In the current complex geopolitical context, accelerating productive transformation through industrialization is at the center of Africa’s agenda toward competitiveness, recovery, resilience, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable development. The start of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in January 2021 offers Africa the most significant opportunity for socioeconomic progress. It is, as of now, Africa’s biggest development program and a huge part of the vision for Africa’s independence and economic emancipation. The AfCFTA becomes even more relevant when viewed against the backdrop of global supply chain disruptions. An integrated continental market of 1.4 billion people and growing, moreover, opens up large economies of scale and scope that can attract investments in manufacturing and agro-processing, which in turn, can boost economic diversification and intra-Africa trade.

What will it take for Africa to finally realize such potential through the implementation of AfCFTA as an element of the political and economic emancipation envisioned by our forebears at least six decades ago?