International trade and intra-African trade

Abstract

The present report outlines developments in international and intra-African trade since 2015. First, it provides an overview of African trade, focusing on recent performances in the trade in goods and in services. Second, it highlights some of the most prominent changes that occurred with regard to international trade relations affecting Africa, with a specific focus on the most recent developments relating to the economic partnership agreements and the Brexit issue, some prospective views on the African Growth and Opportunity Act and beyond, and the negotiations under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization. Third, it provides discussion on the ongoing Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) negotiations and its expected impact on both intra-African trade and Africa’s trade with the rest of the world. Lastly, the report concludes with policy recommendations.