Economic integration and public perceptions: Evidence from the African Continental Free Trade Area

This article explores the influence of joining the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on people's perceptions of economic conditions. The study uses multiple waves of the Afrobarometer survey with over 80,000 respondents from 35 countries to include a variety of opinions across the continent of Africa. After a nation deposits its instruments of ratification to join the AfCFTA, respondents perceive worse past, present, and future economic conditions. The article considers possible mechanisms of this negative economic sentiment. After a nation joins the AfCFTA, approval of presidential and parliamentary leaders is unchanged. There are no effects related to a fear of immigrants, a lack job growth, or concerns about inequality. These results are relevant for understanding the potential economic impacts of the AfCFTA and the barriers to its full implementation.