Trade is one of the most powerful keys to development. But it is underutilised in the African continent where 60 percent of the world's extreme poor now live. Despite having 17 percent of the world's population, Africa accounts for just 2.3 percent of world trade. Around two-thirds of that trade is concentrated in extractive industries that do little to foster sustainable economic development. A new trade deal is needed. One that incentivises economic diversification, interconnected supply chains, and sustainable development. This paper provides a brief synthesis of the main arguments of How Africa Trades, edited by David Luke and published by LSE Press in May 2023.