<\/p>\n
The AfCFTA framework aims to expand intra-African trade by reducing tariffs, improving market access and supporting regional value chains. Analysts say the agreement could help reduce reliance on global markets at a time of increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Jason Hamilton, Guest Lecturer in Corporate and Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School in South Africa, said increased intra-African trade can support diversification and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hamilton said disruptions linked to global conflicts, trade restrictions and supply chain fragmentation highlight the need for stronger regional integration.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Recent data indicate that trade within sub-Saharan Africa has grown by about 10%, suggesting progress despite a global slowdown. Economists link this growth to efforts aimed at improving regional market access and reducing trade barriers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The AfCFTA is also seen as a tool to support industrialisation. By encouraging local production and processing, the agreement is expected to help countries move beyond exporting raw materials. Expansion of regional value chains is expected to contribute to job creation and economic development.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hamilton said existing progress includes increased trade in sectors such as mining equipment, agriculture and manufacturing. However, implementation challenges remain, including the need for additional protocols and improved coordination among member states.<\/p>\n
–ChannelAfrica–<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":35446,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"news-type":[44],"class_list":["post-35445","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","news-type-finance","entry"],"acf":{"short_description":"Economists have identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a central mechanism for strengthening economic resilience and accelerating growth across the continent, as Africa marked Africa Day.","published_date":"","news_description":"Economists have identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a central mechanism for strengthening economic resilience and accelerating growth across the continent, as Africa marked Africa Day.","form_embed":"","author":"","image_caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/35445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/35445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35447,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/35445\/revisions\/35447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"news-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-type?post=35445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}