Can China Fill the Gap as Western Markets Become Less Accessible?

South Africa's exclusion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) marks a turning point in its economic relationship with the United States, putting an estimated 100,000 jobs and $1.7 billion in exports at risk. As trade tensions deepen, Pretoria is accelerating efforts to diversify its economic partnerships, with China increasingly central to that shift. But replacing one trading partner with another carries its own risks. Persistent trade imbalances, dependence on mineral exports and limited access to high-value markets raise questions about the benefits of deeper economic ties with China. Meanwhile, proposals to connect the Benguela and TAZARA railways point to a broader ambition to strengthen African trade and continental integration. Cobus, Geraud and Eric discuss South Africa's changing trade relationships, China's expanding manufacturing footprint in Africa, and the future of regional infrastructure and intra-African trade. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode Africa's Shrinking Access to Western Markets China's Expanding Trade and Manufacturing Footprint Across Africa African Trade Integration and New Regional Railway Corridors Rebalancing China-Africa Trade and Economic Relations Join the Discussion: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @stadenesque | @cgneema Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social Follow CGSP in French and Spanish: French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas