African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the challenges of protectionist policies on regional integration : insights from Nigeria and South Africa

Abstract

This article examines the challenges posed by the protectionist economic policies of African states to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is designed to advance the economic integration of the region. Using the cases of the two largest economies in the region, that is, Nigeria and South Africa, the article investigates protectionist policies and practices and their effects on intra-African economic relations and integration. Based on regional integration and rational choice theories, this study reveals the importance of these countries to the success of the AfCFTA Agreement, the nature and rationales for their protectionist policies, and the negative implications. On different occasions, the regional giants have restricted the inflow of people, goods, and services from fellow African countries to protect their national economic, strategic, and political interests, contrary to the spirit of AfCFTA. Data for this study are derived from secondary sources and analysed qualitatively. African leaders are encouraged to balance their national and regional interests, minimise protectionist policies for short-term gains, and prioritise regional economic integration (AfCFTA) in the overall interests of the continent.