Trade Facilitation and the AfCFTA: Opportunities for U.S. Economic Engagement in Francophone Africa

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the largest free trade area with 54 member states. Language barrier issues, infrastructure shortfall constraints, and structural challenges have plagued the U.S. trade with Francophone Africa. AfCFTA presents opportunities for the U.S. to strengthen its trade relationship with Francophone Africa. This paper combines peer-reviewed studies and policy reports on governmental reforms, digital services, infrastructure, and logistics to create new opportunities for U.S. businesses and offer insights to guide policy decisions. The findings highlight that uniform regulatory frameworks, efficiency in customs operations, and expanding intra-African trade present opportunities for the U.S. to increase exports, improve supply chain systems, and promote diversity in trade relationships. The findings suggest that U.S. support for the AfCFTA framework will benefit U.S. economic interests. The U.S. will achieve significant gains through technical support, private sector participation, and government engagement with AfCFTA. Additionally, the U.S. will benefit from the opening up of new markets for products, the competitive positioning of U.S. businesses against global trade rivals, and the formation of mutually beneficial economic alliances that strengthen energy security and supply chains. U.S. involvement in enhanced digital trade and infrastructure partnerships will enhance its position in the African trade and economic landscape and secure U.S. geopolitical interests. It is argued that sustained U.S. support for implementing AfCFTA could yield significant benefits.