African Continental Free Trade Area: Challenges and Opportunities
Yash Ramkolowan is Managing Director at DNA Economics
Summary
Yash Ramkolowan expresses his support for African integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, acknowledging the slow progress, but emphasizing achievements made in the past decade prior to the 2018 announcement.
He notes that negotiations involve various interests and stakeholders, with tariff negotiations ongoing and hopes for finalization within the next year. Rules of origin have mostly been finalized, while negotiations for intellectual property rights, investment policy, competition policy, and e-commerce are ongoing.
He emphasizes the political complexities involved and the long-term goal of a broader African Union by 2063.
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