From Informal Livestock Corridors to Investable Trade Systems: Accelerating Pastoral Integration under AfCFTA

The policy brief proposes a practical 24-month corridor package to formalise Africa’s cross-border pastoral livestock trade and unlock investment. Despite its economic significance, the sector remains weakly integrated into AfCFTA due to fragmented governance, inconsistent SPS controls, and high non-tariff costs. It recommends fast-tracking 3–5 priority corridors through a minimum viable corridor deal combining corridor governance, risk-based SPS mutual recognition, and market incentives. By improving predictability and aligning incentives, the package aims to reduce transaction costs, attract private investment, strengthen surveillance, and transform informal trade into investable regional systems that enhance food security and rural incomes.