Rebecca Nanono

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the most ambitious trade agreements in history, aimed at creating a single market for goods and services across 55 African countries. Officially launched in 2021, AfCFTA promises to transform the economic landscape of Africa, boosting intra-African trade, enhancing competitiveness, and driving sustainable development across the continent. However, to fully realize its potential, AfCFTA must be anchored within a complex and evolving global context. 1. The Shifting Global Economic Order The global economy is undergoing profound shifts, driven by factors such as technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and changing trade dynamics. Africa's integration into this evolving landscape requires a nuanced approach. Here's why: Changing Trade Patterns : Global trade patterns have seen a significant shift with the rise of regionalism, protectionism, and bilateral agreements. While Africa is embarkin...

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with headlines about conflict, injustice, and social upheaval. It can often feel like violence is the dominant response to challenges, whether it’s political tensions, racial injustice, environmental degradation, or economic inequality. As the turbulence around us intensifies, the question becomes: Can nonviolence still be a viable path in such a fractured world? The Power of Nonviolence: Lessons from History Throughout history, nonviolence has shown its strength as a transformative force. From Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for Indian independence to Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for civil rights, nonviolence has been at the heart of movements that sought justice, dignity, and equality without resorting to violence. But why choose nonviolence when the world seems chaotic and force often appears to yield quicker results? Nonviolence, at its core, is about more than just the absence of physical harm. It’s a philosophy and practice rooted i...