%0 Journal Article
%T Political Economy of Zimbabwe¡¯s Integration into the AfCFTA: Institutional Readiness, Implementation Gaps and Developmental Prospects
%A Patience Gawe
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 13
%N 7
%P 1-44
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2026
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1115583
%X This study evaluates Zimbabwe¡¯s preparedness for full integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) following its ratification in May 2019. Using a political economy framework, it examines how structural conditions, institutions, actor incentives, agency and sectoral governance shape Zimbabwe¡¯s implementation trajectory. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews with senior officials and business leaders, questionnaires administered to exporting firms, documentary analysis and trade data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed in NVivo to generate institutional and contextual explanations. The findings show that Zimbabwe is a mid-tier integrator with clear political commitment to the AfCFTA, but significant implementation gaps remain. Legal domestication is incomplete; tariff schedules and market-access offers have been delayed; customs and excise provisions are not fully aligned with AfCFTA requirements; and rules-of-origin preparedness is weakened by import-dependent production structures. Trade facilitation is further constrained by classification inconsistencies, corridor delays, intrusive post-clearance inspections, limited access to trade finance, currency-related risks and fragmented market intelligence. These constraints may limit Zimbabwe¡¯s ability to realize AfCFTA-related benefits, including expanded market access, investment, product diversification, wage growth and welfare gains. The study argues that Zimbabwe¡¯s readiness depends on stronger legal coherence, institutional coordination and phased implementation. It proposes an AfCFTA National Trade Ecosystem Framework built around institutional alignment, industrial development, trade finance, public-private collaboration, and monitoring and evaluation.
%K African Continental Free Trade Area
%K Zimbabwe
%K Political Economy
%K Institutional Readiness
%K Implementation Gaps
%K Trade Governance
%K Regional Integration
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=152498