ABSTRACT
This first chapter revisits the arguments justifying the AfCFTA. It provides the economic rationale for the AfCFTA, highlighting the attraction of a continental market as an economic proposition and the economic theory underpinning the AfCFTA as an instrument for development in Africa. It looks at the arguments for intra-African trade as a means for economic industrialization and diversification, as well as for gender equality, before addressing the steps necessary to ensure that the AfCFTA delivers a “win-win” outcome for all African countries and contributes to the attainment of the United Nations sustainable development goals.
