AfCFTA Scoop Issue 42

Hot Topic: China Emphasizes Continued Support for the AfCFTA Implementation during FOCAC

The recent outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, held in Beijing from September 4-6, highlight China's commitment to supporting Africa via the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027). Key promises include enhancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through value chains and providing logistical and technical assistance to the AfCFTA Secretariat. However, this raises important questions: Is this support truly for Africa, or primarily for China’s interests? While the initiatives seem promising, Africa should aim to independently fund the AfCFTA Secretariat without external interference. If external support is necessary, it must be reciprocal and aligned with African priorities. In addition to bolstering the African Union, China’s focus on digital trade, including cooperation in 5G networks and e-commerce, offers an opportunity for growth. Ultimately, Africa’s sovereignty and self-reliance must remain central to any development strategy.

Here is what caught our attention this week:

A new publication by ODI exploring data on foreign direct investment to support the? implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment.

New policy papers from FAO and the International Trade Centre on making the AfCFTA work for women.

A UNDP piece on what the fishery Industry can teach us about the AfCFTA’s implementation in the Regional Blue Economy Value Chains.

A news article in The East African on how high tariffs on agricultural produce are stifling intra-Africa trade.

Till next Week,

DevDispatch Team

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