AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has warned African countries against engaging in a tariff war with the U.S., urging instead for stronger investment partnerships and domestic economic resilience.
President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has urged African nations to avoid retaliatory tariff measures against the United States, warning such actions could destabilise their economies.
Speaking at the 14th convocation lecture of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), themed “Advancing Africa’s Positioning within Global Development and Geopolitical Dynamics,” Adesina said new U.S. tariffs could spark inflation, weaken currencies, and escalate debt burdens across Africa.
“This will send other shockwaves right through African economies. Local currencies will weaken… The cost of servicing debt… will rise,” he said.
Adesina called for recalibrated trade partnerships and investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals. He also urged African nations to “tariff-proof” their economies by boosting domestic production and fully implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Africa must treat health security just like we treat national defense,” he added, calling for greater investment in research, education, and local pharmaceutical industries to ensure long-term self-reliance.