The twin crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising populism have dramatically reshaped globalisation, accelerating a shift towards what can be called "continentilisation.” This trend represents a shift from a globally interconnected economic system toward regional blocs and intra-continental trade agreements.

Africa, with its unique historical and economic context, is at the forefront of this new era, positioning itself to harness the potential of internal markets and regional cooperation.

A key moment highlighting Africa’s future trajectory in this global shift was the Africa Food Systems Summit that was held in Kigali. Leaders gathered to address the urgent need for more resilient food systems in light of the continent’s challenges with climate change and population growth.

Meanwhile, the just-concluded UN Summit of the Future 2024 underscores the importance of including Africa in the conversation on global governance reforms. The culmination of these discussions reveals a broader narrative: Africa must not only adapt to changes in globalisation but seize the opportunity to chart its path through greater regional integration and cooperation.

Globalisation, once synonymous with the free movement of goods, people, and capital across borders, is being redefined. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in international supply chains, leading many countries to rethink their dependence on distant markets.

Simultaneously, the rise of populist politics in various parts of the world has spurred protectionist measures, further fragmenting global trade. This phenomenon, termed deglobalisation, has prompted regions to prioritise internal markets over global interconnectedness, with Africa now standing at a pivotal point to take advantage of this evolution.

For Africa, this shift offers an opportunity to strengthen its economies through intra-continental trade, reducing reliance on external markets while fostering resilience. The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) represents the continent's response to these changing dynamics, offering a framework for enhancing trade among African nations and positioning the continent to leverage its internal resources.

Launched in 2018, the AfCFTA is a landmark initiative aimed at creating a single market for goods and services across 54 African nations. It is the largest free trade area by the number of countries participating, and its goal is to reduce tariffs, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and improve trade infrastructure.

By doing so, AfCFTA has the potential to significantly boost intra-African trade, which currently accounts for just 15% of the continent’s total trade, compared to over 60% for regions like Europe and Asia.

Increased trade within Africa can drive industrialisation, create jobs, and enhance the continent's competitiveness on the global stage. As Rwandan President Paul Kagame aptly noted, "AfCFTA is not just an economic project, it is also about the dignity and self-reliance of Africans.”

By fostering regional trade, Africa can become less dependent on external forces, while ensuring that value is created and retained within the continent.

However, for AfCFTA to achieve its full potential, several critical elements must be addressed.

First, infrastructure development must be prioritised. Efficient trade requires a network of transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure that can connect Africa’s markets. Currently, inadequate infrastructure is one of the major bottlenecks hindering intra-African trade. Investment in roads, railways, ports, and digital platforms will be crucial to facilitate the movement of goods and services across borders.

Second, there needs to be a concerted effort to harmonise trade regulations and standards across countries. This will require political will and cooperation among African governments to align policies, streamline customs procedures, and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles. The success of AfCFTA hinges on the ease with which businesses can operate across multiple jurisdictions.

Third, governments must foster an enabling business environment by addressing corruption and ensuring transparency in regulatory frameworks. Political instability and governance challenges remain significant barriers to investment in many parts of Africa. Countries that can guarantee political stability, protect property rights, and offer reliable legal systems will be more attractive to both African and foreign investors.

Fourth, African countries need to invest in their human capital. Trade and industrialisation efforts will only succeed if they are backed by a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and value addition. Education and vocational training must be central to the continent’s growth strategy, ensuring that Africa’s young and rapidly growing population can participate in and benefit from the emerging trade opportunities.

In this new era of continentilisation, African countries must work together more closely than ever before. Regional cooperation is not only essential for economic integration but also for addressing the cross-border challenges that continue to plague the continent. Issues such as food security, climate change, and public health require coordinated responses that no single country can tackle alone.

Similarly, addressing public health challenges like pandemics requires a unified continental approach. The African Union’s efforts to coordinate vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that regional cooperation can be a powerful tool for addressing crises.

As globalisation evolves, Africa has the chance to redefine its role in the global economy through greater regional integration and self-reliance. AfCFTA provides the framework for this transformation, but its success will depend on infrastructure development, regulatory harmonisation, and political cooperation. In parallel, regional collaboration on issues like food security and public health will be crucial to building a sustainable future for the continent.

Africa’s moment is now. By embracing continentilisation and strengthening internal trade and cooperation, African nations can position themselves as drivers of global economic growth while ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably across the continent. The UN Summit of the Future must recognise this potential and ensure that Africa’s voice is not only heard but empowered to shape the global agenda for years to come.

The author is an applied economist.