The Role of Competitive Intelligence in Shaping AfCFTA Policy Integration and Industrialisation: A Systematic Literature Review

The African Continental Free Trade Area presents a unique opportunity for Zimbabwe to accelerate industrialisation and strengthen regional economic integration. While competitive intelligence has been widely acknowledged as a strategic tool in business, its role in informing national policy and industrial strategy in the context of AfCFTA remains underexplored. This study fills this gap by conducting a systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework to examine how CI can shape AfCFTA policy integration and industrialisation in Zimbabwe. Peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and relevant documents were systematically identified, screened, and analyzed to ensure methodological rigor. Findings reveal that CI supports evidence-based policymaking, enhances industrial planning, reduces information asymmetries, and strengthens Zimbabwe’s competitiveness under AfCFTA. The study’s novelty lies in synthesizing insights specifically for Zimbabwe, highlighting practical recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to leverage CI for sustainable industrial growth and regional integration.