Methodological Considerations for Analysing the AfCFTA's Impact on Southern African Regional Supply Chains: A Ghanaian Perspective, 2010–2025

This methodology article addresses the critical gap in robust analytical frameworks for evaluating the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) impact on regional supply chains, focusing on Ghanaian enterprises trading with Southern Africa. The research problem is the inadequacy of existing, often Eurocentric, models to capture unique intra-African dynamics, such as informal sector integration and gendered leadership. In response, the article proposes a novel mixed-methods framework for the period 2010–2025. This design combines longitudinal analysis of trade data with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and focus groups involving Ghanaian women entrepreneurs and supply chain leaders. The triangulated methodology is posited as essential for moving beyond macroeconomic indicators to uncover nuanced firm-level adaptations, barriers, and socio-economic processes. The central methodological argument is that centring African, specifically Ghanaian, experiential knowledge and leadership structures yields more authentic, actionable insights into regional integration. Its significance lies in offering researchers and policymakers a culturally contextualised tool to assess the AfCFTA’s practical outcomes, thereby supporting evidence-based strategies to enhance women’s leadership and equitable participation in this continental agenda.