Sectoral Study to Guide Negotiations on Educational Services in Africa within the AfCFTA Framework

The Project at A Glance

The need to build capacity in human resources as an essential tool for sustainable, resilient economic growth and reduction of poverty is self-explanatory. To this extent, addressing the challenges to effective development in the education services sector is key to harnessing the full potential of the sector. In this regard, and with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seeking to enhance economic integration within the continent, understanding and addressing the gaps in intra-Africa cross-border trade in the education services sector will be critical to achieving the objectives of the free trade agreement.

In this project funded by FIAPP, International Economics (IEC) is providing support for the execution of one sectoral study to guide negotiations on educational services within the framework of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services.

What We Found

The objectives of the project are to:
(i) present the status of Education services in relevant Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and selected Member States, including trends and prospects for growth;
(ii) provide a basis for AfCFTA States to fully understand the scope of the sector and the importance of liberalisation in the various sub-sectors; and
(iii) spotlight the importance of the sector and its contributions to the economy, generating jobs, and inclusivity dimensions.

Our Strategy and Impact

The team will provide a diagnosis of Africa’s Trade in Education Services with key trading partners through desk research, literature review and stakeholder consultations. An analysis of the regulatory and trade environment will focus on identifying how trade in Education Services is treated across the different African countries. Based on the data and information collected, the team will assess the opportunities and challenges for the African countries in Education sector and prepare recommendations for the AfCFTA negotiations – including proposals for liberalising trade in the sector and addressing regulatory barriers, and recommendations for regulating the sector domestically, including proposals for improving the quality and accessibility of services, promoting innovation, and protecting consumers.

Our Core Solutions

The cross-cutting nature of trade is such that it requires a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive framework. While well-designed trade policies are vital to delivering long-term benefits for economies, so is the need for effective implementation.

At International Economics Consulting, we support the public and private sectors in navigating the policy and negotiation landscape regarding international trade. This includes establishing robust monitoring and evaluation framework through sophisticated real-time dashboards and reporting systems to ensure the best outcomes. We provide advocacy services to empower delegations and negotiators to participate effectively in trade negotiations and deliberations and advocate for their countries’ interests and positions.