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The African Continental Free Trade Area: A Historical Moment for Development in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Vera Songwe

    (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA))

  • Jamie Alexander Macleod

    (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA))

  • Stephen Karingi

    (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA))

Abstract

This policy piece surveys the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historical framework for setting Africa on the path toward structural transformation and sustainable development. After evaluating the part that the landmark continental trade integration reform will play in rebuilding better from the pandemic, the paper quantifies the trade-related impacts of the AfCFTA and assesses its contribution beyond trade. It also highlights Economic Commission for Africa’s ongoing support to implementation, building on the support the commission has historically provided to regional and continental integration in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Vera Songwe & Jamie Alexander Macleod & Stephen Karingi, 2021. "The African Continental Free Trade Area: A Historical Moment for Development in Africa," Journal of African Trade, Springer, vol. 8(2), pages 12-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jouafr:v:8:y:2021:i:2:d:10.2991_jat.k.211208.001
    DOI: 10.2991/jat.k.211208.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank, 2020. "The African Continental Free Trade Area," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 34139, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hippolyte Fofack & Andrew Mold, 2021. "The AfCFTA and African Trade—An Introduction to the Special Issue," Journal of African Trade, Springer, vol. 8(2), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Benedict Oramah, 2021. "Afreximbank in the Era of the AfCFTA," Journal of African Trade, Springer, vol. 8(2), pages 24-35, December.

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