THE past few months have seen some significant developments for African trade and integration. These advances come at a crucial time for African countries, which have been particularly hard hit by the slump in commodity prices, China’s economic downturn and higher external borrowing costs. This has resulted in slower-than-expected GDP growth, currency fluctuations and reduced investment – particularly in resource-rich countries.New dynamics are emerging as a result of two major developments. First, a set of agreements between regional African blocs and the EU, as well as between African countries themselves. Second, Brexit may change the thrust of African trade with both the EU and Britain. Combined, they are likely to have some positive economic implications for Africa.Intra-African trade has comprised about 15% of Africa’s total trade over the past decade. This compares with intraregional trade rates of, for example, 17% in south and central America, and 62% in Asia. African expor...
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