The potential for the creation of Regional Value Chains in North Africa: a sector-based mapping

Abstract

North Africa boasts a unique geostrategic location at the intersection of regional and continental dynamics offering valuable opportunities for development and prosperity. As such, North African countries can leverage their strong relationships with Europe, their historic economic partner, to move upmarket and become part of global value chains. The sub region can also reap the benefits of its unique position in the middle east, as well as of the construction of an African single market, offering considerable opportunities. the prospective analyses of the impact of the project for the establishment of an African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) reflect the leading role to be played by regional value chains and the substantial contribution of the North African countries to the industrial development expected from this project. North-African countries are expected to benefit particularly from the growing trade in intra-African industrial goods, which is projected to increase by as much as 25 to 30% by 2040, furthering the integration of the continent's productive fabric. The overarching objective of this study is to identify the opportunities and challenges in building specific regional value chains, using a sectoral mapping of existing regional value chains and an analysis of their development potential. A draft action plan and a set of recommendations are incorporated in the analysis presented in this report to facilitate trade, reform the current institutional and regulatory framework and build the capacity of key actors for greater regional integration.