Cameroon: Experts Urge Policy Alignment for AfCFTA Success. BUEA, Cameroon — A high-level webinar organized by the Cameroon Economic Policy Institute (CEPI) on March 6 highlighted the need for stronger policy alignment, improved infrastructure, and increased awareness among businesses to fully realize the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The event, themed “The AfCFTA’s Implementation in Cameroon, South Sudan, and Zambia, “brought together policymakers and researchers to evaluate progress and pinpoint barriers to creating a unified African market.
Henri Koum, Executive Director of CEPI, described the AfCFTA as a transformative opportunity for the continent, noting its potential market of over 1. 3 billion people.
However, he cautioned that the implementation of the agreement varies widely across countries. “.
Levels of implementation vary across countries, and several challenges persist, including limited trade infrastructure, low awareness among SMEs, non — tariff barriers, and institutional constraints, “Koum stated.
John Mustafa, an expert from South Sudan, highlighted that while the country signed the AfCFTA agreement in 2018, it has yet to ratify it due to limited awareness among policymakers and concerns about the nascent nature of its economy.
In contrast, Zambia has made significant progress since ratifying the agreement in 2021, with Kenny Suze noting that the country adopted a national strategy to align its policies with AfCFTA objectives. Cameroon ratified the AfCFTA in 2019 and was chosen in 2022 to pilot the AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative, which has enabled the country to export products such as tea and dried fruits to Ghana.
Panelists also emphasized structural challenges hindering implementation across the continent, such as persistent non — tariff barriers, high transaction costs, and inadequate infrastructure.
Dinga Tambi emphasized the need to strengthen institutions, including modernizing customs systems and equipping officers with digital tools.
A key theme of the discussion was the need to broaden participation in the AfCFTA, particularly among women and young entrepreneurs.
Simplifying administrative procedures and expanding access to credit were suggested as ways to integrate these groups into formal trade systems.
The webinar also highlighted the importance of reforming cross — border payment systems within Africa, with experts calling for reducing reliance on foreign currencies such as the US dollar in intra-African trade. This could lower transaction costs and reduce exposure to global currency fluctuations.
The session concluded with recommendations aimed at accelerating the AfCFTA’s implementation, including aligning national policies with the agreement, sensitizing the private sector and businesses, improving transparency in trade data, and enhancing data-sharing mechanisms among customs authorities. While the AfCFTA holds immense promise, its success will depend on sustained political will, institutional reforms, and active engagement from the private sector.
