Indonesia expands trade partnerships across Sub-Saharan Africa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is expanding strategic partnerships with countries in the Sub-Saharan African region to broaden trade and investment opportunities.

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, in a statement on Friday, said that Indonesia continues to strengthen the cooperation as part of its market diversification strategy and to empower national trade resilience amidst global economic dynamics.

This effort was highlighted during the "Strategic Discussion on Trade Cooperation of Indonesia and Sub-Saharan African Countries" event at the Ministry of Trade Office in Jakarta on Thursday (June 4).

According to her, Africa holds promising economic growth prospects and is a strategic partner for Indonesia in strengthening long-term trade and investment cooperation.

"Amid global uncertainty, strengthening economic relations with African countries is a strategic step to build shared resilience," she remarked during the discussion.

She said that Indonesia views Africa not only as a potential market but also as a development partner with the same vision of achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.

The strategic discussion was attended by ambassadors and representatives from Sub-Saharan African countries, namely Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Somalia.

Currently, Indonesia's trade value with Africa reaches approximately US$18.5 billion, equivalent to 3.5 percent of Indonesia's total trade.

Despite its relatively small contribution at present, the region's growth prospects remain substantial, supported by projected economic expansion of 4–4.5 percent by 2026.

The deputy minister noted that development needs across various African countries in the food, health, energy, and infrastructure sectors present extensive opportunities for Indonesian products and investment.

Indonesia's leading products, including palm oil, paper products, processed foods, and other consumer goods, have significant potential to expand their presence in the African market, prompting the government to prioritize a strategy focused on three main channels.

First, strengthening engagement with regional economic organizations in Africa as a gateway to broader markets.

Second, deepening bilateral cooperation with priority partner countries. Third, expanding the reach of Indonesia's economic diplomacy in East Africa, West Africa, and Southern Africa.

Indonesia also welcomes the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is expected to boost regional economic integration and expand trade opportunities among developing countries.

Dyah Roro then explained that the approach to strengthening economic relations with Africa is not solely carried out through government channels, but is also driven by close collaboration with the business world.

Indonesia also continues to promote the strengthening of South-South Cooperation as an instrument for building mutually beneficial partnerships.

One concrete step taken is the South-South Triangular Cooperation on Trade and Investment Promotion for African Countries program, which brings together various stakeholders from Indonesia and African countries to share experiences, strengthen capacity, and expand economic cooperation networks.

Through this strategic dialogue, Indonesia seeks to strengthen economic partnerships with Sub-Saharan African countries, expand market access, and unlock new growth opportunities for both regions.

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Translator: Kelik Dewanto, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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