Contemporary Issues in sub-Saharan Africa’s Insertion in International Trade

Abstract

International trade is key to economic growth and to achieving the Millennium Development Goals in sub-Saharan Africa. The region’s share in international trade has been characterized by dependence on primary agricultural commodity exports. However, primary agricultural commodities lack dynamism in world markets due to fluctuations in prices and to specific tariff and nontariff barriers that restrict market access in developed countries. In this context, our paper examines sub-Saharan Africa’s insertion into international trade. We also analyze the factors and barriers that have restricted sustained economic growth on the African continent. The results indicate that sub-Saharan Africa is highly dependent on the production and export of primary commodities and on European markets.