The recent Malabo Declaration adopted at the African
Union (AU) includes an ambitious and promising recommitment
“to fast-track the establishment of the
continental free trade area (CFTA), and the action plan
for boosting intra-African Trade (BIAT)” (AU 2014). The
intended aim is to triple intra-African trade by
encouraging transparent and regulated policies that
strengthen existing trade partnerships, foster long-term
investment, and ensure continental food security.