Trade policy is context specific. It is about choices and objectives pursued by a particular State acting unilaterally (the scope of which is limited in respect of reciprocal trade relations), as well as within the joint structures of regional and multilateral trade arrangements. It involves the pursuit of specific benefits and outcomes for domestic producers, importers and consumers, exporters of goods and services, as well as better opportunities for investors. There will be interactions with national, regional, and multilateral stakeholders and arrangements.

In the African context, policymakers face specific challenges, such as small domestic markets, low levels of industrialisation, and poor infrastructure. Economic integration makes sense for African nations and is an important trade policy objective. However, trade policies and policymakers must be flexible, and economies must be able to adjust to technological and political developments.

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