Harnessing Opportunities – Navigating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Harnessing Opportunities – Navigating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Dates

1 Week: Jan 27 - 31, 2025

2 Weeks: Jan 27 - Feb 7, 2025

1 Week: Feb 24 - 28, 2025

2 Weeks: Feb 24 - Mar 7, 2025 

Location

• Cape Town                             
• Johannesburg

Format

 In-Person/Online

Tuition (In Person)

1 Week

$999 pp individual                      

$800 pp for groups of 5+

2 Weeks

$1,500 pp individual                    

$1,150 pp for groups of 5+

Tuition (Online)

1 Week

$600 pp individual                      

$400 pp for groups of 5+

2 Weeks

$800 pp individual                        

$500 pp for groups of 5+

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world's largest free trade area by number of participating countries. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to capitalize on the economic and business opportunities presented by this transformative initiative.

Participants will gain a deep understanding of AfCFTA’s objectives, including fostering intra-African trade, promoting industrialization, and driving sustainable economic growth across the continent. The course also delves into key trade protocols, tariff structures, non-tariff barriers, and the mechanisms for dispute resolution under the agreement.

Through case studies, interactive discussions, and expert insights, learners will explore strategies for navigating regional value chains, accessing new markets, and aligning with AfCFTA policies to enhance competitiveness.

Topics include:

• Market Access: Understanding rules of origin and leveraging tariff reductions.
• Trade Facilitation: Overcoming logistical and infrastructural challenges.
• Business Strategies: Identifying sector-specific opportunities and risks.
• Policy Implications: Engaging with government policies and regional trade frameworks.

1 Week Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to AfCFTA

• Overview of AfCFTA: History, objectives, and significance.
• Key milestones and implementation timeline.
• Structure of AfCFTA: Protocols, annexes, and operational tools.
• Benefits of AfCFTA for African economies and businesses.

Day 2: Trade Liberalization and Market Access

• Tariff reductions and schedules: Rules of origin.
• Non-tariff barriers: Addressing technical and logistical challenges.
• Enhancing intra-African trade: Opportunities and challenges.
• Market access for goods and services under AfCFTA.

Day 3: Legal, Policy, and Institutional Frameworks

• Key legal and policy frameworks supporting AfCFTA.
• Role of national governments, regional economic communities (RECs), and the AfCFTA Secretariat.
• Dispute resolution mechanisms under AfCFTA.
• Case studies of trade disputes and resolution

Day 4: Business Opportunities and Sectoral Focus

• High-potential sectors: Manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
• SMEs and women-led businesses under AfCFTA.
• Role of technology and innovation in AfCFTA implementation.
• Supporting trade through logistics and supply chain optimization.

Day 5: Strategic Planning and Future Directions

• Strategies for leveraging AfCFTA at the national and business levels.
• Integrating sustainability and inclusive growth in trade policies.
• Workshop: Developing actionable AfCFTA strategies.
• Final assessment, feedback, and certification ceremony.

2 Week Course Outline

Week 1: Foundations of AfCFTA

Day 1: Understanding AfCFTA

• History and vision behind AfCFTA.
• Key features and protocols.

Day 2: Legal and Policy Frameworks

• Protocols on trade in goods, trade in services, and dispute settlement.
• National and regional policy alignment.

Day 3: Rules of Origin and Market Access

• Understanding rules of origin and their impact on trade.
• Operationalizing tariff reductions and customs procedures

Day 4: Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers

• Identifying and addressing technical and logistical barriers.
• Tools for monitoring and resolving trade obstacles.

Day 5: Institutional Roles and Capacity Building

• Role of national governments, RECs, and private sector.
• Strengthening institutional frameworks for AfCFTA implementation.

Week 2: Advanced Topics and Strategic Applications

Day 6: Business and Investment Opportunities

• Key sectors for trade and investment under AfCFTA.
• Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in AfCFTA-enabled industries.

Day 7: Digital Trade and Innovation

• Role of e-commerce and digital platforms in intra-African trade.
• Leveraging technology to enhance trade operations.

Day 8: Inclusive Growth and Sustainability

• Promoting trade opportunities for SMEs and marginalized groups.
• Environmental considerations and sustainable trade practices.

Day 9: Case Studies and Regional Perspectives

• Examining AfCFTA success stories and challenges.
• Regional approaches to maximizing AfCFTA benefits.

Day 10: Capstone Project and Future Outlook

• Group exercise: Developing a national or business strategy for AfCFTA.
• Presentations, feedback, and certification ceremony.