What's Happening?
Gabby Otchere-Darko, Senior Partner of Africa Legal Associates, has raised concerns about outdated national laws potentially hindering the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. He advocates
for a supranational legal body to oversee regional legal matters, citing the lack of political will to surrender national sovereignty as a major obstacle. Otchere-Darko highlighted Ghana's GIPC Act, which restricts foreign involvement in retail trade, as contradictory to the ECOWAS protocol on free movement. He argues that such protectionist laws are illegal under AfCFTA and stifle growth and free trade among African nations. The call for a continental legal body aligns with provisions in the African Union Charter, which have not been realized in over two decades.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of a single market through AfCFTA is seen as a significant opportunity for economic growth across Africa. However, conflicting national laws and protectionist policies pose a threat to this ambition. By addressing these legal inconsistencies, African nations could enhance trade, reduce youth unemployment, and expand their economies. The creation of a supranational legal body could facilitate smoother integration and cooperation among member states, fostering a more unified and prosperous continent. The potential economic benefits of AfCFTA are substantial, but realizing them requires overcoming legal and political barriers.
