Some economists call for policy changes in bid to protect African workers from trade war

CAPE TOWN – Some economists have again called for policy changes in a bid to protect African workers from being casualties of the ongoing global trade war.

This follows repeated warnings that the punitive tariffs from the United States (US) will negatively impact employment security for African women, especially.

While negotiations are still on for a deal to lower the tariffs, South African goods have been slapped with a 30% duty, with the agriculture and manufacturing sectors expected to be the hardest hit.

Job losses in these sectors are also set to impact women employed as seasonal or temporary workers the most.

Economist from Stellenbosch University’s Business School, Nthabiseng Moleko, said incentivisation for exporters will be needed to help diversify to other markets.

“We’ve got to look seriously, as Africans, at our processing capability, our manufacturing capability, our ability to ensure that we are competitive, but also, we actually [need to] start to look at the African continental trade agreement more deliberately and strategically.”