By Waziri Isa Adam

In a significant milestone for African economic integration, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan’s groundbreaking book, “Understanding the Legal and Implementation Framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) – Case Study of Nigeria,” was presented to Dr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

Dr. Mene, impressed by the book’s thoroughness, commended Professor Ladan for his pioneering work in African economic law. The presentation of Professor Ladan’s book took place during the 2nd AfCFTA Business Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. Dr. Olutayo Segun, Head of Trade Enablement in Abuja, presented the book to Dr. Mene on behalf of the Nigerian AfCFTA Coordination Office.

The Book

In his remarks, Dr. Mene acknowledged the importance of scholarly contributions to the AfCFTA’s success. He encouraged researchers to explore the agreement’s implications for African economies, societies, and politics.

Professor Ladan’s book serves as a timely reminder of the importance of African economic law in driving development. As the AfCFTA continues to evolve, collaboration between scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders will be crucial in unlocking Africa’s full potential.

The book’s comprehensive analysis of the AfCFTA’s legal framework and implementation will undoubtedly contribute to the agreement’s success. By exploring the agreement’s implications, researchers can identify areas for improvement and provide valuable insights for policymakers.

By the left is Dr Olutayo Segun presenting the book to the Secretary General, Dr Wamkele Mene

The 17-chapter book provides comprehensive insights into the AfCFTA’s legal framework and implementation. Chapters 1-3 delve into understanding the scope of the AfCFTA, state obligations, and domestic implementation in Nigeria. Specifically, Chapter 1 explores “Understanding the Scope of African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement: State Obligations and Domestic Implementation in Nigeria.” Chapter 2 examines “The Legal Basis of the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) and The Operational Phase for Effective Implementation of the AfCFTA,” while Chapter 3 discusses “State Sovereignty and Some Implications of State v State Dispute Settlement in AfCFTA Law.”

Chapters 4-6 analyze regional integration, trade, and investments within the African Union and ECOWAS. Chapter 4 provides an “Overview of the Rationale, Structure and Contents of African Union and ECOWAS Treaty/Agreement/Protocol/Policies on Regional Integration, Trade and Investments.” Chapter 5 reviews “The Protocol on Investments to the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area,” and Chapter 6 examines “The Protocol on Competition Policy to the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

Subsequent chapters explore critical aspects of the AfCFTA. Chapters 7-9 discuss intellectual property rights, digital trade, and women and youth in trade. Specifically, Chapter 7 reviews “The Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights to the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.” Chapter 8 provides an “Overview of the Protocol to the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Digital Trade Compared with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.” Chapter 9 offers a “Brief Overview of the Protocol to the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area on Women and Youth in Trade Compared with the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa and the National Gender Policy of Nigeria 2021/2026.”

Further chapters examine business facilitation, copyright, and customs service acts. Chapter 10 reviews “Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No. 5, 2022: Review and Tabular Compatibility with the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.” Chapter 11 provides a “Brief Review of the Copyright Act, 2023,” and Chapter 12 examines “Review of Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”

The book also analyzes Nigeria’s AfCFTA implementation strategy, trade policy, and inventory of laws and regulations. Chapter 13 offers a “Brief Review of the Nigeria AfCFTA Implementation Strategy.” Chapter 14 provides a “Brief Overview of the Trade Policy of Nigeria (2023-2027),” and Chapter 15 discusses “Inventory of Laws, Policies and Regulations.”

Finally, Chapters 16 and 17 discuss national practice on domesticating treaties and annexes to the AfCFTA Agreement and its protocols. Chapter 16 explores “National Practice on Domestication of Treaties in Nigeria (1960-2023),” and Chapter 17 examines “Annexes 1-9 on AfCFTA Agreement and its 8 Protocols.”

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