African International Economic Order Studies Program
A visionary initiative that repositions Africa as a co-architect of the global economic system
Global trade and economic governance remain shaped by institutions and paradigms that often exclude or marginalize African agency. As Africa confronts multiple simultaneous crises—small percentage in global trade, climate vulnerability, market stress, digital exclusion—it also presents unprecedented opportunities for African economies in defining a more just and inclusive global economic order. The African International Economic Order Studies Program aims to elevate Africa’s role not simply as a participant, but as a co-architect of reforms that shape global trade, finance, and development strategies. ACFR recognizes the urgency of building intellectual, diplomatic, and institutional infrastructure to advance this transformation.
Program Overview
The African International Economic Order Studies Program aims to elevate Africa’s role not simply as a participant, but as a co-architect of reforms that shape global trade, finance, and development strategies. ACFR recognizes the urgency of building intellectual, diplomatic, and institutional infrastructure to advance this transformation. The African International Economic Order Studies Program is not just an academic or policy initiative-it’s a platform for deconstructing legacy inequalities and elevating Africa’s strategic voice in international economic systems. It seeks to create pathways for African nations to design, negotiate, and implement a new economic order grounded in justice, shared prosperity, and multilateral solidarity.
Details: coming soon: February 2026.
Program Objectives
- Build the intellectual foundation and system around the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Agreement
- Shift global perceptions of Africa’s economic role from consumption to market competitiveness leadership through inter-African trade, public discourse, and pragmatism in delivery.
Program Focus
- Economic Sovereignty: Investigates pathways for Africa to assert greater control over its economic destiny within global trade, finance, and investment frameworks.
- Structural Reform: Explores alternatives to legacy systems that have historically marginalized African economies, including fair trade.
- Market Policy Innovation: Develops actionable strategies to influence international economic governance, with emphasis on African-led economic development institutions and multilateral engagement.
- Thought Leadership: Publishes research, convenes forums, and supports scholars working on themes like digital trade, sustainable industrialization, and equitable globalization.
Strategic Themes
- Africa’s role in reforming the Bretton Woods institutions
- The future of South–South cooperation and pan-African economic integration
- Ethical frameworks for tech-driven economic development
- Africa’s
- positioning in economic order negotiations and industrial policy debates
Join Us
This is not just a study program. It is a movement. One that demands courage, collaboration, and imagination. With your partnership, the African Council on Foreign Relations will scale this vision, transforming research and conversations into commitments and commitments into systemic market change.