The global energy debate is undergoing a significant shift. As explained by a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) article, advanced economies are increasingly prioritizing energy security (defined as access to energy that is affordable, reliable, and firmly under national control), over the earlier emphasis on climate mitigation and energy transition. This change creates both opportunities and risks for Africa. The continent continues to experience acute energy poverty. More than 600 million people lack access to electricity, and in many countries unreliable and costly power supply remains a major constraint on industrialization. Without stable and affordable energy, factories cannot operate efficiently, production cannot scale, and sustained job creation remains elusive.

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Amidst rising geopolitical uncertainty and tensions, Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) possess significant, yet untapped potential for developing resilient South–South value chains. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of their business environments and identifies structural and regulatory challenges to cross-continental industrial collaboration. Sectors with the greatest complementarities—including agri-food, light manufacturing (such as textiles and apparel), digital services, and logistics—are highlighted as priorities for cooperation. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes a pragmatic, phased, corridor-focused strategy to operationalize South–South value-chain integration. Key elements of this roadmap include the establishment of strategic pilot initiatives, the adoption of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) to harmonize certification, testing and inspection procedures, the deployment of blended-finance instruments to de-risk joint investments, and the integration of informal economic actors to ensure inclusivity. This approach aims to translate identified complementarities into sustainable, institutionalized value chains that strengthen interregional trade and economic resilience... read here