This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On July 7, 2019, African countries launched the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Niamey, Niger, marking a significant step towards a continent-wide free trade area.
The AfCFTA promises to create a market of 1.2 billion people and a $3 trillion economy, unhindered by tariffs, which would help in selling Africa as one investment destination and tackle youth unemployment.
Support for the bloc has come swiftly, with the Africa Import Export Bank announcing a $1 billion kitty to cushion countries that ratify the treaty from potential loss, mostly revenue related.
However, the success of AfCFTA depends on more than just economic underpinnings. Interactions at all levels should start with a personal touch, allowing free movement of people, who can criss-cross the continent, discover new opportunities, and innovate on how to exploit them.
East Africa, in particular, faces migration challenges such as denial of passports and work permits, which continue to dominate what should be a common market where labour moves freely.
The AfCFTA could look to leapfrog regional blocs by having students from other parts of Africa train in any of the 55 countries as home students, like in Europe.
Integrating a human face into the AfCFTA and other regional blocs is crucial to win mass support for the initiatives and pull hesitant public officials along.
