ABNER Martha,Namibia,DES-PS Thank you Martha for this. Time does fly by quickly and truthfully, I have focused my energies on the research on the Division work that I barely think of other things. I love the ideas by DIOP Astou,Senegal,OES and SYAHUKA Hilda, Uganda, DOA , they can be arranged, I do gravitate more to the proposal by NDIMBO Gabriel Kanuti,Tanzania,IDEP, of having research clusters. I think is doable because, there is a diversity of expertise among the fellows, having project clusters in similar fields, will allow fellows in the same semantic fields to learn from each other. This can also translate to writing joint papers in your field of interest.

*** “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

SHWEHDY Amged B, Libya, SRO-NA Thank you for the response

GULE Thandile Tanzile,Eswatini,CFND Much appreciation Thandile, for such an elaborate response highlighting what is happening, continental wise, to address the water scarcity issue. I love that you mentioned cross-sectoral integration. I believe that is where most countries get it wrong, for example other ministries may deem water management and conservative as a preserve of the Ministry responsible water, forgetting that, Agriculture sector, for example, depends on water whether natural rain or through irrigation. That collaboration is needed to create cohesiveness in addressing water challenges and provide a more wholistic approach rather than a fragmented one. I also appreciate the concept of integrating traditional knowledge in water management, to help forge for sustainable water management as well as promote community involvement.

SOUMTANG BIME Valentine, Cameroon, DES-P , very interesting, I would argue that these issues are interdependent and they complement each other. Efficient organizations are productive which helps them achieve their vision. Also it is only empowered personnel in terms of skills, capabilities and competencies and overall well being, who are able to sustain high levels of efficiency.
One thing is for sure, organizations, public and private are all digitalizing due to the efficiency associated with it. Given the need to have personnel with technical digital skills, some HR in some organizations are offering in-house training programmes (cost-saving mechanism) to equip their staff with these skills, thereby improving their personnel capacity and enhancing their efficiency without the need to hire new staff. ECA is already doing that, I think they are already offering a Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Economists and Statisticians. I think this is pretty commendable

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.

ABNER Martha,Namibia,DES-PS Your perspective is very realistic and I couldn't agree more

Please share your thoughts on whether you think the Continent is ready for the next level of integration.... Excited to hear them

AHOUAKAN Ehouman Williams V,Ivory Coast,SRO/WA said in Fiscal consolidation and SDGs attainment:

This raises an important policy question: How does fiscal consolidation programs affect the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in African countries ?

My personal reflection on this. When it comes to fiscal consolidation the government is faced with at least two glaring options, one-to reduce government spending and two- to increase taxes. The second option is a bit tricky especially when referring to the traditional tax revenue approach which is increasing tax rates that is met with negative public outcry hinged on the manner in which public funds have been embezzled and misused in the past. The first option, which is governments introducing austerity measures to cut down on their spending, that is where the direct effect on attaining SDGs can be seen. For example, generally governments have the mandate to provide health and education for their citizens, if you cut spending, it means these critical sectors that are relating to attaining a number of SDG goals will be affected.

SHWEHDY Amged B, Libya, SRO-NA Congratulations on your publication and hope you get to publish many more. Interestingly, I came across a paper whose findings indicate that, when government become more digitized, it positively impacts the growth of the digital service trade. Personally, I have not had an experience publishing, I hope to do that in the future though. However, I have from a colleague who has published several papers that the process is tedious with the long peer review process and can be costly, especially if you want to publish in renown journal.

ALI Ibrahim Houssen,Djibouti,ACS This is a timely discussion indeed, a decade later in the implementation of the SDGs, and food security is still a persistent issue across the continent with many areas facing famine and requiring substantial aid in food. Aside from leveraging technology to create resilience and boost agriculture productivity, it is also relevant to look at some practical ways to address food security in Africa. Take the example of post harvest losses that is witnessed across many African countries. A large percentage of food is lost due to poor transport infrastructure, inadequate storage and processing facilities or even limited value addition. To address these issues, governments being deliberate about improving transport infrastructure, providing common cold storage facilities, especially in areas where there is high production of perishable products. Even better creating industries in high agriculture production areas to preserve, add value and minimize post-harvest losses. I love what Burkina Faso is doing with their tomato production, the government has established industries to process tomato into tomato paste thus enhancing its shelf-life. Of course this industry will also promote the growth of other auxiliary industries, for example packaging and distribution companies. The economists will tell you, the multiplier effect will lead to job creation, sustainable production and by and large economic growth. This can be scaled and replicated in other products if government are willing to create that environment for companies to thrive. There is a whole conversation of how governments can be involved in this aspects, i will leave that discussion for another day....

LOMPO Aguima Aime Bernard,Burkina Faso,SPORD LIPEDE Omolola Mary,Nigeria,GPSPD This is definitely not my domain, I appreciate the concepts and how the both of you have shed light on it.

SOUMTANG BIME Valentine, Cameroon, DES-P Thank you so much Valentine for sharing this Cameroonian perspective on this, very enlightening. Grateful for the example on how local communities are practically addressing the water challenge. Bravo

GULE Thandile Tanzile,Eswatini,CFND Yesterday, I came across some interesting facts about Nairobi city and depletion of the "water table", it could be something witnessed in other countries maybe yes or no. There is quite a number of high-rise residential building that are being developed and most of those building have drilled boreholes, which raises concerns that, at the rate at which the boreholes are being drilled, it will soon deplete the "water table". As an expert in this area, how should cities urbanize in a sustainable way, and ensure water as an important resource is conserved to serve future generations? Also does the vision address urban development and water resource management.?

MUSEKERA John,Rwanda,SRO-EA , saw this over a couple of days ago and its news that is positively welcomed by the two states. My interaction with trade issues over the last couple of years, makes it clear that one of the greatest hindrances to trade among countries is Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), more than tariffs and they are so nuanced to the point that you will always have countries negotiating on how to reduce them. With regard to truck congestion at the border, there have been notorious traffic jams at the Malaba border, because of the long-waiting process to screen the trucks among other border processes. For the two countries to affirm their commitment in working together, it means there will be improved cooperation and coordination which will hopefully significantly enhance efficiency and facilitate trade.

CHIGARU Farai, Malawi, SRO-WA Please clarify on "reduced (or eliminated) tariffs on African Imports" maybe give a bit of context for me to make a contribution. Thank you