The African Continental Free Trade Agreement: Welfare Gains Estimates from a General Equilibrium Model

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement: Welfare Gains Estimates from a General Equilibrium Model PDF Author: Mr.Lisandro Abrego
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1498314392
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
In March 2018, representatives of member countries of the African Union signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This agreement provides a framework for trade liberalization in goods and services and is expected to eventually cover all African countries. Using a multi-country, multi-sector general equilibrium model based on Costinot and Rodriguez-Clare (2014), we estimate the welfare effects of the AfCFTA for 45 countries in Africa. Three different model specifications—comprising both perfect competition and monopolistic competition—are used. Simulations include full elimination of import tariffs and partial but substantial reduction in non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Results reveal significant potential welfare gains from trade liberalization in Africa. As intra-regional import tariffs in the continent are already low, the bulk of these gains come from lowering NTBs. Overall gains for the continent are broadly similar under the three model specifications used, with considerable variation of potential welfare gains across countries in all model structures.

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement: Welfare Gains Estimates from a General Equilibrium Model

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement: Welfare Gains Estimates from a General Equilibrium Model PDF Author: Mr.Lisandro Abrego
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1498314392
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
In March 2018, representatives of member countries of the African Union signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This agreement provides a framework for trade liberalization in goods and services and is expected to eventually cover all African countries. Using a multi-country, multi-sector general equilibrium model based on Costinot and Rodriguez-Clare (2014), we estimate the welfare effects of the AfCFTA for 45 countries in Africa. Three different model specifications—comprising both perfect competition and monopolistic competition—are used. Simulations include full elimination of import tariffs and partial but substantial reduction in non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Results reveal significant potential welfare gains from trade liberalization in Africa. As intra-regional import tariffs in the continent are already low, the bulk of these gains come from lowering NTBs. Overall gains for the continent are broadly similar under the three model specifications used, with considerable variation of potential welfare gains across countries in all model structures.

The African Continental Free Trade Area: Potential Economic Impact and Challenges

The African Continental Free Trade Area: Potential Economic Impact and Challenges PDF Author: Mr.Lisandro Abrego
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1513542370
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 41

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Book Description
Political momentum towards Africa-wide free trade has been intensifying. In March 2018, over 40 countries signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Once fully implemented, the AfCFTA is expected to cover all 55 African countries, with a combined GDP of about US$2.2 trillion. This SDN takes stock of recent trade developments in Sub-Saharan Africa and assesses the potential benefits and costs of the AfCFTA, as well as challenges to its successful implementation. In addition to increased trade flows both in existing and new products, the AfCFTA has the potential to generate substantial economic benefits for African countries. These benefits include higher income arising from increased efficiency and productivity from improved resource allocation, higher cross-border investment flows, and technology transfers. Besides lowering import tariffs, to ensure these benefits, African countries will need reduce other trade barriers by making more efficient their customs procedures, reducing their wide infrastructure gaps, and improving their business climates. At the same time, policy measures should be taken to mitigate the differential impact of trade liberalization on certain groups as resources are reallocated in the economy and activities migrate to locations with comparatively lower costs.

The African Continental Free Trade Area

The African Continental Free Trade Area PDF Author: World Bank
Publisher: World Bank Publications
ISBN: 1464815607
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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Book Description
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement will create the largest free trade area in the world, measured by the number of countries participating. The pact will connect 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined GDP valued at $3.4 trillion. It has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035. But achieving its full potential will depend on putting in place significant policy reforms and trade facilitation measures. The scope of the agreement is considerable. It will reduce tariffs among member countries and cover policy areas, such as trade facilitation and services, as well as regulatory measures, such as sanitary standards and technical barriers to trade. It will complement existing subregional economic communities and trade agreements by offering a continent-wide regulatory framework and by regulating policy areas—such as investment and intellectual property rights protection—that have not been covered in most subregional agreements. The African Continental Free Trade Area: Economic and Distributional Effects quantifies the long-term implications of the agreement for growth, trade, poverty reduction, and employment. Its analysis goes beyond that in previous studies that have largely focused on tariff and nontariff barriers in goods—by including the effects of services and trade facilitation measures, as well as the distributional impacts on poverty, employment, and wages of female and male workers. It is designed to guide policy makers as they develop and implement the extensive range of reforms needed to realize the substantial rewards that the agreement offers. The analysis shows that full implementation of AfCFTA could boost income by 7 percent, or nearly $450 billion, in 2014 prices and market exchange rates. The agreement would also significantly expand African trade—particularly intraregional trade in manufacturing. In addition, it would increase employment opportunities and wages for unskilled workers and help close the wage gap between men and women.

Economic Development in Africa Report 2019

Economic Development in Africa Report 2019 PDF Author: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Publisher: United Nations
ISBN: 9210039742
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 236

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Book Description
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a historic opportunity for the continent to boost intra-African trade and accelerate structural transformation. However, this relies on a critical policy instrument: the effective implementation of preferential trade liberalization among the AfCFTA members. Whether in practice African firms will utilize tariff preferences under the AfCFTA depends on a critical factor: rules of origin (RoO) and the net benefits of complying with them. This report argues for the adoption of flexible RoO and a strengthening of institutional capacities to ensure an impartial, transparent, predictable, consistent and neutral implementation of agreed RoO.

Assessing Regional Integration in Africa V

Assessing Regional Integration in Africa V PDF Author:
Publisher: UN
ISBN:
Category : Africa
Languages : en
Pages : 166

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Book Description
The fifth of the series (ARIA/V) has come at a time of renewed enthusiasm for shortening the period of the vision of the Abuja Treaty. Its overall objective is to provide an analytical research publication that defines frameworks for African Governments, the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities, towards accelerating the establishment of the African Common Market through: the speedy removal of all tariff and non-tariff barriers, obstacles to free movement of people, investments and factors of production in general across Africa, and through fast-tracking the creation of an African continental Free Trade Area

Sustainable Consumption Experience and Business Models in the Modern World

Sustainable Consumption Experience and Business Models in the Modern World PDF Author: Machado Carvalho, Maria Amélia
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1668492792
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
In the face of escalating environmental degradation and dwindling natural resources, the imperative for sustainable production and consumption has taken center stage, compelling companies and consumers alike to seek a more sustainable path forward. Sustainable consumption and production entail the utilization of goods and services that strive to minimize detrimental impacts on the environment. This involves reducing the utilization of natural resources, toxic substances, and polluting emissions, all while ensuring the satisfaction of future generations' needs. Sustainable Consumption Experience and Business Models in the Modern World explores the crucial interplay between sustainability, businesses, and consumers. From a business standpoint, the pressing concerns surrounding sustainability drive the emergence of innovative sustainable products, services, and business models. Simultaneously, conscientious consumers increasingly gravitate towards sustainable alternatives, embracing the purchase of eco-friendly products and services, engaging in product exchanges, do-it-yourself initiatives, acquiring second-hand items, and participating in the sharing economy. Designed for professionals, students, and researchers in the field of sustainable marketing, this book covers a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to sustainability, sustainable marketing, green products, second-hand goods, and consumer behavior.

West African Studies Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2022 The Economic Power of Africa’s Cities

West African Studies Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2022 The Economic Power of Africa’s Cities PDF Author: OECD
Publisher: OECD Publishing
ISBN: 9264770860
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 207

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Book Description
This report provides a new perspective on Africa’s urban economies that is unique in its breadth and level of detail. Based on data from more than 4 million individuals and firms in 2 600 cities across 34 countries, it presents compelling evidence that urbanisation contributes to better economic outcomes and higher living standards.

Africa in the New Trade Environment

Africa in the New Trade Environment PDF Author: Souleymane Coulibaly
Publisher: World Bank Publications
ISBN: 146481757X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 402

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Book Description
Africa represents a small share of global production and trade, while hosting half of the extreme poor worldwide. To catch up with the rest of the world, there is no alternative: the continent needs to link its production and trade to the global economy to take advantage of unlimited demand and innovation along the supply chain. The book presents a strategy to bolster Africa’s market access in the current global environment. It explores three key areas †“ the impact of trade agreements (unilateral, regional, and multilateral) with traditional partners (the United States and the European Union) and a way forward; the role of new market frontiers in Asia both from the perspective of restructuring economies in the region as well as changing global value chains (GVCs) and their implications for Africa; and finally an inward examination of the promise and challenges of regional trade and value chains. The book meticulously explores ways to maximize Africa’s access to the two leading world markets †“ the European Union and the United States †“ while at the same time diversifying market access to the emerging Asian market. In troubled times, it calls for the continent to anchor its market access strategy to deeper regional integration.

Africa and the Formation of the New System of International Relations—Vol. II

Africa and the Formation of the New System of International Relations—Vol. II PDF Author: Alexey M. Vasiliev
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031340418
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 379

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Book Description
In light of the growing number of African summits and a new awareness of international interdependence during the COVID-19 pandemic, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Africa’s international relations (IR). Leading IR scholars from Africa and around the world examine international cooperation with African countries in areas such as health care, education, and peacekeeping and explore how Africa’s role in the system of international relations has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book is divided into four parts, the first of which explores analyzes the various actors that constitute African agency in the post-pandemic world, while the second focuses on the summits of the major powers regarding cooperation with Africa. The third part covers public health cooperation and regional initiatives in Africa, including issues such as vaccine diplomacy, while the fourth and final part discusses conflicts & political process despite COVID Pandemics.

The Emergent African Union Law

The Emergent African Union Law PDF Author: Olufemi Amao
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192606778
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 497

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Book Description
This book is a groundbreaking study of the emergence of a unique African Union legal system, with contributions from a diverse collection of scholars and practitioners. It highlights how law stands at the heart of the successful regional integration effort in Africa and explores, among either issues, the extent to which African Union law is having an impact on domestic laws. This trend has been particularly noticeable in the area of human rights, the rule of law, democratic principles, and aspects of constitutional law. Furthermore, the book examines how the African Union is engendering new norms from its legal order, such as the non-indifference norm, the norm on unconstitutional change of government, free trade, free movement of people, economic regulation, and democratic constitutionalism. The book also analyses how the African Union legal order has led to the emergence of a continental-level judicial system. The quasi-judicial system put in place under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and administered by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, is now complemented by the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. This book contends that the continental-level judicial system is playing a crucial role in the moulding of emergent norms.