Geopolitics of AfCFTA

By Jean Djaha Narcisse

AfCFTA is of crucial significance to the African Union Agenda 2063 and the African continent, and yet, it is being largely misunderstood. Indeed, the forces that surround international trade are the real political and economic powers in every nation across the globe. Trade

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fast Africa Times Press
• Release date: May 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798893241938

Book preview

Geopolitics of AfCFTA

Jean Narcisse Djaha, PhD

I dedicate this masterpiece work to real trade competitiveness, economic builders and change thought leaders in Africa. Your daily actions pave the way for great success in the future.

Praise – Geopolitics of AfCFTA

It is my hope that this book will contribute to your understanding of the deep relationship between trade, political power, and geopolitics.

Dr Djaha brilliantly intertwines the principles of liberalism with the visionary potential of an African free trade area, showcasing a profound understanding of both economic theory and regional dynamics. His insightful perspective underscores the transformative power of trade, emphasizing how it not only fosters prosperity but also facilitates equitable wealth distribution among nations, thereby illuminating a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous future, where the benefits of trade uplift communities across Africa and beyond.

-          Dr Serge Pierre Besanger, Senior Consultant with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a Professor of Finance at HEC Business School, Paris.

This book is a must-read for any student of international relations who is interested, or maybe just curious about the intersectionality of geopolitics and international trade in Africa. Dr. Djaha has brilliantly succeeded in making what I consider a strong case in support of why African states should look more inward rather than outward when it comes to international trade. By so doing, he has enriched our understanding of this complex subject, and particularly its geopolitical implications. 

-          Dr. Soji Akomolafe, Professor of International Relations, Norfolk State University, Vice President, World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads.

For decades, Africa has been deprived of its economic potentials due to highly fragmented nature of trade within the continent. This book, Geopolitics of AfCFTA, could not have come at a better time. This is a must-read book to help interrogate this great continental vision and to give a deeper understanding of AfCFTA as it unfolds.

-          Professor Chimezie Anyakora, Chief Executive Officer at Bloom Public Health; Board Member and Distinguished Fellow at the African Council on Foreign Relations.

Dr. Jean Narcisse DJAHA, Ph.D. brilliance and insights on Africa are on full display in his new book: Geopolitics of Africa. His cutting-edge explanation of why the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is announcing a new economic order in Africa is groundbreaking. A must read!

-          Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon.D.Bus., DHL, LHD Founding Executive Chairman and Global Head of Development, Investment & Diplomacy, Malichi Group Worldwide, LLC. Founding Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Executive and Governance (Nominating) Committee for the Board of Directors, African Council on Foreign Relations.

In 'Geopolitics of AfCFTA,' the author masterfully explores the profound impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area on Africa's political and economic landscape. This book is a crucial read for anyone interested in understanding how free trade can be leveraged as a tool of geopolitical power. The author's ideas and insights about international relations and trade policy are both enlightening and inspiring. His personal journey from a small village to becoming a significant voice in African geopolitics serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of education and perseverance. A must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone keen on the future of Africa's role in the global economy.

-          Dr. Leon Eisen, Investor, Chairman of Oxitone Medical

Acknowledgments

Writing a book is a long journey and throughout this work, I was blessed by the amazing synergies of contributions of several individuals who provided unconditional support. Thanks to God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the grace and blessing.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family members, especially my beloved parents, who have endured my absence for the last nine years and helped me a lot in all ways possible. Without your continued assistance, support, guidance, and prayer, this would never have been possible. Thank you.

Second, I would like to thank Dr. Serge Besanger for endorsing my work. You are the backbone of this work. You were with me every step of the way – offering advice and critique to produce quality work. I also want to thank Prof. Serge Besanger for endorsing and supporting the publication of the first books on corporate competitiveness, strategy, and organizational change leadership. Prof. Besanger was my PhD Director at CEDS in Paris.

Third, I would like to thank the following leaders for supporting this book: Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon. D. Bus., Prof. Chimezie Anyakora, Dr. Soji Akomolafe, Prof. Joseph Nnanna, Dr. Leon Eisen, Dr. Tony Bello, Nii Simmonds, Dr. Denis Matanda, etc.

Kudos go out to my Tsegaye Wondwossen, Hon. Calherbe Monel, Daniel Chenok, Selima Henock, Anne Marie Dias Borges, and Mary Kurek for their unflinching support and faith in this work. An additional shoutout goes to Anne Marie Dias Borges for all her support and encouragement. 

Fourth, I would like to thank Emi Maxwell from the Amazon Book Publishing House for her support.

Finally, I would like to thank my lifetime biblical scripture, which is Romans 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. For several decades, this scripture has been my source of motivation, inspiration, support, and upliftment in times of challenges and predicaments.

Foreward

AfCFTA marks a significant shift in Africa's economic and commercial development, potentially reshaping the global economic order. The implementation of AfCFTA could empower Africa in international trade, challenging the dominance of certain foreign multinational corporations. However, it also introduces geopolitical rivalries and competition among African states.

AfCFTA presents an opportunity for African countries to revise their foreign trade policies and emerge as competitive economies. In this regard, Dr Djaha's book highlights the importance of understanding international trade's role in geopolitics and its implications for global power dynamics.

Further, Dr