Effects of the African Continental Free Trade Area on Food Security

The African countries are deepening their economic integration by launching the world’s largest free trade area, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This Policy Insight presents scientific evidence on the impacts of the AfCFTA on agri-food industries and food security in Africa. The AfCFTA deepens African economic integration by boosting intra-African trade throughout the continent. It potentially generates vibrant growth and transformation at scale. Output of agricultural and processed food products concentrates in African countries driven by comparative advantages, while some of the countries increase their imports. Incomes of the African households in most regions rise, although moderately, increasing average food consumption throughout the continent. Food prices increase in several regions, but are outbalanced by higher wages, ultimately resulting in increased purchasing power for food. By 2035, the AfCFTA could reduce undernourishment in Africa by 1 million people.