Trump Applies 15% Tariff on Nigeria and Multiple African Countries, Sparking Trade Alarm

Washington, D.C. & Abuja – August 1–2, 2025
Under a new executive order titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” former U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 15% import tariff on Nigeria and many African nations, raising concerns over economic disruption and shifting global trade dynamics.

Tariff Coverage Across Africa

Affected African countries facing the 15% tariff include:

Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, Madagascar, Botswana, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Lesotho (reduced from a proposed 50%)
South Africa and Libya face higher rates of 30%; Tunisia faces 25%

Economic Concerns & Domestic Impact

Citigroup's Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Akin Dawodu, warns the policy may accelerate Africa’s pivot toward China, the EU, and the Middle East as preferred trade partners.
Nigeria’s currency, the naira, weakened slightly post-announcement, and firms—especially SMEs in textiles, agriculture, and light manufacturing—are expecting disruptions, canceled orders, and declining forex inflows.

Regional Fallout: Case Study of Lesotho

Though the proposed tariff rate for Lesotho was reduced to 15%, its textile industry remains in crisis. The sector, which employs tens of thousands, has seen major order cancellations and rising factory closures.
Lesotho trade officials claim the U.S. overstates their tariffs, and local firms are appealing for deeper reductions.

Policy Background & Global Reaction

These tariffs are part of Trump’s broader “reciprocal” trade framework targeting around 68 countries, with rates ranging from 10% to 50% depending on perceived trade imbalances. The order takes effect on August 7, 2025, though modifications for African countries began earlier.
The sweeping changes have rattled global markets: equities declined sharply as investors factored in trade uncertainty and rising inflation risks.