Brexit and Trade Ties between Europe and Commonwealth States in Sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities for Pro-poor Growth or a Further Entrenchment of North–South Inequalities?. Issue 5 (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Langan, Mark
• Is Part Of: Round table. Volume 105:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 487
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Brexit -- Africa -- trade -- political economy -- UK -- European Union -- Economic Partnership Agreements; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Commonwealth countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 909.0971241
• DOI: 10.1080/00358533.2016.1233758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8533

Abstract

Abstract: Brexit will of course have major implications for trade between Commonwealth African nations and the European continent. In the short term, the European Commission's Economic Partnership Agreements with regional groups such as the East African Community will be complicated by the UK's decision to leave the European project. Moreover, there are longer-term consequences to be considered, not least the role which the UK—as an independent trade actor—will adopt in its trade relations with Commonwealth African countries. This article examines the impact of Brexit for Commonwealth African nations' trade with Europe (including the UK). It particularly points to several potential pitfalls arising from the Brexit referendum vis-à-vis African development.