Abstract

Africa has ushered in a new dawn for trade, growth and prosperity with the African continental Free trade which is set to be the worlds, largest free trade area connecting over a billion people across 54 countries. This is a long overdue action plan for Africa born from a dream of a united and economically sound Africa that could see not only a common market but an economic and monetary union much like the European Union by the year 2030.

The AFCFTA aims to make Africa a power house through trade within the continent and with other third parties. This will eliminate tariffs for intra Africa trade, increase exports, create jobs, improve wages. Promote free movement of people, goods, services, labour, reduce poverty levels and intellectual property protection. However, amidst all the excitement and potential of the FTA, what will this mean for human rights and trade within the continent ? does the agreement adequately provide for human rights protection and promotion?

The objective of this paper is to examine some of these questions and dilemmas. Analyses the agreement and sees where it lacks in human rights protection. Also considers what steps and lessons the AFCFTA can learn towards the goals of agenda 2030, 2063 and possible recommendations to enhance enforcement.

Key Words/ operational Definitional Terms

The following terms used in this paper have the meanings;

“Dispute Resolution” means the process that two or more parties undergo to resolve any disagreements between them

“First second and Third Generation Rights”, means the classification of human rights into three distinct groups but none being more important than the others

“Free Trade Area Agreement” means a trade blocks whose member countries have signed a trade agreement. Such agreements entail collaboration between at least two countries in order to lower trade obstacles, import quotas and tariffs as well as boost cross border trade of goods and services 

“Human Rights”, means rights and freedoms that are entitled to each and every one person from birth by virtue of being human.

“Regional Integration”, means the process by which two or more states in a geographical region agree to cooperate and work closely together in order to promote peace, stability, wealth and which is usually governed by a written agreement outlining areas of collaboration

“Trade“means the economic activity of purchasing, selling, exchanging products or services between people, businesses or countries