Vietnam - Africa economic cooperation in the AfCFTA era: From potential to substantive outcomes

This study examines the gap between the potential and actual performance of Vietnam - Africa economic cooperation amid the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Combining comparative advantage, institutional economics, transaction-cost theory, and value-chain governance, the study uses qualitative analysis, descriptive statistics, and official data available through May 31, 2026. The findings show that favorable political relations and significant trade flows provide a sound foundation for cooperation. However, bilateral trade remains concentrated in rice, coffee, cashew nuts, and selected manufactured products, while investment, production linkages, trade finance, logistics, and sustained corporate presence remain limited. The study proposes a “hub - corridor - value chain” framework linking gateway markets with export credit insurance, payment infrastructure, logistics, local processing, public - private cooperation, and measurable performance indicators.