the continent grew only 0.4% (tralac data).

• South Africa is broadening trade with Indonesia & Türkiye, showing the shift toward diversified partners.

• Biashara Afrika 2025 Forum in Lomé spotlights AfCFTA-aligned investment and SME expansion.

→ Insight: Now's the time for African businesses to map new suppliers, distributors, and regional value-chains.

3️⃣ AfCFTA Momentum

• Wamkele Mene, AfCFTA Secretary-General, acknowledges progress is slower than hoped intra-Africa trade still at 14%.

• On 30 October, NEPAD Business Group Nigeria hosts "Mobilising Africa's Private Sector for AfCFTA," convening policymakers and entrepreneurs to accelerate implementation.

→ Insight: The private sector holds the key to turning AfCFTA from policy into profit.

💡 This Week's Takeaways

1. Travel faster: Kenya-Senegal visa-free deal opens new service and tourism markets.

2. Trade smarter: 8.5% growth proves intra-Africa sourcing = resilience.

3. Collaborate wider: Attend Biashara Afrika & NEPAD forums to build the next wave of partnerships.

🎯 Closing Thought

Africa's story is being written by those who trade, travel, and collaborate across borders.

If this episode gave you value, share it with a friend, partner, or investor who believes in Africa's rise.

🎧 Subscribe to Scix African Trade Talks to not miss Insights on Africa series and follow @IntraAfricaTrader for daily trade, travel & AfCFTA updates.

🎙️ Scix Africa Trade Talks — Morning Brief

Episode Title: Today in Africa Trade & Travel — October 22 2025

Host: Chad Chawanda — The Intra-Africa Trader

Produced by: Scix Africa Trade Talks | Powered by Advocado Digital & Intra Africa Trader

Recorded in: Cape Town, South Africa

📰 Segment 1 Trade & the AfCFTA

• NEPAD Business Group Nigeria is convening a forum on 30 October themed "Mobilising Africa's Private Sector for AfCFTA" to deepen private-sector engagement.

• Somalia's Parliament formally ratified the AfCFTA Agreement (20 Oct), integrating the Horn of Africa nation into the continental pact.

• Across the continent, African CEOs view the AfCFTA as a strategic buffer against global tariff turbulence a foundation for regional growth and resilience.

• DHL Group announces a €300 million infrastructure and logistics investment across Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring global confidence in Africa's trade corridors.

🎯 Take-away:

AfCFTA momentum is accelerating from political ratifications to private-sector mobilization and major logistics investments.

👉 For business leaders: align your supply chains and partnerships with this continental framework now.

✈️ Segment 2 Travel, Connectivity & Intra-Africa Movement

• The International Bureau of Aviation (IBA) projects 15 % growth in African air passenger traffic in 2025, reaching ~113 million travellers a clear sign of post-pandemic recovery.

• A new report highlights that many intra-Africa flights still route through Europe revealing a huge gap in direct city-to-city links within Africa.

• Air Tanzania has launched a direct Dar es Salaam ↔ Accra service, connecting East and West Africa for stronger tourism and business flows.

🎯 Take-away:

Africa's travel sector is booming but connectivity lags behind.

Every new route creates fresh opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.

👉 If you work in logistics, hospitality or content creation, follow these emerging routes closely.

🧭 Why This Matters & What You Can Do

• Traders & Exporters: AfCFTA ratifications reduce barriers optimize sourcing and logistics regionally.

• Travel & Mobility Players: Passenger growth means surging demand for regional hospitality and support services.

• Entrepreneurs & Creators: Tell stories of African mobility and trade corridors the audience is continent-wide and growing.

🔔 Quick Headlines Round-Up

• 🇸🇴 Somalia ratifies AfCFTA expanding continental reach.

• 🇳🇬 NEPAD Nigeria mobilises private-sector AfCFTA engagement.

• 💶 DHL Group invests €300 million in Sub-Saharan logistics.

• ✈️ African air travel to grow 15 % in 2025 connectivity on the rise.

• 🌍 Air Tanzania launches Dar es Salaam ↔ Accra direct route.

🎧 Episode Credits

Host & Producer: Chad Chawanda — The Intra-Africa Trader

Executive Production: Scix Africa Trade Talks & Advocado Digital

Research Sources: NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, AfCFTA Secretariat, Somalia Parliament Press Release, DHL Group Newsroom, IBA Report 2025, Air Tanzania Press Centre.

Theme Music: "Scix Africa Soundscape 2025" by Advocado Studios

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

📡 Listen & Engage

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📩 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

In this episode of Six African Trade Talks, host Chad Chawanda interviews David Ogundeko, founder and CEO of Funema. David shares his entrepreneurial journey, influenced by his faith, poetry, and life experiences. He discusses the challenges and rewards of building businesses in Africa and the innovative redemptive business model at Funema. The conversation also touches on venture building, the role of governments in supporting startups, and the importance of passion and resilience in entrepreneurship. Tune in for insights on transforming last-mile economies in Africa, scaling businesses, and the pivotal role of AfCFTA in fostering trade across the continent. Episode highlights: 00:25 David Ogundeko's Journey: Faith, Poetry, and Entrepreneurship 03:23 The Redemptive Business Model of Funema 06:05 Transforming Last Mile Economies in Africa 12:33 Challenges and Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs 14:49 The Role of Government and Patient Capital 16:11 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 21:09 The Impact of the AfCFTA on African Trade 25:34 Recommended Podcasts and Books 27:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Introducing the AFcFTA 24 Fundable Process, a game-changer for African businesses ready to scale.

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In this episode of SCIX African Trade Talks, host Chad Chawanda interviews Kumbirai Chimukupete, founder of Umoja Lands, now EmuDumeni. Kumbirai shares his journey from a high school intern in a local bank to the founder of multiple fintech ventures. He discusses the merger with Muganot Systems and their vision of driving Africa's digital transformation. The conversation covers topics such as the challenges and opportunities in African markets, the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area in fostering innovation, and advice for young entrepreneurs in tech. Kumbirai also highlights some of EmuDumeni's key projects aimed at supporting smallholder farmers and enabling financial inclusion through innovative technology. Episode highlights: 00:24 Kumbirai's Journey and Early Career 02:07 Founding Umoja Lands and Blockchain Interest 05:09 Merging with Muganot Systems 06:15 Innovations and Prioritizing African Markets 06:40 People, Purpose, and Profits 08:40 Technological Solutions for Rural Communities 16:56 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 21:17 Impact of EmuDumeni on Smallholder Farmers 25:18 Recommended Books and Podcasts 27:21 Conclusion and Farewell Episode sponsor:

Are you fundable? How do you know—and where do you even start to check?

Introducing the AFcFTA 24 Fundable Process, a game-changer for African businesses ready to scale.

This proven process helps you assess your fundability, identify gaps, and position your business for growth and investment.

Contact us on WhatsApp at +971 55 443 8056 to get the link and start your Fundable Process today.

Don't miss this opportunity to unlock doors to growth and success for your business. Get fundable now!

In the inaugural episode of Season 2 of Six African Trade Talks, the host interviews Justice, the Director of Financial Services for AFCFTA, discussing his passion for SME development and leadership. Justice shares his background in banking, emphasizes the importance of financial documentation for SMEs, and explains the Know Your Customer (KYC) process and its benefits. The conversation also touches upon the fundable processes to close the funding gap in Africa, the role of community platforms, and the valuable lessons learned from playing golf. Episode highlights: 00:21 Meet Justice: Director of Financial Services 00:39 Justice's Background and Passion for SMEs 02:00 Challenges Faced by SMEs 03:39 The Importance of KYC 05:18 The Fundable Process 07:22 Role of Community Platforms 08:14 Lessons from Golf 10:04 Book and Podcast Recommendations 11:30 Conclusion and Call to Action

Andile Africa is CEO of the Automotive Industry Development Center. The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) which is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.

The AIDC was established as a support centre to strengthen global competitiveness in the local automotive industry and to bolster the position of Gauteng as an automotive industry destination of choice.

The AIDC has accelerated economic growth within the automotive industry through strategic partnerships with government, non-governmental agencies, and industry leaders.

The AIDC prides itself in being a world-class organisation specialising in Skills Development and Training, Enterprise Development, Incubation Programmes, Management of Incentive Programmes and Facility Management.

In this discussion with Andile, you'll discover:

-The role of the African automotive sector in the global economy...00:45

-What is the future of the African automotive sector...04:00

-The future of EV's and mobility in the African auto sector...07:30

-What are the IAFCTA's objectives?...12:50

-Success stories of foreign investment in the African automotive industry...18:30

-What are the expectations for attending the Africa Automotive show this coming fall...21:50

-And much more...

In this discussion with Rui, you'll discover:

-What is Kemet Automotive, and what is Rui's vision for it?...01:00

-Africa will not miss the green electrical revolution...03:00

-The future of mobility and electric vehicles in Africa...04:30

-The impact of trading under the AFCTA...06:00

-Reasons to be excited for the African auto market!...07:00

-And much more...

Ashit Shah is Chairman of the Automotive Parts Manufactures Association (APMA) and Kenya Automotive Manufacturers (KAM).

In this discussion with Ashit, you'll discover:

-The role of the Kenya automotive industry in the regional economic growth....00:50

-Kenya's biggest strength economically...03:10

-Challenges facing the Kenyan automotive industry...05:40

-The impact of trading under the AFCTA...07:10

-The future of the automotive industry in Kenya and surrounding area...09:10

-Ashit's biggest objective for the immediate future...10:25

-And much more...

Here's an article about the Kenya automotive industry in which Ashit is quoted.

Cherine Kallal is Senior Vice President-Business Development at GB Corp. She received an undergraduate degree from Loughborough University. In this episode, Cherine will discuss the current vehicle market in Africa, and what she sees in the next 5-10 years!

In this episode, you'll discover:

-About GB Auto and the vision of what Cherine wishes to achieve with it...00:50

-GB Auto's current economic footprint...03:00

-The future of mobility in Africa...06:00

-Is Africa ready for electric vehicles?...09:30

-The impact of the AFTCA on the vehicle market in Africa...12:30

-And much more...

Welcome to the show, David Coffey, president of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM).

Key tenets of the AAM:

African Automotive Eco-System:

• Work with African governments to unlock economic potential and promote the Automotive sector across the continent. Develop a network of stakeholders committed to achieving the potential of the African Automotive industry.

Regional Plays:

• Growth in key regions with an alignment and understanding of what different countries could do best within the Automotive industry. Initial target markets for assembly: Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Ethiopia, and South Africa; supported by the development of regional value chains for the manufacture and supply of components.

New Automotive Opportunities:

• Cater for relevant and robust Automotive technology and appropriate modernization levels/ growth, while considering country maturity and in-country conditions and resources.

In this episode, you'll discover:

-Progress made in the African economy in recent years...00:45

-What does the future of the automotive industry look like?....02:45

-The pace of development of the auto industry in Africa with the ASFTA...06:10

-Where automotive companies should position themselves in the local ecosphere...10:00

-The significance of the West Africa Auto Show...11:45

-How to get involved with the African automotive industry...14:50

-And much more...