Only 8% of Batswana say they have heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a survey by Afrobarometer has revealed.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an initiative aimed at creating a single market for goods and services across the African continent.
“While a majority of Batswana favour open trade, most citizens are unaware of the continent’s signature treaty to promote free trade and continental integration: Only 8% say they have heard of the AfCFTA,” the survey which was released recently shows.
Respondents were asked: Have you heard about the African Continental Free Trade Area, also known as AfCFTA?
More than half (55%) of Batswana say that it is better for their economy if the government creates economic opportunities by facilitating international trade (Figure 3). But a substantial minority (42%) disagree, preferring instead to limit international trade to protect local businesses.
Meanwhile Batswana offer mixed assessments of their voice in international affairs.
By more than 3 to 1, respondents say their country’s needs and interests are adequately recognised in the decisions of SADC (49% “agree” or “strongly agree” vs. 15% “disagree” or “strongly disagree”) and the AU (45% vs. 12%) (Figure 1). However, large proportions don’t offer an opinion on these questions. In contrast, when it comes to international bodies such as the United Nations, most Batswana (66%) say that African countries should be given greater influence in decision making (Figure 2). Very few (6%) disagree with the idea, while 28% don’t offer an opinion.
More than half (55%) of Batswana say that it is better for their economy if the government creates economic opportunities by facilitating international trade (Figure 3). But a substantial minority (42%) disagree, preferring instead to limit international trade to protect local businesses.
About two-thirds support free trade among 46- to 55-year-olds (68%), respondents with post secondary education (67%), and urban residents (65%). Support is higher among men (59%) than women (51%), and drops with an increase in lived poverty2 (from 57% among those experiencing low or no lived poverty to 51% among the very poor).
Respondents were asked; It is better for our economy if the government makes it easier for Botswana to trade with other countries to create economic opportunities.
Respondents were also asked; “ Our country should limit trade with other countries in order to protect Botswana producers. If the government were to make it easier to trade with other countries, a significant majority (63%) of citizens would favour open trade with all countries worldwide, rather than limiting it to certain countries.”
About one-fifth (19%) would privilege African countries for trade, while 10% would prefer to focus on Southern Africa. Batswana hold more positive than negative views of the economic and political influence of most of the major foreign powers the survey asked about.
About one-fifth (19%) would privilege African countries for trade, while 10% would prefer to focus on Southern Africa. Batswana hold more positive than negative views of the economic and political influence of most of the major foreign powers the survey asked about.
But the predominant response is “don’t know” (46%-67%).
Opinions on the influence of SADC are overwhelmingly favourable: 47% say it is “somewhat positive” or “very positive,” compared to just 5% who see it as negative.
