In briefThe African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) recently launched the Guided Trade Initiative to test meaningful, continuous trade under AfCFTA and to assist in the development of shorter, regional value chains that will allow for more climate-resilient, sustainable trade across the continent. But for Africa to make the most of free trade, it is essential that large gaps in continent-wide infrastructure and manufacturing be developed in a sustainable way. In depthThe AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) is the latest development designed to boost trade in the Africa’s continent-wide free trade zone. African countries receiving these goods will benefit from reduced tariff treatment (and possibly eventually from zero tariffs). However, the continent’s massive gaps in infrastructure, especially its utilities and transport infrastructure, have hampered the ability of African countries to trade.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 23, 2022 11:07 UTC