Amman, Oct. 28 (Petra) -- The Jordan Exporters Association (JEA) has called for the establishment of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Jordan and African countries to enhance the country’s export performance and industrial footprint across one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets.

According to JEA Chairman Senator Ahmad Khudari, African economies represent strategic growth frontiers for Jordan’s export diversification efforts. The continent’s rising middle class, expanding consumption base, and increasing demand for high-quality food and pharmaceutical products make it a compelling destination for Jordanian goods.

Khudari emphasized that a free trade framework would reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, improve supply chain efficiency, and lower transaction and logistics costs, thereby improving the price competitiveness of Jordanian products. Such an agreement, he noted, would also align with the government’s Economic Modernization Vision, which prioritizes export expansion and market diversification beyond traditional destinations.

The call for an African trade pact follows discussions held during the first session of the Jordan–Rwanda Joint Committee in Kigali, where both sides agreed to begin exploring negotiations on a preferential trade agreement.

Khudari noted that Africa’s 1.4 billion consumers and rapidly urbanizing economies present a large-scale opportunity for Jordan’s export sectors, particularly in agribusiness, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. He cited dates, olive oil, spices, herbs, and medical supplies as key products with immediate export potential.

He added that sectors such as building materials, plastic pipes, paints, white cement, detergents, and home care products could also benefit from market entry into the continent, especially given the infrastructure development boom across several African economies.

The JEA chief underscored that competition in African markets remains less intense compared to Jordan’s traditional export destinations, creating space for market penetration and long-term positioning. He noted a growing demand for food products, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and light industrial goods, many of which Jordan already produces competitively.

As part of its strategic outreach, the JEA organized the first Jordanian participation in the Africa Food Exhibition held in Cape Town, South Africa, earlier this year. The initiative was aimed at promoting Jordanian food exports, supporting market intelligence gathering, and establishing distribution partnerships across southern and sub-Saharan Africa.

Khudari identified South Africa as a logistical and trade gateway for Jordanian exports to the broader continent, given its advanced infrastructure, industrial capacity, and membership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which links over 15 regional economies. This network, he said, provides a platform for regional supply chain integration and the formation of strategic joint ventures with African and multinational firms.

The JEA plans to intensify its trade diplomacy efforts, including business delegations, sectoral exhibitions, and partnerships with local distributors, to strengthen Jordan’s economic presence across Africa. The Association is also coordinating with Jordan’s Chambers of Industry and the Export House Company to facilitate trade missions and leverage existing trade agreements for improved market access.

Khudari concluded that expanding into African markets has evolved from an option into an economic imperative for Jordan’s export sector, particularly as regional demand shifts and traditional markets mature. Strengthening economic ties with Africa, he added, is critical for sustaining Jordan’s export-led growth strategy and enhancing the resilience of its industrial base.

//Petra// RZ

28/10/2025 10:05:49