New Africa free trade zone may struggle

Continental FTA is slated to launch in May, but non-tariff barriers may persist

Decline in trade in the intra-East Africa Community, Africa's most dynamic regional economic bloc, is casting doubts over the takeoff of the soon-to-be-established Continental Free Trade Area, according to experts.

The speed at which governments are resolving obstacles, however, may be an indication of commitment to drive the integration agenda that would create the biggest free trade market in the world. Expectations are high that the agreement will enter into force in May.