TRADE RESEARCH

Africa Trade Academy conducts research on all trade and related topics that concern Africa’s trade, investment and integration into the global economy.

Our research team and fellows, spread across Africa are at the cutting edge of a number of research topics, most of which inform our training programmes and trade advisory work.

Research Topics

We cover topics such as:

  • Regional Integration
  • Digital Trade
  • Inclusive Trade
  • Global Value Chains
  • Trade Facilitation
  • Customs Modernization
  • Border Management
  • Foreign Direct Investment
  • Competition Policy
  • Non-Tariff Measures
  • Trade Finance
  • SME Development
  • Labour, Migration and Trade
  • Environment, Climate Change and Trade

Research Projects

The EU Deforestation Regulation: Trade and Investment Implications for Sub-Saharan African Countries-Upcoming
This study assesses the trade and investment implications of the EUDR on Sub-Saharan African countries, focusing on the ramifications of the EUDR on their economies and the capacity for both public and private sectors to fully comply with the EUDR. The study specifically:

  1. Assesses the perspectives of African countries on existing and emerging environmental and trade related measures by the EU, UK and US
  2. Assesses the perspectives of African countries of the EUDR, design and implementation
  3. Evaluates the implications of the EUDR on Africa, focusing on the covered commodities
  4. Assesses African countries’ preparedness to respond to the requirements of the EUDR
  5. Identifies capacity gaps for implementation of the EUDR at the policy and operational (enterprise) levels
  6. Proposes recommendations, including training, technical assistance and capacity building; and response options (policy and operational) for sub-Saharan African countries in response to the EUDR and other upcoming trade-environment related measures.

November 2024 to date: Gap Analysis of AfCFTA Protocol on Investment and Ghana’s Investment Regime
The overall objective of this assessment is to identify the gaps in Ghana’s existing investment regimes and institutional frameworks and recommend policy and regulatory reforms that will bring the regime and frameworks in alignment with Ghana’s commitment under the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment. Specific objectives include:

  1. Review existing investment regime and institutional frameworks to outline the key regulations, existing frameworks and institutions involved in investment facilitation, promotion and protection the Ghana;
  2. Identify and assess gaps between Ghana’s current investment regime and AfCFTA Protocol on Investment;
  3. Engage in consultations with relevant stakeholders to identify any regulatory and institutional gaps as well as the implications of the requirements of the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment on the current investment regime and institutional frameworks;
  4. Recommend any policy and or regulatory reforms required to align Ghana’s investment regimes and AfCFTA Protocol on Investment; and
  5. Conduct stakeholder sensitization/training on the AfCFTA Protocol as well as the findings and gaps as well as recommendations in the investment regime

July 2024-Leveraging Green Business Practices for AfCFTA Participation and Competitiveness-The Case of Energy Efficiency Network Companies in Ghana
The assessment established links between the competitiveness of Association of Ghana Industries (AGI)-Energy Efficiency Network (EEN) member’s green business practices and export competitiveness. The research:

  1. Identified green business practices of EEN members
  2. Assessed how green business practices contributes to businesses competitiveness
  3. Assessed current export markets and their challenges for these businesses
  4. Assessed export readiness and capacity to export under the AfCFTA
  5. Identified awareness and capacity challenges in accessing the AfCFTA opportunities
  6. Recommended and undertook capacity building activities to support their AfCFTA export plans.

Our Trade Research Team

Our Trade Research Team spread over the continent, have in-depth and experience in Africa’s trade research, they are at the forefront of various critical research topics. Our research contributes to strengthening Africa’s trade landscape and fostering regional economic integration.

Contact Person

Alfred Nartey

alfred.nartey@africatradeacademy.com