Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Mr. Ya'rob Al-Qudah recently revealed the government's intention to penetrate the African economic bloc by signing a free trade agreement with one of the African countries. Experts have considered this step as an opportunity for Jordan to diversify the geographical basket of its national exports, which have been concentrated and limited to a number of traditional markets.

Experts explained to "Al-Ghad" that signing a trade agreement with one of the non-Arab African markets will serve as an entry point for Jordanian industries into the African markets in general. These markets have experienced rapid growth recently and are home to over 1.4 billion people in a region that ranks among the world’s fastest-growing economies, with a growth rate of 8% in Central and East Africa. This represents a significant opportunity for national exports to enter new, non-traditional markets.

According to statistics from the Jordan Chamber of Industry, the export opportunities for Jordanian products in non-Arab African markets exceed $200 million. However, these markets still account for only 1% of total national exports, indicating that the benefit from these markets remains minimal.

Free Trade for Africa

The absence of a free trade agreement with non-Arab African countries is considered the biggest challenge preventing Jordanian products from entering these markets. Some West and Central African countries impose tariffs as high as 60%, in addition to high shipping costs, as confirmed by industrialists.

In 2017, the government proposed signing a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Rwanda, located in East Africa, to enhance and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

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