Much has been written about the potential economic benefits of the new African Continental Free Trade Area . However, few people have asked: how will the new trade deal help African states develop a resilient agriculture sector?
Many events such as Covid-19, border closures, conflict, climate events, and political crises amplify food insecurity, but poverty also makes the matter worse. Warnings by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme suggested additional food crises in at least 14 African countries in 2021. For all Africans, this will mean increased food prices, which will disproportionately hurt the poorest in our society.
As the continent grapples with food security challenges, it is imperative to speed up a rapid transformation of the food system. That is where the new African Continental Free Trade Area presents an exciting opportunity for the continent and economic regions. Africa lags in intercontinental trade.
Without nullifying these concerns, we need to understand that the growth of trade is not always smooth. It comes with specific challenges, but it presents tremendous opportunities for all countries involved and their citizens when done right. Indeed, the World Bank has estimated that the AfCFTA alone could add more than $450 billion to the continent’s GDP, and lift more than 30 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035.
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