The United States has officially imposed a 15% tariff on Nigeria and several other African countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Ghana, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar. This move is part of a broader effort by the US to reshape global trade and reinforce its economic interests. The tariffs, which went into effect on August 1, 2025, aim to modify reciprocal tariffs and promote fairer trade practices.
The US tariff imposition is not limited to African countries. Other nations, including the United Kingdom (10%), India (25%), Japan (15%), South Africa (30%), Libya (30%), and Tunisia (25%), have also been affected. This move has sparked concerns about trade disruptions and economic fallout, with potential implications for global markets and jobs. According to Citigroup’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Akin Dawodu, the tariff regime targeting African countries could deepen the continent’s economic shift towards alternative global trade partners, particularly China, the European Union, and the Middle East.
The Nigerian economy may face significant challenges due to the tariffs. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has explained the potential impact of Trump’s tariff on the Nigerian economy. With the naira depreciating marginally on the official forex market, the country’s economic stability may be threatened. However, the Nigerian stock market remained unfazed, closing on a positive note on the day the news broke.
The US had granted a 90-day grace period for countries to negotiate individual trade deals, but most talks failed to produce new agreements. Nigeria, along with several other countries, was unable to secure a trade deal with the US, leading to the imposition of the tariffs. This development highlights the challenges faced by African countries in navigating global trade dynamics.
Despite the challenges posed by the tariffs, experts believe that African countries can build economic resilience through intra-regional trade and effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA has the potential to increase Africa’s share of global exports and promote economic growth, driven by the continent’s youthful population and rising consumer class.
