By Dr Refilwe Lepelle
Refilwe is a senior lecturer in the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town and a research associate at the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) and Policy Research in International Services and Manufacturing (PRISM).
She holds a PhD in Economics from UCT, where her research focused on the gendered effects of tariff liberalisation on South Africa’s local labour markets. Her research interests include international trade, labour markets, development, and gender.
Refilwe says: “The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) may not fully shield South Africa from protectionist tariffs like those reintroduced by President Trump, but it can help cushion the blow by strengthening regional trade ties.
“This means going beyond tariff cuts – it requires harmonisation of non-tariff barriers, boosting infrastructure, and building regional value chains. These reforms must be designed through a gender lens to ensure that women traders and entrepreneurs, who make up a significant share of informal and cross-border trade, are not left behind.
“Simplifying customs procedures, enhancing border safety, and ensuring access to trade finance and market information for women-owned businesses are crucial steps.”
