The Tripartite FTA and the Services Sector

This paper examines plans to negotiate on the creation of a single ‘Tripartite’ free trade Area in Southern and Eastern Africa. This free trade agreement has the potential to shake up the economic structure and performance of the continent. The author argues that to do so, it will require brave undertakings, substantive negotiations and a commitment to full implementation by all member states. Although the draft text on trade in services is laced with loopholes, it is encouraging that a separate annex on the movement of business persons has been crafted and negotiations on this will be front-loaded.

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