Is it time for Africa? Trade integration on the African continent

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was established in 2018, among 54 out of the continent's 55 states. It has the potential to become the largest free trade agreement in the world, creating a single market of 1.5 billion people. Since trade commenced under the agreement in 2021, progress has been mixed, but integration is moving steadily forward. What is the state of play today, and what are the main objectives on a short-term basis? What are the effects of the “reciprocal” tariffs imposed by the Trump administration? What other trade activities are going on in Africa, and how does Africa see the future of the multilateral trading system?

HOST

Cecilia Malmström
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE)

GUESTS

Trudi Hartze nberg 
Executive Director, tralac (Trade Law Centre), South Africa

David Luke
Professor in Practice and Strategic Director, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, London School of Economics (LSE); Extraordinary Professor, North-West University, South Africa