LOOK AFRICA: EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS FOR BANGLADESH

This volume examines the case for a significantly deeper economic, diplomatic, and knowledge partnership between Bangladesh and African economies at a time when both sides are seeking to diversify markets, secure critical inputs, and climb higher in global value chains. It surveys the demand-side pull from Africa’s growing urban consumer class and the supply-side push from Bangladesh’s evolving export basket beyond ready-made garments, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, light engineering and IT-enabled services. The book situates these opportunities within multilateral initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Bangladeshs LDC graduation trajectory, arguing that rules-of-origin regimes, standards infrastructure, and trade facilitation will shape early winners. Chapters draw on recent trade and investment data, logistics cost comparisons, and case studies of Bangladeshi firms prospecting in East and Southern Africa. The analysis also addresses risk factors—regulatory opacity, foreign exchange constraints, and policy volatility—and proposes practical risk-mitigation through phased market entry, local partnerships, and development finance instruments. Finally, it outlines a policy playbook for Dhaka: targeted commercial diplomacy, air and sea connectivity, export credit and guarantees, skills recognition, and diaspora engagement. By stitching these elements together, the book shows how Look Africa can become a durable South–South bridge that supports Bangladeshs export diversification, food and energy security (through inputs like cotton and pulses), and broader foreign policy objectives.