Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)
The AfCFTA and Regional Supply Chain Integration: A Southern African Analysis from an Ethiopian Perspective, 2021–2026
Mekdes Abebe, Department of Advanced Studies, Addis Ababa University
Rahel Getachew, Addis Ababa University
Dr Stephanie Dixon, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU)
Tewodros Gebre, Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU)
Published: January 23, 2026
Abstract
This original research article investigates the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on regional supply chain integration within Southern Africa, adopting the strategic perspective of Ethiopian businesses. It addresses a critical gap in understanding how non-member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), particularly landlocked economies, can leverage the agreement to access regional value chains. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study analyses secondary trade data (2021–2024) alongside primary data from semi-structured interviews conducted in 2025 with executives from 15 Ethiopian manufacturing and logistics firms. The findings reveal that while the AfCFTA’s tariff reductions offer significant export opportunities, persistent non-tariff barriers, inadequate transport infrastructure, and complex rules of origin substantially hinder deeper supply chain integration. The analysis contends that successful participation by Ethiopian firms is contingent upon both national policy alignment and proactive bilateral cooperation with SADC members to overcome logistical and regulatory constraints. The research contributes a novel, intra-African viewpoint to the literature on regional integration, providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and strategic insights for businesses aiming to operationalise the AfCFTA’s potential in Southern Africa.
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How to Cite
Mekdes Abebe, Rahel Getachew, Dr Stephanie Dixon, Tewodros Gebre (2026). The AfCFTA and Regional Supply Chain Integration: A Southern African Analysis from an Ethiopian Perspective, 2021–2026. African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024), 36-45.
Keywords
African Continental Free Trade Areasupply chain integrationSouthern Africaregional economic integrationtrade facilitationEthiopian business strategy
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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)
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African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance
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