Eberechukwu Ezike shares her top recommendations on the AfCFTA
We are thrilled to share intra-African trade advocate Eberechukwu Ezike’s recommendations on the AfCFTA. Eberechukwu works as a chartered mediator and a corporate and commercial lawyer at G. Elias, a leading business law firm in Nigeria. She is the founder of AfCFTA Dialogues, an initiative dedicated to creating awareness and promoting better understanding of the AfCFTA. Through meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing, she aims to raise awareness of and drive the successful adoption and exploitation of the AfCFTA by industries and businesses in Africa.
Please find her top five publication recommendations below.
AfCFTA - What you Need to Know: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
By the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
This is a publication by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. I love this book because of how it simplifies important information about the AfCFTA Agreement. Its comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the Agreement, presented in a question-and-answer format, makes it easy to read and understand. The first issue was in March, 2023 and I am looking forward to the next issue.
The Road to Africa’s Single Market: Progress so far and challenges for the future
By Teniola T Tayo, Africa Policy Research Institute
This is a study conducted by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) in 2023. It employs a policy-focused approach in documenting the progress and challenges in implementing the AfCFTA while offering noteworthy recommendations. The study features a detailed chapter on the implementation status of the AfCFTA at the continental, regional and national levels. It also features the Guided Trade Initiative and the advancements and challenges in that area.
The African Continental Free Trade Area: A Tralac Guide 8th edition
By tralac
This publication delves into the institutional structure of the AfCFTA, covering the protocols, initiatives and more. It also includes information on intra-Africa imports and exports, intra-REC trade and trade in specific products. One thing I like most about the publication is the consistent use of infographics in explaining the progress of the AfCFTA, which makes it easily digestible. Although published in 2022 and does not cover recent developments, it remains a commendable guide on the subject.
The Engine of Trade in Africa: Amplifying the Voices of Women across Africa on how to make the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade work for Development
By the AfCFTA Secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) and UN Women.
This report compiles insights from national consultations and online regional surveys of women in trade. It covers the challenges facing women in trade and proposes valuable recommendations to inform the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, presenting a unique perspective on intra-African trade.
How Africa Trades
Edited by David Luke
While not exclusively centred on the AfCFTA, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of Africa’s trade relations globally and on the continent. It has a chapter dedicated to the AfCFTA and regional trade development and proves to be an enlightening read for those seeking a broader understanding of Africa’s trade policies and relations. I highly recommend it.
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