Africa Expands Trade Ties with Colombia and the Rest of Latin America

Written on 03/24/2026
Josep Freixes
After years of effort, Colombia is beginning to expand its trade relations with Africa, thereby spurring the rest of Latin America as well. Credit: Andrea Puentes / Presidency of Colombia.

Trade between Colombia and Africa recorded one of its strongest recent increases in 2025, with a sharp rise in non-mining and energy exports. Official figures show a jump that reflects a shift in the country’s trade strategy, focused on diversifying markets and reducing dependence on extractive sectors.

Latin America, for its part, is also expanding its economic relationship with Africa, with notable increases in exports to the continent. The trend responds to a global context of weaker dynamism in traditional trade routes and the need to open new commercial fronts.

At the CELAC-Africa summit held in Colombia, which concluded last Saturday, officials highlighted the achievements of a trade diversification strategy that, for the first time, also looks toward the African continent and its strong potential demand for agro-industrial products.

Africa expands trade ties with Colombia and the rest of Latin America

Colombia’s non-mining and energy exports to Africa reached US$296.5 million in 2025, representing a 112% increase compared to previous years. The figure was presented by Trade Minister Diana Jaramillo during a press conference at the close of the CELAC-Africa summit in Bogota.

According to the official, this growth is the result of an active export promotion policy in sectors beyond oil and mining, with a particular focus on agro-industrial products, manufacturing, and value-added goods. The strategy aims to reduce the vulnerability of Colombia’s economy to commodity cycles and to open new opportunities in high-growth markets.

Interest in Africa is also supported by its economic and demographic expansion. The continent offers growing demand for goods and services, creating room for new suppliers. In this context, Colombia is seeking to position itself with a diversified export offering, supported by trade agreements and gradual improvements in logistics connectivity.

The momentum is not exclusive to Colombia. According to Jaramillo, Latin America’s exports to Africa exceeded US$400 million in 2025, marking a 73% increase compared to 2024. Although the figure remains limited in global terms, the growth confirms a shift in the trade relationship between the two regions.

For Jan Yves Remy, an advisor to the World Trade Organization, this trend reflects the need to rethink traditional trade routes. The expert warned that relying on historical markets in a context of slowdown could increase exposure to external risks.

Remy emphasized that diversification and the opening of new trade corridors allow countries to gain room for maneuver in the face of global uncertainty. In that sense, she described the rapprochement between Latin America and Africa as a key strategy to strengthen economic resilience and expand trade opportunities.

The trade agreement that Colombia signed with Ghana at the CELAC-Africa summit marks the culmination of Vice President Francia Marquez’s efforts to reconnect her country—and Latin America—with the African continent. Credit: Andres Castilla / Vicepresidency of Colombia.

New routes to consolidate trade

One of the most significant announcements in this agenda of closer ties was made by Vice President Francia Marquez, who confirmed the launch of a new maritime route between Cartagena and Tema, in Ghana. The initiative was finalized following the signing of a trade agreement with the African country, aimed at facilitating the transport of goods and reducing logistics costs.

The direct connection between the two ports is intended to consolidate bilateral trade and improve the competitiveness of Colombian products in West Africa. It is also expected that the new route will help strengthen business ties and generate greater investment flows.

The development of infrastructure and connectivity will be key to sustaining the growth reflected in trade figures. Without progress in logistics, export increases could face structural constraints that limit their expansion.

Overall, the recent data and announcements point to a shift in the direction of Colombian and Latin American foreign trade. Africa is emerging as an increasingly relevant partner, not only because of its economic potential, but also as part of a broader diversification strategy in an uncertain global environment.