AfCFTA Friday #8: Role of AfCFTA committees & leveraging AfCFTA to transform agriculture
Combating the worrying trend of low intra-African trade
Only 5 out of 55 countries in Africa are trading within the continent
Implementation committees are vital to AfCFTA implementation
If African countries can eliminate import tariffs, intra-African agriculture will increase by 574%.
Are you ready to dive into the world of AfCFTA? Today, on AfCFTA Friday, we have handpicked some of the most compelling and thought-provoking articles and pieces that have transformed our understanding of AfCFTA.
So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired to take concrete steps towards contributing to the success of AfCFTA. Who knows, the next time we meet on AfCFTA Friday, you might have a story of your own to share about the impact you have made!
The worrying low intra-African trade trend
The Mo Ibrahim Index Report reveals that despite the progress on AfCFTA, intra-African trade is still incredibly low. Restrictions on the free movement of goods and people and a poor transport network are some of the biggest hindrances to intra-African trade.
Read on to find out why this is such a worrying trend.
Leveraging AfCFTA to transform agriculture
Africa spends billions on importing agricultural products. In most African countries, the value of imports is greater than the aid the country receives. Investing in agro-processing will ensure these billions remain on the continent.
More than that, experts describe agro-processing as a sub-sector of manufacturing. That’s because the prices of processed agricultural products are stable compared to raw materials.
AfCFTA will help unlock the manufacturing potential contained in agro-processing, benefit economies, and reduce over-dependence on foreign imports. Find out how.
Role of AfCFTA implementation committees
Implementation committees are the only way to shift the African Continental Free Trade Area from talk to action. Why?
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