{
  "id": 6723052,
  "title": "OPINION| Why is a self-sufficient continent so dependent on others?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/opinion-why-is-a-self-sufficient-continent-so-dependent-on-others",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T07:00:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/opinion-why-is-a-self-sufficient-continent-dependent-on-others/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa recently reported that its trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) reached R2.6 billion between 2024 and 2026, covering a range of products from mining equipment to food and plastics. This modest figure represents progress in realising the potential of regional integration, which has been a long-standing ambition of the continent. The AfCFTA, established in 1963, has gained renewed momentum in recent years due to the growing inward-looking nature of Western markets. However, despite this progress, Africa remains one of the least self-sufficient continents, despite its potential for self-sufficiency. The continent has limited direct freight routes connecting countries, causing goods to travel longer and more expensive routes. For instance, a product that should move quickly between South Africa and Kenya may take a much longer route due to the lack of connection between the two markets. Similarly, Nigeria produces oil, which many African countries need, yet much of this oil is sold offshore, refined elsewhere, and then bought back at a higher price. This paradox reflects a lack of self-sufficiency on the continent. Countries often become protective of their national interests when dealing with one another, even while accepting arrangements with external economies, which leaves them more dependent and reduces the value staying within the continent. While government protection of national interests is understandable, the continent's overall weakness stems from countries not considering the regional system's impact when protecting their positions. To overcome this, the AfCFTA needs to be accompanied by more deliberate bilateral trade relationships between countries with complementary needs and strengths. Identifying and negotiating these opportunities can facilitate trade between African economies. However, trade cannot deepen without an enabling environment for projects and businesses to thrive. Improving the civil service's technical capabilities and comfort with large transaction structures can help create a more supportive environment for trade. Governments must also look beyond short-term pressures on the public purse and consider the long-term benefits of economic activity and tax revenue.",
  "summary": "African countries have rarely approached one another with the same level of intent.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}