The intra-Africa success will boil down to political will, discipline in execution, and the active management of conflicts that arise as implementation continues. Illustration: DOROTHY KGOSI
There are still some details to be resolved by negotiators, but the process is on track to see customs duties reduced as of July 2020. It is already possible to see what the initial benefits of the agreement will be and the prospects for increasing trade between African countries.
As is the case with so much in life, the devil will be in the detail, and companies need to keep a close eye on these negotiations to see exactly where the opportunities will lie and where they will need to press for better access.
Information is at the centre of all this. If we understand the opportunities, press for better conditions and plan properly, there are huge potential benefits to riding the wave of African trade integration. Those who dither and get deterred by the detail and complexities can never hope to reap the full rewards.