Economic partnership agreements and their potential impact on intra-African trade

The report has thus far demonstrated the performance of intra-African trade overthe years. It has also highlighted its opportunities and challenges. This chapter discusses how the prospects of intra-African trade are likely to be influenced by the changing institutional landscape, occasioned mainly by new bilateral and international trade agreements. Besides highlighting how intra-African trade might be affected by the bilateral economic partnership agreements between Africa and the European Union (EU), it also highlights implications of the negotiations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), especially the Doha Round. The Aid for Trade initiative, which has great potential to address these challenges, is also discussed, given that its success depends on continued cooperation among African countries and RECs that have regional and multilateral financial institutions.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions