Addressing barriers to intra-African trade

Africa's journey towards intra-African trade integration has been a strategic and intentional one, dating back to the early 2010s. At the 51st Economic Commission for Africa session, Stephen Karingi, the Director for Regional Integration, Infrastructure, and Trade Division at the UN Economic Commission for Africa, shed light on the continent's efforts to boost trade relations among African nations. The quest for an Africa Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) was set in motion in 2010 in Kigali when the Economic Commission for Africa presented a report on the state of intra-African trade to the ministers of trade. This pivotal moment led to a series of deliberations and proposals that eventually culminated in the launch of negotiations for the CFTA in 2015. Fast forward to the current scenario, and significant progress has been made towards realizing this ambitious goal. With 44 signatures on the instruments of the CFTA and countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Niger, and Mali ratifying the agreement, the momentum towards intra-African trade integration is picking up. The CFTA aims to create a conducive environment for investments both within Africa and from international sources. By removing trade barriers, harmonizing regulations, and fostering a pro-business climate, the CFTA seeks to facilitate economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development across the continent. Looking ahead, the focus will be on implementing phase two of the CFTA negotiations, which will delve deeper into issues such as investment facilitation and regulatory frameworks. The ultimate goal is to attract investments, promote intra-African trade, and streamline business operations to ensure a thriving economy for the continent. The journey towards intra-African trade integration is a testament to Africa's commitment to harnessing its economic potential and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships across borders.