Breaking Barriers: Tackling the High Cost of Intra-Africa Trade

Intra-African trade remains costly due to fragmented logistics, high tariffs, and limited air and rail connectivity. A flight from Lagos to Nairobi, for instance, can cost more than some trips to Europe. Overland transport faces delays from inefficient customs and poor infrastructure making moving goods within the continent difficult with corruption making intra-Africa trade more difficult as studies have shown corruption to be a barrier to economic growth as it can hinder foreign investment and cause unnecessary delays at ports of entry. To reduce these costs and barriers, Africa must streamline border procedures, invest in continental infrastructure, and fully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).