Investments in value-adding sectors also require markets. Intra-Africa trade remains low despite significant growth potential. Economic integration at a regional and continental level in Africa as well as boosting trade relations with the EU are therefore essential components of a coherent economic strategy. Economic Partnership Agreements, Free Trade Agreements, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, and other trade regimes with the EU are building blocks to the benefit of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The long-term perspective is to create a comprehensive continent-to-continent free trade agreement between the EU and Africa.
Targets
By 2020, the EU support to the African Continental Free Trade Area and other key policy frameworks for economic integration should amount to a total of € 50 million.
Progress & Projects
Support to the African Continental Free Trade Area:
Projects launched since 2014