The so-called new generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) do not constitute a specific technical category but are generally designed for comprehensive trade deals and economic integration under 21st century conditions. They provide for flexibilities to suit the needs of the participating countries and are sometimes referred to as Partnerships. They aim at trade liberalisation in a WTO-plus manner among the relevant State Parties. These Agreements cover trade in goods and services as well as the associated disciplines such as standards, trade and investment facilitation and regulatory cooperation. They often cover matters not regulated via multilateral disciplines such as competition, e-commerce, and taxation issues.

Is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Africa’s home-grown equivalent of a new continental Partnership? This Trade Brief takes a look at what some of the Partnership Agreements offer. The AfCFTA is then compared.

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