Launch of the Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA XI) Report 2025
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*** “THE NEXT LOGICAL PROGRESSION”** “Landmark” “Milestone, “Ambitious” “Comprehensive agreement” “Game changer” “” are but a few of the descriptive words and phrases that have been used in the regional integration conversation and discussions, to describe the relevance and transformative nature of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in promoting intra-African trade. For example, UNECA’s Economic Report on Africa (2025) highlights that the accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA could increase Africa’s GDP by US$141 billion and boost intra-African trade by US$276 billion. This expected positive impact is further propelled by the current trade developments that are calling for the Continent to accelerate the implementation of the agreement in a bid to open-up alternative markets for sectors that have been severely affected by the recent trade tariffs by the US. It is against this scenario that a critical question arises, should Africa limit its focus on the creation of a Continental Free Trade Area or begin efforts to chart a path towards becoming a customs union or even common market?
The answers or some of the answers to this question are in the 11th edition of the Assessing Regional Integration in Africa “Delivering on the African Economic Community: Towards an African Continental Customs Union and African Continental Common Market”. This theme reflects the next logical progression for the Continent after fully implementing the AfCFTA. ARIA XI, will be launched soon, during the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 12 July 2025
It is exciting to witness ECA once again taking the lead in driving a forward-looking conversation, one that not only addresses the challenges and insights related to regional integration but also explores the theoretical foundations of a Customs Union and Common Market, along with the institutional and governance capacities needed to realize them. Much like its early efforts in the early 2000s that helped initiate the journey toward the African Continental Free Trade Area—which is now a reality. ECA is setting the stage for Africa’s next phase of integration.
Will share a link for the ARIA XI Report- for an in-depth reading- when it is available. ERA 2025 https://www.uneca.org/economic-report-on-africa-2025
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Please share your thoughts on whether you think the Continent is ready for the next level of integration.... Excited to hear them
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BIRIKA Naomi,Kenya,RITD I think the continent isn’t fully ready yet but we can’t afford to delay the conversation. Moving towards a Customs Union or Common Market aligns with Africa’s foresight priorities like industrialization, jobs, food security, and digital transformation.
The barriers are real though: weak infrastructure, tariff dependence, fragmented regulations, and limited institutional capacity. But with stronger AfCFTA implementation, harmonized standards, and investment in enabling infrastructure, we can gradually bridge the gap. So while readiness is uneven, the next level of integration is less a question of if and more of when and how we prepare for it.
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Interesting ideas
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The AfCFTA presents a significant opportunity for Africa, potentially enhancing GDP and boosting intra-African trade. This raises the question of whether to focus solely on the free trade area or also consider a customs union or common market. The upcoming ARIA XI report will delve into these possibilities and highlight ECA's vital role in advancing regional integration. I'll share the link once it's available.
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ABNER Martha,Namibia,DES-PS You are perspective is very realistic and I couldn't agree more
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ARAGAW Bezawit, Ethiopia, TICID, Yes Beza, I think consideration for a Customs Union is next logical progression. Although others feel that, the opportunities under the AfCFTA are yet to be fully utilized, which are true and valid sentiments, nonetheless, I believe the conversation to move forward to greater levels of integration is equally relevant now...particulary with the shifting global trade dynamics.
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Thanks Naomi for sharing this reflection. I find it powerful how often the AfCFTA is described using words like “the next logical progression,” “landmark,” “milestone,” “ambitious,” “comprehensive agreement,” and even “game changer.” These phrases really capture just how transformative this agreement is in driving intra-African trade.
Reading through UNECA’s Economic Report on Africa (2025), I was struck by the scale of its potential impact: accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA could raise Africa’s GDP by US$141 billion and boost intra-African trade by US$276 billion. With the backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics and new tariffs from the US, the urgency for Africa to fast-track its integration and open up alternative markets could not be clearer. This raises an important question I’ve been reflecting on: should Africa stop at creating a Continental Free Trade Area, or should we already start charting the path towards a Customs Union and eventually a Common Market?
I am particularly excited about the launch of the 11th edition of the Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA XI): “Delivering on the African Economic Community: Towards an African Continental Customs Union and African Continental Common Market.” To me, this theme signals the natural progression for the Continent after AfCFTA implementation. As a Fellow in Tech, this excites me even more because I see how technology can accelerate this vision whether through digital trade platforms, interoperable payment systems, e-customs solutions, or AI-driven data analytics to support trade policy. The digital dimension of integration will be critical in turning these ambitious frameworks into practical realities that reach businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities across Africa.
