Regional Integration In Africa: The Political Economy Of The African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta)

Abstract

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) marks a transformative step towards regional integration in Africa, aiming to create a single market for goods and services across 54 countries. This study seeks to examine the political economy of AfCFTA, focusing on how structural inequalities, state interests, and external influences shape its implementation and outcomes. The aim is to assess both the integrative potential and the socio-economic limitations of the agreement within the context of Africa's diverse economic and political landscape. Employing a qualitative research methodology supported by secondary data, the study conducts a comparative policy analysis of national commitments and regional cooperation strategies from 2021 to 2025. Trade statistics and official reports are analyzed using thematic coding and trend-based interpretation to identify patterns in implementation progress. The findings reveal that while AfCFTA has fostered greater policy alignment and regional dialogue, disparities in infrastructure, institutional capacity, and political will significantly impede uniform progress. The study recommends that member states prioritize investment in trade facilitation infrastructure and establish mechanisms for interregional policy harmonization. Future implications suggest that the success of AfCFTA will depend on sustained collaboration between states, stronger enforcement of compliance mechanisms, and adaptive governance that accommodates Africa’s economic diversity. The research concludes that although AfCFTA holds substantial promise for driving economic transformation and unity in Africa, achieving its full potential requires deliberate, inclusive strategies that address both national interests and collective regional goals.

Key Words: AfCFTA, regional integration, political economy, intra-African trade, African Union, economic development, trade policy