Inclusive political systems with checks and balances tend to make fewer mistakes. Such systems foster reliable judicial frameworks that protect individual interests and enhance transparency, creating an environment conducive to private innovation and market dynamics. This principle applies to international relations, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where civil society's active involvement is crucial to success.

As negotiations continue, African Union member states have led the process, but effective AfCFTA implementation depends on the private sector's ownership. The private sector must be engaged throughout the planning and negotiation phases. Understanding these stakeholders' interests is essential, which requires mechanisms that facilitate consultation and public-private dialogue, ensuring negotiators are well-informed and able to craft beneficial trade agreements.

However, many countries struggle with poorly established institutions that hinder effective participation from diverse civil society groups, particularly smaller organizations and informal businesses. This lack of representation can lead to incoherent trade policies. To address these challenges, the Economic Commission for Africa is analyzing successful engagement strategies used by various trade ministries, focusing on enhancing public-private dialogue and ensuring broader representation in trade negotiations, especially for the small-scale businesses prevalent in Central African economies.