*** “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

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.