The AfCFTA is the largest free trade agreement in the world by number of countries. Its ambition: create a market of over a billion people, lower intra-African tariffs, harmonize rules, and above all grow trade between African countries, which remains low today.

The African Continental Free Trade Area, aiming to remove most customs duties between African countries.

What it is

The AfCFTA is the largest free trade agreement in the world by number of countries. Its ambition: create a market of over a billion people, lower intra-African tariffs, harmonize rules, and above all grow trade between African countries, which remains low today.

Why it's gaining traction

  • Intra-African trade remains a minority share of the continent's overall trade.
  • Progressive implementation: product schedules, rules of origin, protocols (services, digital trade).
  • Supporting systems are being rolled out (pan-African payments, transport corridors).

What it changes in practice

  • Regional opportunities for SMEs (less dependence on exports outside the continent).
  • Gradually lower costs of accessing neighboring markets.
  • Slow harmonization: ground realities (borders, logistics) remain a real obstacle.

Where to start

  • Identify 2-3 neighboring countries where your offer has a market and favorable rules of origin.
  • Get compliant (standards, documentation, certificate of origin).
  • Leverage the logistics corridors and pan-African payment systems being put in place.
  • Track the entry into force of protocols relevant to your sector (including digital trade).

What to watch out for

  • The gap between the text and actual implementation: customs delays, non-tariff barriers.
  • Logistics, energy, and infrastructure remain the real bottlenecks.
  • Increased competition: the zone also opens your own market to your neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AfCFTA already changing things?

Implementation is gradual. Preferential trade is starting, but the full effect will take years.

What should an SME do?

Target a few neighboring markets, get compliant (rules of origin, standards), and use the regional corridors and payment systems.

What are the main obstacles?

Less the tariffs themselves than logistics, energy, paperwork, and non-tariff barriers.