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African free trade
The African Union (AU) consists of 55 countries. All are part of the African continent. Every year, around
the end of January, the AU holds its two-day summit. It takes place at its headquarters building in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city.
On March 21, leaders of 44 AU member countries attended an extra AU summit in Kigali, Rwanda's capital.
At the meeting, they signed an agreement called the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). AU members
first discussed the set up of a free trade area three years ago.
A free trade area is also called a “trade bloc”. Goods and services should flow freely between member
countries within a trade bloc. The purpose of a trade bloc is to help member countries' economies to grow.
It should increase trade and improve people's lives. It will also create better jobs and more items for people
to buy. In a free trade area, companies in different countries that make similar items have to compete. This
competition usually lowers prices and increases quality and innovation.
Within a trade bloc, trading barriers are removed or reduced. These are import tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Some governments put a tax or tariff on certain imported items. If this is very high, companies in other
countries are less likely to export their products. Non-tariff barriers include rules, regulations and
complicated paperwork. These also discourage exporting companies.
The AU is a market of 1.2 billion. This is its total population. Yet, only about 16% of the AU's total trade is
between member countries. Raw materials are Africa's highest value exports. These are oil, gold,
diamonds, gems and other minerals. Most of these resources are sold to China. There are few companies
that make everyday items in African countries. These include: clothing, household goods, cars and
electrical equipment. The new free trade agreement is meant to increase this type of manufacturing. It
should also improve transport links between African countries.
The European Union (EU) is a large trading
bloc. EU members are also part of a customs
union. Many members use the same currency
(the euro). In a customs union, goods are
tariff is put on goods exported from
non-member countries. Some AU members
want to set up a customs union and single
currency in the future.
Nigeria and South Africa are the two largest economies in the AU. They and nine othe countries decided
not to sign the CFTA agreement. AU leaders hope that these countries will soon agree to join the CFTA.
Comprehension Questions:
1. When did the AU members first discuss the set up of a free trade area?
2. What is likely to happen if tariffs on imported items are very high?
3. How many AU member countries did not sign the CFTA agreement?
Discussion Questions:
1. How can free trade area help member countries?
2. What are trade barriers?
3. What are the benefits of being a member of a trading bloc?
4. What should the government do to improve the country's economy?
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