Africa’s smaller economies play a crucial role in building a regionally integrated and inclusive economy under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While their GDPs are relatively modest and their markets less developed, these nations bring strategic contributions essential for regional integration and sustainable growth. The AfCFTA offers these countries opportunities to capitalize on comparative advantages, enhance productive infrastructure, and engage in regional and global value chains.
The AfCFTA has incorporated differentiated agreements to support smaller and more vulnerable economies, ensuring that they have more time to phase out tariffs and adopt trade reforms, helping prevent economic imbalances. Additionally, the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, with an initial allocation of $1 billion, is designed to assist these nations in transitioning to free trade while mitigating economic shocks.
Countries like Lesotho, Eswatini, and Djibouti are leveraging the AfCFTA to attract foreign investment, expand local exports, and actively participate in the continental market. With access to larger regional markets and new partnerships, these economies benefit from the transfer of capital and technical expertise, improving their production capacity.
Despite having smaller industrial bases, many of these economies play essential roles in Africa’s regional value chains, supplying raw materials, agricultural products, and primary inputs to larger economies. For example:
Malawi and Rwanda have focused on exporting agricultural goods such as tea, coffee, and tropical fruits, which are vital for regional agribusiness chains.
Lesotho and Eswatini supply textiles and apparel to countries like South Africa, which have more advanced manufacturing industries.
Djibouti serves as a logistics hub in the Horn of Africa, facilitating the movement of goods between the continent’s interior and international markets.
These examples illustrate how the AfCFTA fosters cooperation and economic complementarity, promoting growth across multiple sectors and regions.
Agriculture and sustainable trade opportunities
With agriculture as the backbone of many smaller economies, the AfCFTA presents opportunities to modernize and scale up production by promoting regional trade and investments. Several initiatives encourage:
Sustainable agriculture practices that enhance food security and foster organic exports.
Technical and financial support from institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) to modernize agricultural infrastructure and increase productivity.
Involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in local and regional food value chains.
Countries like Rwanda have embraced innovative agricultural technologies, while Burkina Faso has strengthened its cotton production, providing a valuable resource to the regional textile industry.
The AfCFTA also provides a platform for smaller economies to thrive in the digital age. Digital technologies enable SMEs and startups to access broader markets and participate in e-commerce platforms. Mobile payment systems and financial inclusion programs help integrate businesses into regional trade networks, driving growth and connectivity.
Rwanda and Botswana are leading efforts to develop tech incubators and provide digital skills training.
Mauritania and Cape Verde are focusing on tourism and specialized tech services, using digital platforms to reach new markets.
These economies, despite their size, are becoming hubs of innovation and key contributors to Africa’s economic diversification.
Smaller African economies are using the AfCFTA to forge bilateral and multilateral partnerships, taking advantage of trade integration to attract new investments. Joint infrastructure projects, such as transport and energy networks, enhance connectivity between countries and allow smaller economies to benefit from the growth of larger markets.
Regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) demonstrate how harmonized economic policies help smaller economies prepare for the full implementation of the AfCFTA.
Although they face unique challenges, Africa’s smaller economies are positioning themselves as key players in the continent’s economic transformation. The AfCFTA creates unprecedented opportunities for these nations to integrate into global value chains, modernize their economies, and strengthen economic resilience.
By gaining access to larger markets, building regional partnerships, and attracting strategic investments, these economies contribute to sustainable growth and ensure a more inclusive Africa where no country is left behind. Their active participation not only showcases Africa’s economic diversity but also highlights the power of collaborative integrationto tackle shared challenges and build a brighter future for all Africans.