3 20 things to watch:
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The Pandemic Is Both a Setback and an Opportunity for Free Trade within Africa The July 1 launch of Africa’s continental free trade agreement (AfCFTA) has been postponed for at least six months as the continent grapples with COVID-19. This is a major setback for Africa’s trade aspirations; instead of removing barriers, the continent must deal with new virus-related border closures and travel restrictions. However, African trade officials rightly see the crisis as offering a chance for an opportunity. Through the AfCFTA, Africa can strengthen intra-African supply chains for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and foodstuffs to reduce its dependence on outsiders and better prepare to fight future pandemics and other crises. An AfCFTA-driven regional approach to developing these internal chains and strengthening digital connectivity would secure Africa’s self-reliance in public health, and would also make it more attractive to foreign investors seeking low-cost opportunities for medical facilities, supplies, and medicines. In this way, the AfCFTA can drive Africa’s post-pandemic recovery and economic restructuring to boost its resilience against future shocks.
Featured Experts:
www.wilsoncenter.org/africa africa@wilsoncenter.org
Monde Muyangwa, Director, Africa Program
facebook.com/africaprogram
Michael Morrow, Senior Diplomatic Fellow, Africa Program
@AfricaUpClose 202.691.4158
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