ZEPARI Validates Research on Zimbabwe's AfCFTA Readiness and Trade Opportunities

Validation Workshop

The Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Institute (ZEPARI) convened a Technical Validation Workshop at Monomotapa Hotel in Harare, bringing together key stakeholders to critically review research examining Zimbabwe's readiness to effectively participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The workshop focused on two studies:

  • African Continental Free Trade Area: Whither Zimbabwe
  • Barriers and Opportunities for the Effective Implementation of the AfCFTA in Zimbabwe

The studies examine Zimbabwe's position within Africa's evolving trade landscape, highlighting the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA while examining the structural, institutional and policy barriers that could limit the country's ability to fully benefit from the continental market.

The Technical Validation Workshop provided a platform for stakeholders from relevant sectors to critically interrogate the research findings, share practical experiences, and provide inputs to strengthen the studies before their finalization.

Discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges surrounding Zimbabwe's implementation of the AfCFTA, including issues affecting trade competitiveness, product capacity, market access, value addition, policy coordination, and the ability of local business to participate effectively in regional and continental value chains.

The stakeholder validation is an important component of ZEPARI's research approach, ensuring that its policy research is informed not only by empirical evidence but also by the experiences and perspectives of key actors within the economy. 

The validated studies will undergo further refinement before their final publication and dissemination. 

By Decent Moyo