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Africa

AfCFTA protocol on investment draft (Feb 2022)
18-Jan-2023
Two years after AfCFTA, intra-African trade remains low
12-Jan-2023 The Guardian
Two years after the world’s largest free trade area became operational with much fanfare on January 1, 2021, the implementation of the single continental market has been delayed for several reasons.
Kenya and South Africa are working to address trade barriers: where to start
11-Jan-2023 The conversation
Trade volumes between Kenya and South Africa have always been minimal compared to each country’s engagement with its other major trading partners. But in recent years, leaders of the two countries have been taking steps to stimulate trade.
AfCFTA: rising energy cost, forex crisis threaten local manufacturing
11-Jan-2023 Punch
SAMI OLATUNJI examines how local challenges could stop Nigeria from reaping the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Without an end to conflict, the African Continental Free Trade Area is an exercise in futility
11-Jan-2023 Daily Maverick
The recurrence of terrorism, intrastate conflicts, xenophobia, military coups and interstate conflicts reduces prospects for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
EU and Angola conclude Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement
10-Jan-2023 IISD
In November 2022, the EU and Angola concluded a Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA)—the first EU agreement of this kind.
US plans $55bn investment in Africa, keys into AfCFTA
10-Jan-2023 Leadership
The United States of America(USA) has revealed a blueprint that will enable a massive investment inflow into Africa, as Joe Biden’s administration begins winning the heart of African leaders.
US cuts off Burkina Faso from Africa duty-free trade program
10-Jan-2023 yahoo finance
The United States has dropped Burkina Faso from its AGOA trade preference program citing deep concerns over "unconstitutional change" in government in the West African country, the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office said on Sunday.
US Chamber, African Continental Free Trade Area secretariat sign MOU, launch working group to strengthen collaboration
21-Dec-2022 US Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center (USAfBC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to launch a working group to help advance trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa.
AGOA comeback under threat from Africa free trade deal
20-Dec-2022 The East Africa
The US government is exploring ways of renewing a preferential trade programme that gives countries in sub-Saharan Africa preferential access to US markets, allowing them to export products tariff-free.
AAFA calls for prioritizing AGOA renewal at US-Africa Leaders Summit
20-Dec-2022 Fibre2fashion
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and more than 20 organizations have appealed for long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Weak macroeconomic environment may undermine AfCFTA implementation — BoG governor
8-Dec-2022 Graphic online
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, has stressed the need for African central banks to pursue prudent macroeconomic management supported by growth-oriented policies to ensure a successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The future of US-Africa trade
1-Dec-2022 Atlantic council
Ambassador Katherine Tai, the 19th United States Trade Representative, and Secretary General Wamkele Mene of the African Continental Free Trade Area discuss US-African engagement in the AfCFTA-FRI, DECEMBER 2, 2022 • 9:00 AM ET
Standardisation key to reaping AfCFTA benefits, says F.G
30-Nov-2022 This Day
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Maryam Katagum, has said that the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) remained critical in helping the country’s manufacturing sector to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
AU summit showcases Common African Agro-Parks
29-Nov-2022 EABWNews
The African Union Members States, the Regional Economic Communities, the United Nations (FAO, UNIDO, ECA), and Development Partners converged to discuss the implementation and financing modalities for the establishment of the Common African Agro-Parks (CAAPs).
Kenya and South Korea in deal on free trade agreement
29-Nov-2022 Capital News
Nairobi — Kenya and South Korea have agreed on a roadmap that will lead to a free trade agreement between the two countries.
Tanzanian farmers mobilize for agroecology, food sovereignty and pan-Africanism
29-Nov-2022 Peoples Dispatch
On November 17-18, over 400 smallholder farmers gathered for the 27th annual meeting of MVIWATA or the National Network of Small-Scale Farmers Groups in Tanzania.
Letter: South Africa will take a heavy toll on AfCFTA
29-Nov-2022 Business Day
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement risks being unworkable if all members follow SANRAL’s example.
Nigeria not ready for AfCFTA trade implementation
22-Nov-2022 Nigerian Tribune
Chief Executive Officer of Ocean & Cargo, Aare Jide Taiwo, has said Nigeria is not ready for AfCFTA implementation. He was speaking on issues bedeviling the country’s maritime industry, in an interview with TOLA ADENUBI of Nigerian Tribune.
ILO, others seek protection of labour rights under AfCFTA
9-Nov-2022 The Guardian
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), Organisation of Trade Unions in West Africa (OTUWA) and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calls for protection of labour in the the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).