WCP holds Research Hub and Knowledge‑Sharing Webinar on AfCFTA implementation

The WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) hosted a Research Hub and Knowledge Sharing Webinar on 4 May 2026 to discuss a book titled “From Policy to Practice: Challenges and Ways Forward on the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”. 9 representatives of the WCP Network contributed to various chapters of the book. It is edited by Denis Nfor Yuni from the University of Namibia; Boopen Seetanah, the WCP Chairholder at the University of Mauritius; and Tabitha Kiriti-Nganga, the WCP Chairholder at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. The webinar is part of a series aiming to facilitate the sharing of research between WCP Chairs and the WTO Secretariat. 

The discussion highlighted progress made in AfCFTA legal ratification and institutional set-up, alongside persistent challenges in translating commitments into practice. Speakers underscored common constraints across countries, including limited institutional and human capacity, weak trade-related infrastructure, regulatory misalignment and the continued impact of non-tariff barriers on intra-African trade. 

Participants emphasized the importance of effective national coordination mechanisms, strategic partnerships among AfCFTA members, and experience-sharing from countries making early progress. The exchange also highlighted the role of targeted capacity-building, improved access to trade finance, and digital infrastructures in supporting trade facilitation and enabling greater participation by small and medium-sized enterprises, including youth and women-led enterprises. 

The views expressed during the webinar are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the WTO or its Members.