The sub-region’s approach to free trade agreements, whether in the form of economic partnerships with the EU or regional and continental integration needs a rethink.
An EU-UK trade deal will reinforce the certainty and continuity that South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini – plus Mozambique are seeking in their relationship with the UK.
Africa needs to learn from the experiences of others who have negotiated free trade pacts. In particular it needs to ensure its process is inclusive and does not pander to a few special interests.