Gender Effects of the African Continental free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Burkina Faso

Abstract: As African countries move forward with implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it is essential to evaluate its potential impact on gender income inequality. The effects of regional integration can differ by gender, depending on a country's economic structure, sectoral employment patterns, and resource distribution between men and women. This article uses computable general equilibrium modeling and a gendered social accounting matrix to assess the AfCFTA’s impact on women’s income, employment, and gender income inequality in Burkina Faso. Results show positive outcomes for both men and women, with women experiencing slightly higher income growth and lower unemployment, contributing to a reduction in gender income inequality. Trade facilitation measures further enhance these benefits. Keywords: African Continental Free Trade Area, Trade Facilitation, CGE Model, Gender JEL Classification Number: F15, C68, J16