Knowledge Base

The AfCFTA represents the world's largest free trade area by number of countries. This research analyses trade data from 2021-2025 to assess early impacts, finding that intra-African trade has grown by 18% among early-implementing countries.

The study identifies key sectors benefiting most: agriculture (34% growth), textiles (27%), and manufactured goods (22%). Challenges remain in services trade liberalisation and rules of origin harmonisation.

Africa has some of the world's best renewable energy resources, yet renewable sources account for less than 10% of grid-connected electricity. This publication identifies technical barriers—including grid stability, storage capacity, and transmission infrastructure—and proposes policy solutions.

Case studies from South Africa's REIPPP programme, Morocco's Noor solar complex, Kenya's geothermal expansion, and Nigeria's off-grid solar revolution provide actionable insights.

Women in the Sahel face compounded barriers to economic participation, including limited access to credit, property rights constraints, and social norms. This research draws on surveys of 5,000 women entrepreneurs across five countries.

Key findings show that mobile money access increased business revenues by 34%, while land tenure reform led to a 28% increase in agricultural investment by women.