THE AFRICA CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (AFCFTA) AND WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN AFRICA

A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) stands as a monumental policy reform with the potential to reshape Africa’s economic landscape. This review paper critically assesses the AfCFTA’s implications for women’s economic empowerment, particularly in the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. It scrutinizes the agreement’s capacity to foster gender equality and enhance women’s participation in the economy, juxtaposed against the challenges and opportunities it presents. Employing a gender-sensitive macroeconomic framework, the analysis delves into the AfCFTA’s impact on women’s economic outcomes, advocating for policy interventions that ensure equitable benefits. The review synthesizes findings from existing literature and the World Bank Group’s annual reports, identifying research lacunae and proposing future investigative directions. The paper underscores the necessity of embedding gender perspectives within macroeconomic policies to actualize inclusive growth and achieve sustainable development goals in Africa.