Impact of Africa's seat at G20 on the African Free Trade Area.

This research examines the implications of Africa’s recent inclusion in the Group of 20 (G20) on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its liberalized markets agenda. With the AU joining the G20 in 2023, there is potential for economic growth and investment through trade partnerships. The AfCFTA, launched in 2018, aims to integrate African markets by reducing tariffs and fostering free movement of goods, services, and capital to achieve economic transformation. This study explores the alignment between the G20’s global trade framework, governed primarily by WTO principles, and the AfCFTA’s regional trade objectives. Key areas of analysis include trade policies, regulatory standards, dispute settlement mechanisms, and Africa’s role in global economic governance. The study finds that while G20 membership offers Africa greater influence in global trade discussions, it also presents potential conflicts, particularly in areas such as tariff regulations, environmental standards, and trade preferences. The research concludes that Africa must strategically engage in G20 forums to ensure that its AfCFTA goals are not compromised, and calls for structural reforms to boost competitiveness and human capital development across the continent. The researcher depended on official sources like institutions, journals and resources from academic sources like Google Scholar. For analysis of AfCFTA, the treaty establishing AfCFTA is reviewed together with articles to conclude. There are 6 separate protocols as part of the AfCFTA. They are ‘The Protocol on Trade in Goods’, ‘The Protocol on Trade in Services’, ‘The Protocol on Rules & Procedure on the settlement of disputes’, ‘The Protocol Investment’, ‘The Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights’ and ‘The Protocol Competition Policy’. This work studies the Protocols on Trade in Good and Trade in Services together with the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area for its analysis.

Multilateral diplomacy, AfCFTA, Africa's Voice, Economic Development, Global Trade, Trade Facilitation, Infrastructure, Debt Relief, Supply Chains, Sustainable Development