Share of intra-African imports in total imports 2020-2035, by scenario
In 2035, on the condition that there are no new policy implementations in international trade in Africa (baseline scenario), intracontinental imports in Africa are expected to cover 18 percent of the total imports. This would represent an increase from 12 percent in 2020. On the other hand, under African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiatives, intra-AfCFTA imports are forecast to account for 25 percent of the total imports. In May 2019, the AfCFTA agreement officially entered into force after 22 African countries had ratified it. The agreement sought to boost inter-regional trade.