AfCFTA Scoop Issue 53

Are African nations truly ready for the AfCFTA? Critical infrastructure questions remain

As African nations celebrate the AfCFTA, critical questions about the continent's readiness remain unanswered. How can we effectively trade when our transport networks are fundamentally disconnected? The fragmented road systems, limited railway connections, and inadequate maritime links to island nations create significant logistical challenges that inflate product costs. Consider the digital divide: Why do African citizens still need to purchase new SIM cards or pay exorbitant roaming fees when crossing borders within their own continent? In an era where digital trade is crucial, how can we optimize AfCFTA benefits with such unharmonized telecommunications infrastructure? This reality raises uncomfortable questions: Are we putting the cart before the horse? While AfCFTA promises economic integration, how realistic is this without first addressing these fundamental infrastructure gaps? Can we genuinely claim readiness for continental free trade when moving goods from one country to another remains a logistical nightmare? Without resolving these infrastructure challenges, are we not at risk of creating a free trade agreement that exists more on paper than in practice?

In other news:

The UNECA launched the African Continental Input-Output Table (AfCIOT) to enhance decision-making and promote sustainable economic development by analyzing trade dynamics and production across African borders.

ECOWAS launched the E-Certificate of Origin to boost intra-regional trade and promote regional integration in West Africa.

Yaw A. Debrah et al launched a new publication titled The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Taking stock and looking ahead for international business research.

The Zuba Network released an article citing information gaps and skill deficiencies as challenges that derail women manufacturers’ efforts to harness the AfCFTA.

Till Next Week,

DevDispatch Team