TITLE:
The Effect of Cultural Differences on the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area
AUTHORS:
Jérômine Kompé Fanjanirina
KEYWORDS:
African Continental Free Trade Area, Culture Diversity, Intra African Trade, Non-Tariff Barrier, Small Scale Cross Border Trade
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Business and Management,
Vol.12 No.1,
December
27,
2023
ABSTRACT: The African Continental Free Trade
Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2018 and operational since 2021, aims to create a
unified marketplace for goods and services across Africa to boost economic
integration. However, it faces significant
challenges due to diverse cultural differences among participating nations,
impacting trade negotiations, regulations, consumer preferences, and trust. Addressing these cultural differences
are crucial for ensuring the smooth implementation of the AfCFTA and
maximizing its potential benefits. Cultural diversity can pose challenges in
terms of communication and language barriers, leading to misunderstandings and
inefficiencies in trade negotiations and transactions. Cultural factors may
influence consumer preferences and demand patterns, requiring tailored
marketing strategies and product adaptations. Addressing these issues requires
fostering cultural understanding, encouraging cooperation, and developing
mechanisms such as exchange programs and governance frameworks to bridge these
cultural gaps. Effectively managing cultural differences is crucial for AfCFTA
to realize its potential for economic growth and development in Africa.