IGAD African continental free trade area: regional implementation strategy

Abstract

The IGAD member states have ratified the AfCFTA agreement, and the region is set to start implementing the Agreement – to trade and benefit from the continental market created by the AfCFTA. This strategy is intended as a framework for implementation of the Agreement by the IGAD member states. It is a roadmap intended to guide this process. It builds a few priorities thematic areas where action is needed to implement the Agreement efficiently and effectively. The choice of these priority areas is informed by the provisions of the Agreement as indicated in its main parts and chapters. It is also informed by the situation analysis which shows the dynamics on the ground that will need to be taken into consideration during the implementation. The main objective of this regional implementation strategy is to provide a roadmap for the implementation of the Agreement. It is underpinned by principles such as the correct interpretation of the existing challenges, building on what has been done at the regional level, upholding, and protecting the IGAD regional integration agenda, among others.