Removing obstacles to intra-African trade

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Periodical article

Title:	Removing obstacles to intra-African trade
Authors:	Bankole, Abiodun S. Ogunkola, E. Olawale
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Ibadan journal of the social sciences (ISSN 1597-5207)
Volume:	7
Issue:	1
Pages:	17-32
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	international trade exports supply and demand trade policy
Abstract:	This paper addresses issues related to the elimination of obstacles which hinder the growth of intra-African trade, focusing on supply-side factors. It argues that the poor performance of African trade in general can be traced to, amongst others, poor growth, inadequate institutions, a poor customs environment, and lack of infrastructure. The article first discusses patterns of intra-African trade and gives an overview of the literature on the subject. Next, it presents a model of the relationship between intra-African exports and domestic supply capacity and foreign market access constraints. A number of key drivers of intra-African trade are identified, including factor endowments and non-trade barriers such as transport costs. Because Africa's output has not been growing over the last three decades as a result of domestic supply response constraints, Africa's exports have been limited. This link from output growth to trade expansion constitutes the key to increasing intra-African trade. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]