Harnessing Intra-African Energy Trade for Poverty Alleviation: Opportunities and Barriers in the Context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

This study critically explores the intersection of regional economic integration and sustainable development, focusing on the transformative potential of cross-border cooperation in enhancing equitable access to essential services and fostering inclusive growth. Anchored in the context of Africa’s evolving institutional landscape, the research investigates how continent-wide liberalisation frameworks can be leveraged to address persistent challenges such as infrastructure fragmentation, energy poverty, investment inefficiencies, and policy misalignment. The study employs a qualitative analytical approach, drawing from recent scholarly literature, policy reviews, and institutional reports published between 2022 and 2024, to synthesise evidence and inform actionable policy directions. Findings reveal that, while significant structural constraints endure—particularly in regulatory harmonisation, financing, and institutional capacity—emerging initiatives demonstrate growing momentum toward regional convergence. Key opportunities identified include the development of interconnected infrastructure corridors, operationalisation of unified electricity markets, institutionalised public-private partnerships, and the mainstreaming of innovation and digital technologies across national and regional energy systems. Moreover, the study highlights the critical importance of data governance, monitoring frameworks, and coordinated knowledge exchange in ensuring accountable implementation and adaptive policy responses. The research concludes that achieving systemic transformation through regional cooperation is contingent upon strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, aligning investment ecosystems, and fostering inclusive participation in both policymaking and implementation. Recommendations include the promotion of blended finance instruments, cross-border regulatory reforms, and capacity-building programs designed to bridge knowledge asymmetries and institutional gaps. By articulating a structured pathway for strategic alignment, this study contributes to the evolving discourse on integrated development and provides a framework for action across sectors and governance levels.