Human rights-oriented trade policy research.
AfCFTA and the acquis principle - Reinterpreting the legal foundation for Africa's developmental integration
Five years after its launch, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) faces challenges due to a narrow interpretation of the "preservation of the acquis" principle.
Originally meant to encompass the entire "Acquis of the Union," it now only references Regional Economic Communities’ Free Trade Agreements, distancing it from the African Union framework. This shift prioritises trade liberalisation over a rights-based developmental approach, creating divisions in African integration. With the five-year review approaching, there’s an opportunity to realign the AfCFTA with the right to development, promoting true continental integration and economic independence.
Human rights and AfCFTA tariffs: A practical implementation think-piece for trade negotiators
The relationship between human rights and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) tariffs is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of Africa's integration.
As negotiators finalise tariffs, a key question arises: Will these decisions protect or harm vulnerable populations?
This article offers guidance for integrating human rights into tariff decisions, including identifying vulnerable sectors and consulting affected communities.
Beyond numbers - How AfCFTA tariffs impact a human rights-oriented conception of development in Africa
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims for tariff liberalisation but often overlooks its human impact.
This article highlights the need for a broader interpretation of trade policies to support vulnerable groups and advocates for a human rights-centred approach to ensure that economic integration benefits all Africans. Trade policies must align with Africa's commitments to human rights and inclusive development.
Beyond regional silos - How reinterpreting the AfCFTA acquis could transform African integration
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a key project aimed at increasing intra-African trade by 52% and lifting 30 million people out of extreme poverty. However, five years into its implementation, progress has stalled due to negotiation deadlocks and challenges.
This article highlights how a misinterpretation of the "preservation of the acquis" principle has contributed to these issues. Current approaches prioritise existing regional trade arrangements rather than the broader African Union framework, leading to fragmentation. A wider interpretation of the AfCFTA acquis could transform it into a true catalyst for development-led integration and support Africa's development agenda.