Economic Agreements in Africa: A Step Towards Prosperity

Africa is a continent that has always been on the receiving end of economic aid and support from developed countries. However, over the past few years, there has been a shift towards economic agreements that promote mutual benefits and development in Africa. In this article, we will explore the significance of economic agreements in Africa and how they are driving the continent towards prosperity.

Economic agreements essentially refer to bilateral or multilateral agreements between countries aimed at boosting economic cooperation and facilitating trade. For Africa, such arrangements have become vital for economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. Africa is a continent that is home to many developing countries with vast natural resources, yet it continues to struggle with economic development. This is where economic agreements come in handy.

One of the most significant economic agreements in Africa is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was signed in 2018 and came into effect in 2021. The AfCFTA is a free trade agreement between African Union member states aimed at creating a single market for goods and services, promoting free movement of people, and boosting intra-African trade. This agreement is set to create a market of 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP of over $2.5 trillion, making it one of the largest free trade areas in the world.

The AfCFTA is expected to spur economic growth, create jobs, and help in poverty reduction in Africa. It is estimated that by 2035, AfCFTA will raise Africa`s income by $450 billion and lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. Additionally, the agreement will facilitate economic integration of Africa and enhance the continent`s bargaining power in the global economy.

Apart from the AfCFTA, there are several other economic agreements that have been signed in Africa. For instance, the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) aims at promoting agriculture-led economic growth in Africa. Similarly, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible African countries` products, thus promoting African exports.

In conclusion, economic agreements in Africa are a step towards prosperity. They provide an opportunity for African countries to leverage their vast natural resources, promote economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of their citizens. The AfCFTA, in particular, is a game-changer for Africa, and its success will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the continent`s economic development. As Africa continues to strive towards economic development, economic agreements are a step in the right direction.