Although the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is regarded as one of the continent's most ambitious economic integration initiatives, only 13 per cent of Africans have heard of the agreement, according to the latest Afrobarometer African Insights 2026 report.

The report, titled ‘Beyond Borders: Citizen Perspectives on a Shifting Global Order,’ indicates that while public awareness of the landmark trade agreement remains strikingly low, support for freer trade between African countries and the rest of the world continues to grow.

The study, which draws on Round 10 Afrobarometer survey data collected across 38 African countries between 2024 and 2025, explores how Africans perceive global trade, migration, international influence, climate change and geopolitical developments.

According to the report, awareness of the AfCFTA is concentrated largely among highly educated and politically informed citizens, with no surveyed country recording awareness levels above 27 per cent.

Despite this knowledge gap, the survey found that 62 per cent of Africans believe their countries would benefit economically by making trade easier with other nations.

The figure represents a significant increase from 51 per cent recorded five years earlier, highlighting growing public confidence in international trade as a driver of economic growth.

Support for freer trade emerged as the majority view in 32 of the 38 countries surveyed.

Economic hardship

One of the report's most notable findings challenges conventional global assumptions about public attitudes towards trade.

While economic hardship in many parts of the world often fuels protectionist sentiments, Afrobarometer found the opposite pattern across Africa.

Rather than calling for greater economic isolation, many Africans continue to favour increased openness to regional and international markets despite difficult economic conditions.

The report suggests this reflects widespread expectations that stronger trade relations could create jobs, stimulate investment and improve living standards across the continent.

Immigration attitudes

The survey also uncovered an unexpected trend regarding immigration.

Contrary to patterns observed in many other regions of the world, resistance to immigration in Africa is strongest among wealthier, better-educated and more highly skilled citizens, as well as residents of the continent's more prosperous countries.

According to the report, these groups may perceive immigrants as competitors for relatively scarce formal employment opportunities, even though they are generally better positioned economically than the wider population.

Outward-looking continent

Overall, Afrobarometer describes Africa as a continent that remains outward-looking and increasingly engaged with global opportunities, while also becoming more strategic in how its citizens assess international relationships.

The report notes that Africa's future will depend significantly on how governments navigate complex global challenges, including international trade, geopolitical competition, migration and climate change.

It further emphasises that while citizens generally support deeper engagement with the global economy, greater public education will be needed to ensure Africans fully understand continental initiatives such as the AfCFTA, which is intended to boost intra-African trade, industrialisation and long-term economic integration.