Leveraging free trade to boost Africa’s wildlife economies through wild-harvested products

The intra-Africa trade of wild products presents a unique intersection of economic opportunity and environmental conservation. With the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the potential to enhance trade among African nations has grown significantly, marking an important shift in the continent’s economic landscape. 

The wildlife economy in Africa, encompassing wild-harvested products such as game meat, non-timber forest products, ecotourism, and more, holds significant but underutilised potential to contribute to the continent’s Gross Domestic Products and economic integration on the continent. 

With fifty-four of the fifty-five African Union nations party to the agreement, AfCFTA is the largest free trade area in the world regarding participating countries. As Van der Ven and Signé argue, harnessing Africa’s liberty through AfCFTA presents an opportunity to enhance the value derived from wildlife resources and ensure sustainability, a benefit to people and conservation. In this article, I discuss the potential for wild product trade in Africa and how the AfCFTA framework, a key resource in enhancing trade among African nations, could be used to improve livelihoods, generate income, and grow economies on the continent.