Loading...
More Detail
3 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – covering 54 member states with a combined 1.2 billion people (expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050) and making up US$2.5 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) – is estimated to increase the value of intra-African trade by between 15% (US$50 billion) and 25% (US$70 billion) in 2040. On the other hand, the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area has an almost similar socio-economic and political foundation as that of the AfCFTA, having been established in 1992 (and entered into force in 1993) to boost intra-ASEAN trade, industrialisation and attract investments. The ASEAN bloc – which has a population of 600 million people – is forecasted to become the world’s fourthlargest economy by 2030, comprising a consumer market of over US$4 trillion. Notwithstanding the reality that the AfCFTA and the ASEAN FTA are in two different environments and contexts with peculiar socio-economic and political dynamics, the ASEAN FTA journey presents valuable lessons for the consolidation of African regional integration through the AfCFTA as the two FTAs also share pertinent similarities and commonalities. This article, therefore, sought to examine the prospects of the AfCFTA in consolidating African regional integration, drawing practical lessons from the ASEAN FTA trajectory, specifically the successes, challenges, complexities and emerging issues that have been confronting the ASEAN FTA since 1992. Methodologically, the article utilised secondary data from various sources for analysis and quantitative data analysis from ASEANStats, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), African Union and other datasets. The concept of regional economic integration provided a conceptual framework of analysis for the study. Findings from the study were key in identifying lessons (technical, coordinatory, institutional, macro-economic, political, etc.) that the AfCFTA member states may draw on to ensure its successful implementation.
- 1
- 2
- 0
- Pandemics, like diseases, natural catastrophes, and crisis circumstances, have frequently confronted governments with a double-edged sword in the context of historical and contemporary international relations. Humanitarian diplomacy and solidarity diplomacy effectively generate epoch-defining and historically significant chances for bolstering interstate relations and re-engagements. On the other hand; travel restrictions, use of hate speech or display of xenophobic and/or racist tendencies against states/nationalities that are either affected by the pandemic or those states perceived to be the source of the pandemic; has a high risk and likelihood of upsetting and unsettling diplomatic relations between states. With Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infections now generally declining since its outbreak in December 2019 and having spread across the globe and resulted in the death of over six million people in the world; it may be timely to reflect on how the pandemic impacted on ChinaAfrica relations. This paper examines the evolution of China-Africa relations during the COVID-19 pandemic by analysing secondary data sources and focusing on how the pandemic affected the nature, forms, frontiers, and outcomes of formal and informal engagements and interactions between the governments and people of Africa and China. Findings are fundamental in presenting useful reflections-based lessons and perspectives on strategic and pragmatic approaches towards pandemic and post-pandemic diplomatic engagements.
- 1
- 4
- 0
- This article investigates the extent to which the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in selected areas of Windhoek, Namibia, is impacting five variables, namely (a) productivity of urban farmers,(b) boosting food security,(c) resilience or adaptation of urban farmers,(d) agricultural income for urban farmers, and (e) agricultural sustainability. The paper makes use of primary data gathered through interviews with twenty (20) urban farmers in the five Windhoek suburbs of Katutura, Otjomuise, Khomasdal, Okahandja Park, and Havana. The CSA concept provides conceptual frames and lenses for analysis. The study finds out that while various CSA practices adopted by urban farmers in the targeted areas are assisting to boost the productivity and agricultural income of urban farmers, food security.
- 1
- 0
- 0