This study evaluates the potential impacts of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area's (AfCFTA) tariff modalities on tax revenues, industrial production, trade flows, welfare and consumption for seven central African countries. Drawing on data from member states and the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) database, two methodologies are applied in the study. Computable general equilibrium (CGE) and partial equilibrium (PE) are used to evaluate the long-and short-term effects respectively. The results show that the reduction in tariff barriers provided by the AfCFTA will lead to a decrease in tariff revenue in some Central African countries in the short term. However, in the long term, these losses remain largely offset by the socio-economic benefit issues generated by the implementation of the agreement, particularly in terms of economic growth and the well-being of the region's population. To cub these revenue deficits, this paper encourages Central African countries to ratify and implement the AfCFTA. Also, they should diligently adopt all necessary reforms that could help reap the potential long-term gains. | INTRODUCTIONOn 21 March 2018 the legal act creating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which has become a priority for the continent's union was signed in Kigali, Rwanda by African countries.

This study examines the relationship between structural economic transformation and the economic, social and political dimensions of inequality. It is motivated by the renewed emphasis by policymakers in Africa to adopt a more inclusive growth trajectory through commodity-based industrialization. Drawing on theoretical and empirical evidence, the study shows that structural transformation is not a sufficient condition for inclusive growth. Indeed, even though structural transformation can result in poverty reduction, in the absence of active policies, the latter often coexists with rising inequalities. Active government policies that improve social service delivery, enhance agricultural sector productivity, minimize ethnic and gender inequalities, and strengthen social protection programmes are key to an inclusive structural transformation agenda.

This study analyses the determinants of birth weight in Guinea using data from the DHS collected in 2005. The results from econometric analysis show that mother's age, child's sex, area of residence, and tetanus immunization status of the mother are strongly correlated with birth weight in Guinea. However, the size of the correlation between anti-tetanus vaccination and birth weight depends on the estimation method. Thus, it is important to use appropriate estimation method to avoid misleading inference and bad policies.

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