SADC'S transport infrastructure: enhancing the AFCFTA’s prospects through regional economic integration

Abstract

There is considerable significance, associated with the fact that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has the potential to lift 68 million people out of moderate poverty. If fully implemented, the AfCFTA is estimated to increase regional income by 7 % by 2035. Operationalizing and implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area strategy, including regulating the regional economies' transport infrastructure, requires a great deal of work. It is the purpose of this article to examine how Regional Economic Communities (RECs), such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), can contribute to the AfCFTA. In comparison with other regional blocs, intra-SADC trade represents only 10 to 14 percent of member countries' total trade [1, 2]. Despite Southern African trade routes and infrastructure being among the best. In terms of infrastructure coverage, Southern African countries still lag behind the rest of the world, whether it's road and telecommunications technology (ICT), population density, or power generation. Whether at the national or regional level, these types of infrastructure weaknesses reinforce the infrastructure deficit and exacerbate unemployment, inequality and poverty in the region. For the purposes of this article, a qualitative approach is being used to examine primary and secondary literature, including statistics, reports, and journal articles. According to the results of the study, the REC's infrastructure strategy will positively affect trade and, in turn, boost AfCFTA by improving trade among member states. To spawn structural transformation and create transnational growth corridors capable of driving economic growth and technological advancement, new transformative strategies are required.