Africa's Trade Gap Persists Despite AfCFTA Push to Rev Up Markets
Despite the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intra-African trade remains low at 15-18% of total trade volumes. Experts cite infrastructure deficits, high logistics costs, and fragmented regulatory systems as primary barriers to achieving the agreement's goals.
Why it matters
The persistent trade gap highlights the structural challenges Africa must overcome to achieve economic integration and reduce reliance on external markets.
By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter Kenya, June 22,2026 - Despite the promise of a single continental market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa continues to trade more with the rest of the world than within its own borders, underscoring the significant hurdles that remain in unlocking the full potential of the agreement.
The article relies on economic data and expert analysis to explain a complex trade situation objectively.
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