Context
Through the elimination of tariffs and removal of non-tariff barriers, the AfCFTA has the potential to address the fragmentation of African markets. The integrated markets are expected to create a conducive environment for efficiency gains from economies of scale and scope and increased competitiveness with better access to, and efficient use of resources, including labor, capital and technologies. These outcomes will culminate in greater diversification of African economies with the promotion of regional value chains. The development of such chains, in turn, will contribute towards strengthening the continent’s drive to integrate into global value chains, while retaining more value at national and regional levels.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impacts through disruptions of trade flows and business operations worldwide hit severely African economies. This makes it critical to prioritize regional approaches to development: implementation of the AfCFTA is likely to play a significant role in this regard, while strengthening Africa’s resilience to future shocks.

Objective
The webinar aims to promote knowledge by creating a space for experience sharing on diverse national trade strategies adopted by North Africa members states to face the COVID-19 pandemic and how the AfCFTA could play a mitigating role in short term and a pillar of long-term national development strategies.

Date and time
14th October 2020, 10:00 am (Rabat-Morocco time)

Concept note - مذكرة

Programme of work - برنامج العمل