Beyond numbers - How AfCFTA tariffs impact a human rights-oriented conception of development in Africa

The AfCFTA is an ambitious integration project, with tariff liberalisation at its core. Yet beneath the technical jargon of tariff schedules lies a profound human dimension that is often overlooked.

When Egypt categorised almost all dairy products for rapid liberalization while ECOWAS took a more cautious approach, they weren't just making technical trade decisions - they were shaping the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers.
This article examines how AfCFTA tariffs impact vulnerable groups across Africa, arguing for a broader interpretation of the "acquis principle" that would align trade policies with the continent's comprehensive development agenda.

By analysing dairy sector case studies and proposing a human rights-centered approach to tariff negotiations, it demonstrates how AfCFTA implementation could be transformed to ensure that economic integration benefits all Africans, not just those already positioned to compete in liberalised markets.

The technical aspects of trade policy - often relegated to closed-door negotiations among experts - deserve greater scrutiny regarding their alignment with Africa's commitments to human rights and inclusive development.