Share of intra-AfCFTA imports in total imports 2020-2035, by country and scenario

In 2035, on the condition that there are no new policy implementations in international trade in Africa (baseline scenario), intracontinental imports in Africa are expected to cover 15 percent of the total imports. Botswana, with 71 percent of imports in 2020, would account for the highest share of the imports in 2035, at 72 percent, compared to the other African countries. Also, under African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiatives, intra-AfCFTA imports are forecast to remain highest in Botswana, with 72 percent of its total imports, followed closely by Namibia with 71 percent.

In May 2019, the AfCFTA agreement officially entered into force after 22 African countries had ratified it. The agreement sought to boost inter-regional trade.