Africa-Press – Malawi. HARTZENBERG—Countries want to protect their industriesSouth Africa-based international trade expert Trudi Hartzenberg has said protectionism remains one of the major reasons behind slow take-off of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Since Africa officially started trading under AfCFTA in January 2021, the impact of the agreement has been minimal as countries are yet to effectively use its instruments.
In a response to an emailed questionnaire, Hartzenberg, who is also Trade Law Centre Executive Director, said that the desire to protect domestic industries and avoid import competition is fuelling tension among countries.
Hartzenberg said negotiations of tariff concessions and rules of origin slowed down trading under the pact.
“These processes are still to be finalised. These are important initiatives but they should not divert focus on the end goal of finalising the outstanding negotiations so that trade under the full AfCFTA can begin,” Hartzenberg said.
Malawi is party to the AfCFTA but is yet to join trading under the pact.
In an interview, Director of Trade in Goods at the Ministry of Trade and Industry Charity Musonzo said Malawi is still preparing its tariff book.
“There are some processes remaining for Malawi to have tariffs that will be integrated into the AfCFTA.
“We have to submit our tariff lines according to the requirements of the pact. Once we finish that, we will be integrated and will be able to trade under the preferential terms of the AfCFTA,” she said.
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