This book examines the establishment and implementation of the AfCFTA, which is the largest free trade area globally, covering 54 African countries. It explores how this initiative has the potential to reshape Africa-EU relations by promoting intra-African trade, economic integration, and diversification, as well as inter- regional trade. Both continents have the potential to serve as global actors in reshaping the global order in ways that can affect how multilateralism fosters inclusive development. However, whether this will happen would be a function of how the EU and AU define their interests and relationship.

Table of contents (14 chapters)

1. Introduction: Redefining the Dynamics of Power and Economic Partnership in Africa–EU Relations Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

   • Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba, Leon Mwamba Tshimpaka

   Pages 1-12

2. Euro-African Relations in a Changing Global Order: Shifting Balance Through the Russia–Ukraine War and the African Continental Free Trade Area?

   • Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba

   Pages 13-26

3. Analysis of the AU–EU Relations Under the AfCFTA Framework in a Neoliberal Context

   • John Mary Kanyamurwa, Ronald Kaddu, Robert Karemire

   Pages 27-51

4. Improving Intra-African Trade for AfCFTA and Non-AFCFTA Trade Flows Through Trade Policy Regime: Lessons from European Union

   • Adebayo Sunday Adedokun

   Pages 53-77

5. Hackathons as a Support Tool for the AU-EU Partnership JAES: A Case Study

   • Anna Masłoń-Oracz, Marta Odete F. Da Silva Coelho

   Pages 79-112

6. Africa–EU Digital Technology Exchange and Agribusiness Development in Developing Economies Within the African Continental Free Trade Area: The Case of Leribe and Thaba-Tseka Districts in Lesotho

   • Nthabeleng Lekhanya

   Pages 113-127

7. Brexit and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Some Lessons and Challenges from East Africa

   • Ambrose T. Kessy

   Pages 129-151

8. The Practice of Soft Power in Africa-EU Relations: Is it Optimal or One-Sided?

   • Mercy Atieno Odongo

   Pages 153-163

9. The European Union’s Soft Power in Africa: Model or Placebo?

   • Oluwaseun Tella

   Pages 165-189

10. African–European Trade Cooperation and the Promise of African Continental Free Trade Area as Africa’s Soft Power

    • Victor Fakoya, Bolaji Omitola

    Pages 191-221

11. Global Challenges, Regional Interventions: Exploring the Climate Change Adaptation Strategies of the African Union and the European Union

    • Olanrewaju Emupenne, Michelle Small

    Pages 223-251

12. “No One Should Be Left Behind”: EU and Inclusion of Civil Society in the African Continental Free Trade Area

    • Leon Mwamba Tshimpaka

    Pages 253-282

13. Towards Redefined Dynamics of Power and Economic Partnership in Africa-EU Relations in the Complex Global Order

    • Leon Mwamba Tshimpaka, Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba

    Pages 283-292