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Efanodor-Obeten, H.O.
Keywords: Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); Africa; Sustainable development; Catalyst; environment sustainability
The paper explores the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative tool for sustainable development in Africa. The major aim of AfCFTA was to drive economic integration and sustainable development in the continent. Therefore, the study examines the objectives, structure and protocols of the AfCFTA and explores how these elements can contribute to sustainable development on the continent. The study relied on secondary sources for its information. The findings of the paper reveal that by promoting intra-African trade, fostering economic diversification, enhancing industrialisation, and ensuring environmental sustainability, the AfCFTA has the potential to drive sustainable development in Africa. The study also reveals that challenges such as infrastructure deficits, regulatory barriers, and capacity limitations need to be addressed in order to maximize the AfCFTA’s positive impact. The study recommends the need for effective implementation, strong institution framework and inclusive policies in harnessing the AfCFTA’s potential for sustainable development in Africa