Kuueza Korner – Week 40

Global Buyers Are Prioritizing Diverse Supply Chains
With continued disruptions in major supply routes (e.g., the Red Sea crisis, increased shipping costs from Asia), importers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe are diversifying their sources. Africa is becoming a key focus region for products like agricultural goods, textiles, and natural ingredients.

Cross-Border E-Commerce Continues to Grow
According to recent global data, cross-border e-commerce is expected to grow by over 20% in 2025, with the highest demand for handcrafted, organic, and culturally distinctive products. Platforms that support last-mile delivery, currency conversion, and simplified logistics — like Kuueza — are crucial to capturing this trend.

Sustainability Is a Major Buyer Priority
Buyers across the U.S. and Europe are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on sustainability, fair trade practices, and product traceability. African SMEs that can show ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility are more likely to gain international trust and long-term contracts.

SMEs Are Driving Global Trade
Small and medium enterprises now make up over 90% of businesses globally — and they are leading the push toward digital platforms to reach global markets. This is a major opportunity for African producers to use digital trade tools to scale up exports.

Currency Fluctuations Affect Pricing and Demand
The U.S. dollar remains strong, which can make African exports more competitive. However, SMEs must monitor exchange rates closely when pricing products for international markets to maintain profitability.