The African Regional Economic Integration Agenda, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Future of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AAU
Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the AfCFTA agreement and RECs' future with the establishment of the AfCFTA. The Abuja Treaty is the benchmark for economic integration in Africa; it lists six steps for forming the AEC. The study's findings show that the AfCFTA is an independent legal instrument from the Abuja Treat with its institutional structure; however, its in line with and facilitate the objectives of the Abuja Treaty. The AfCFTA states it has the objective of resolving multiple and overlapping memberships, yet it provides for the RECs' existence after the formation of the AfCFTA. Since the RECs have an independent personality, there is no legal ground for termination of the RECs, with that state parties should consider having a protocol of merger. The development of African countries is different, and they have a low level of manufacturing capacities. Therefore, to utilize the benefits of the AfCFTA by every member states, there is a need to have a strategic shift in production and address NTBs that hinder intra-African trade