Towards Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement: A Framework to Address Bankability Concerns for African Infrastructure Projects

Publication Date : 22/04/2021


Author(s) :

Mayowa Mubashir Abiru.


Volume/Issue :
Volume 2
,
Issue 1
(04 - 2021)



Abstract :

In order for the African Union to achieve the laudable trade liberalization and integration objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, Africa’s troubling infrastructure deficit remains a key challenge to be resolved. While Africa undoubtedly has a demand for infrastructure projects, and investors the world over have capital to invest, a lack of bankable infrastructure projects in which to invest has remained a key factor occasioning the widening deficit and hindering investment inflow into African projects. In this paper, I articulate the centrality of infrastructure to Africa’s free trade area initiative and then I explain the bankability problem with African infrastructure projects. Finally, I conclude by proffering a framework to resolve the bankability impasse, submitting that its successful implementation will eventually produce quality infrastructure projects that will provide the enabling environment for the AfCFTA to achieve its objectives.


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