The AfCFTA's Influence on Southern Africa’s Regional Supply Chains: A Cape Verdean Perspective

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to enhance intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs and reducing non-tariff barriers among member countries. Southern Africa, with its diverse economies and agro-industrial sectors, is a critical region for AfCFTA’s impact. A qualitative case study approach was employed to analyse data from interviews with key industry stakeholders and secondary sources such as government reports and academic literature. The analysis focused on the agro-food sector, which is a significant contributor to Southern Africa’s economy. Cape Verdean businesses have reported an increased interest in exporting to South African markets, indicating a potential shift towards more diversified supply chains within the region. However, challenges such as regulatory compliance and infrastructure constraints persist. The AfCFTA has catalyzed changes in regional trade dynamics but faces significant hurdles that need to be addressed for full realization of its benefits. Governments should develop sector-specific policies aimed at improving market access and enhancing logistics. Additionally, capacity building programmes are essential to support small-scale farmers and businesses in complying with new regulatory requirements.