Africa in Global Trade

Abstract

This chapter examines the evolution of Africa’s post-colonial trade since the mid-1990s and its current position in global trade. The chapter critically examines trade issues for African countries with one important goal in mind: how can the contribution of trade to Africa’s growth and development be improved? Answering this question allows us to consider both the opportunities and constraints that African countries face concerning trade. It also enables us to consider African countries as active agents that can chart their destinies in a global changing order. We argue throughout this chapter that several steps must be taken to ensure that trade can continue to improve living standards across the continent.