Africa Trade with Yourself: Challenges in Facilitating the African Continental Free Trade Agreement

Abstract

This article examines the challenges of consolidating the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) through a systematic review of the literature. The article concludes that while the ACFTA seeks to boost continental trade, its actual implementation and success will depend on whether it can resolve the multiple national, regional, and continental interests of member states. Based on the review, it is recommended that high-level inter-state committees iron out possible issues that might hinder the implementation of the agreement at the national level be established. Findings from these discussions may inform how ACFTA is implemented continentally considering the interests of member states.