Intra-African trade has historically been constrained by a combination of infrastructural, institutional, and policy factors rooted in the colonial period. Despite abundant natural resources and significant market potential, African nations have remained largely dependent on trade with external partners. This contrasts sharply with Europe and Asia, where cross-border economic linkages are far more developed. Understanding the historical origins of these trade patterns is essential for designing policies that foster regional integration and inclusive economic development (keep reading on our blog)

There is confirmation that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—has initiated steps toward establishing a Common External Tariff (CET) as part of broader economic integration efforts. On October 3, 2025, during a meeting in Bamako, officials from AES member states and Togo discussed the modernization and harmonization of customs information systems. The discussions included strategies to improve the efficiency of customs duty collection, enhance cross-border cooperation, and critically, establish preferential tariffs within the AES region.

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