The AfCFTA Unleashed: A Complete Guide to Africa’s $3.4 Trillion Economic Revolution for Businesses & Investors

Introduction – Why This Matters

Imagine a single market of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3.4 trillion. This isn’t a future prediction for Europe or Asia; it’s the present-day reality being forged in Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). For curious beginners, the AfCFTA represents one of the most ambitious economic integration projects in history, aiming to dismantle 54 different sets of trade barriers. For professionals needing a refresher, it’s the operational framework that is actively reshaping sourcing, market entry, logistics, and investment decisions across the continent.

In my experience working with both African SMEs and multinationals, the journey from seeing the AfCFTA as a lofty political promise to a tangible business tool is fraught with both skepticism and excitement. What I’ve found is that the pioneers who are engaging now—learning the rules, building cross-border networks, and piloting new supply chains—are positioning themselves to capture first-mover advantages in a market set to grow exponentially. The key insight most miss is that the AfCFTA isn’t just about removing tariffs; it’s about standardizing the rules of the game for trade, investment, and intellectual property across 54 nations, creating predictability for the first time.

As of early 2025, guided trade under specific AfCFTA rules has commenced, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is live, and the focus has shifted from negotiation to implementation. Understanding this shift is critical for anyone looking to participate in what could be the world’s next major growth engine.

Background / Context

For decades, Africa’s economic paradox was stark: a continent rich in resources, human capital, and demand, yet with the lowest levels of intra-regional trade in the world—hovering around 15-18%, compared to over 60% in Europe and 50% in Asia. Trade between, say, Kenya and Nigeria was often more expensive and complex than trade between either country and Europe. This was due to a legacy of colonial-era infrastructure pointing outwards, a patchwork of overlapping and conflicting regional economic communities (RECs), high tariffs, and crippling non-tariff barriers (NTBs) like bureaucratic red tape, poor logistics, and regulatory divergence.

The vision for the AfCFTA was conceived to break this cycle. Formally launched in March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, the agreement entered into force in May 2019. Trading officially commenced on January 1, 2021, after COVID-19 delays. As of 2025, 54 of the 55 African Union member states have signed, and 47 have ratified the agreement (Eritrea remains the sole non-signatory).

The core objective is simple yet transformative: to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments. By doing so, it aims to:

• Increase intra-African trade by 52.3% by 2035 (UNECA estimate).
• Lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty.
• Boost Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035.

The AfCFTA is built upon a framework agreement, supplemented by protocols on trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, competition policy, and digital trade.

Key Concepts Defined

• AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area): A flagship project of the African Union to create a single continental market for goods and services, facilitated by the movement of persons.
• Intra-African Trade: Trade of goods and services between African countries. The primary metric the AfCFTA seeks to boost.
• Rules of Origin (RoO): The criteria used to determine the national source of a product. This is the most critical technical aspect of the AfCFTA. To benefit from preferential tariffs, a product must meet specific AfCFTA RoO (e.g., a certain percentage of value must be added within Africa).
• Tariff Liberalization: The phased elimination of import duties on 97% of tariff lines (product categories) originating from member states. This occurs over 5-10-13 year periods for developing and least-developed countries (LDCs).
• Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Obstacles to trade other than tariffs. These include cumbersome customs procedures, arbitrary standards, import bans, and corruption at borders. The AfCFTA establishes an online mechanism to report, monitor, and eliminate NTBs.
• Annexes to Protocols: Detailed legal documents that specify the rules for specific sectors within the broader protocols (e.g., the Annex on Financial Services under the Protocol on Trade in Services).
• Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS): A centralized financial market infrastructure that enables instant, cross-border payments in local African currencies, bypassing the US dollar or Euro. Launched in 2022, it is a game-changer for reducing transaction costs and time.
• Guided Trade Initiative: A pilot phase launched in late 2022/2023 where selected countries and companies trade specific products under AfCFTA rules to test the systems, documentation, and logistics in a controlled environment.
• African Union (AU): The continental body consisting of 55 member states that spearheaded the creation and governance of the AfCFTA. The AfCFTA Secretariat, based in Accra, Ghana, oversees implementation.

How It Works (Step-by-Step Breakdown)

Step 1: Understanding Tariff Phase-Out Schedules.
Not all tariffs disappear overnight. Countries are grouped into:

• Non-Least Developed Countries (Non-LDCs): e.g., South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt. They must liberalize 97% of tariff lines over 5 years (by 2026) and 90% from Day 1.
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs): e.g., Ethiopia, Malawi, Niger. They have 10 years (until 2031) to liberalize 97% of tariff lines, with 85% from Day 1.
• Sensitive and Exclusion Lists: All countries can place 3% of tariff lines on a “Sensitive List” (longer phase-out of 10-13 years) and can completely exclude a small number of products (up to 7% for LDCs, 3% for others) from liberalization to protect nascent industries.

Step 2: Determining Rules of Origin (RoO) Compliance.
This is where businesses must do their homework. For a product to qualify for AfCFTA preferential rates:

1. It must be “wholly obtained” in an AfCFTA state (e.g., minerals extracted, crops harvested).
2. OR it must have undergone “sufficient transformation.” This is defined by product-specific rules in the Annex on RoO. Common criteria include:
   • Change in Tariff Classification (CTC): The final product is classified under a different tariff heading than all its non-originating materials.
   • Value Addition (VA): A minimum percentage (e.g., 40%) of the ex-works price of the product must originate within AfCFTA states.
   • Specific Manufacturing Processes: Certain operations (like assembly) may or may not confer origin.

Step 3: Utilizing the AfCFTA Certificate of Origin.
To claim preferential treatment, the exporter must obtain a Certificate of Origin from their national designated authority (often the Chamber of Commerce or Ministry of Trade). This certificate, based on the supporting production data, is the passport for goods moving under AfCFTA terms.

Step 4: Navigating Customs Procedures.
Importers must present the AfCFTA Certificate of Origin and other required documentation (commercial invoice, packing list) to customs officials in the destination country, declaring the goods under the AfCFTA regime to benefit from the reduced or zero tariff.

Step 5: Leveraging the Digital Tools.

• NTB Reporting Mechanism: Businesses encountering barriers (e.g., unreasonable delays, new licensing requirements) can report them via the online platform for resolution.
• PAPSS for Payments: Businesses can instruct their banks to settle cross-border trade payments via PAPSS for faster, cheaper transactions in local currency.
• Trade Information Portal: A one-stop online portal (under development) for all AfCFTA legal texts, tariff schedules, RoO, and procedural updates.

Step 6: Engaging in Trade in Services.
The Protocol on Trade in Services liberalizes trade across 5 priority sectors: Business, Communication, Finance, Tourism, and Transport. Countries make specific commitments to open these sectors to providers from other African states, which businesses must consult before market entry.

Why It’s Important

The AfCFTA’s importance transcends economics; it’s a geopolitical, social, and strategic reset for the African continent.

1. Economic Transformation:

• Unlocks Scale and Specialization: It allows countries and companies to move beyond small, fragmented national markets. A Kenyan pharmaceutical company can now plan production for a continental market, achieving economies of scale previously impossible.
• Diversifies Economies: By facilitating regional value chains, Africa can move up from being merely an exporter of raw materials. Imagine bauxite mined in Guinea, shipped to Ghana for refining into aluminium, then to South Africa for manufacturing into auto parts for assembly plants in Morocco and Egypt. This “Made in Africa” value chain is the core promise.
• Attracts Investment: A unified, larger market with harmonized rules is far more attractive to both foreign and intra-African investment. Investors can set up one factory to serve 54 countries, rather than 54 different operations.

2. Business Opportunities:

• Cost Reduction: Eliminating tariffs reduces input costs for manufacturers and final prices for consumers.
• New Market Access: SMEs and large corporations alike gain legal, preferential access to 53 new markets overnight.
• Logistics & Services Boom: The imperative to move goods across borders will spur massive investment in transportation, logistics, fintech, insurance, and customs brokerage services.

3. Strategic Autonomy:

• Reduces External Dependency: By boosting intra-African trade, the continent becomes more resilient to global shocks (like pandemic supply chain disruptions or geopolitical conflicts).
• Strengthens Negotiating Power: A unified Africa can negotiate better terms in trade deals with external partners like the EU, US, or China, moving away from unequal, bilateral “spaghetti bowl” agreements.

What I’ve found is that professionals often get lost in the technicalities of RoO. The real importance lies in the strategic shift: businesses are now incentivized to look north, south, east, and west within Africa for suppliers and customers, rather than automatically looking overseas. This mental re-mapping is as important as the legal one.

Sustainability in the Future

The AfCFTA is inherently linked to sustainable development. Its success is predicated on building a future that is not only prosperous but also resilient and inclusive.

• Green Value Chains: The agreement provides a platform to develop continental green industries. For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo (holding most of the world’s cobalt) could partner with North African nations with abundant solar power to create a “green battery” value chain for electric vehicles, all under AfCFTA rules. This aligns with global trends discussed in our Technology & Innovation section.
• Inclusive Growth: Protocols on Women and Youth in Trade are being developed to ensure the benefits are broadly shared, moving beyond large conglomerates to empower SMEs, women-led businesses, and young entrepreneurs.
• Digital Trade as an Equalizer: The Protocol on Digital Trade (under negotiation) aims to create a seamless continental digital market. This can allow a tech startup in Rwanda to sell software-as-a-service to clients in Nigeria as easily as to a neighbor, democratizing access to the market.
• Food Security & Agricultural Resilience: By enabling free trade in agricultural goods, the AfCFTA can help move food from surplus regions to deficit regions more efficiently, mitigating the impact of climate-induced local droughts and enhancing continental food security.
• Circular Economy Potential: Standardized rules can facilitate the trade of recycled materials and refurbished goods, promoting a circular economy model across borders.

The AfCFTA is not a static document; it’s a living framework designed to adapt. Its future sustainability depends on continuous implementation, addressing challenges like infrastructure gaps, and ensuring the benefits are both economically and environmentally sound.

Common Misconceptions

1. Misconception: “AfCFTA means all trade barriers in Africa disappear on January 1, 2026.”
   • Reality: Liberalization is a phased process over 5-13 years. Sensitive products are shielded longer, and the hardest part—eliminating Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)—is a continuous battle beyond 2030.
2. Misconception: “Any product made in an African country automatically qualifies for AfCFTA benefits.”
   • Reality: The Rules of Origin (RoO) are strict. Simple assembly or packaging of imported components may NOT confer origin. A car assembled in South Africa from 80% Chinese parts likely won’t qualify. Businesses must meticulously track value addition.
3. Misconception: “It’s only for large multinational corporations.”
   • Reality: While big firms will benefit, the AfCFTA Secretariat explicitly targets SMEs as key drivers. Simplified procedures for low-value consignments and the digital tools are designed with SMEs in mind. For guidance on starting such cross-border ventures, resources like Sherakat Network’s guide to Starting an Online Business can be invaluable.
4. Misconception: “It weakines existing regional blocs like ECOWAS or SADC.”
   • Reality: The AfCFTA is designed to absorb and harmonize these Regional Economic Communities (RECs). It builds upon them, aiming to resolve their conflicts and create one set of overarching rules. It’s a unifying, not a replacing, force.
5. Misconception: “It’s just about goods; services are an afterthought.”
   • Reality: Trade in services is a core pillar. The liberalization of sectors like finance, telecoms, and professional services (law, accounting, engineering) could have an even larger economic impact than goods trade, enabling knowledge and capital to flow freely.

Recent Developments (2024/2025)

• Guided Trade Expands: What started with a handful of countries (Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Cameroon) trading specific products (e.g., ceramic tiles, batteries, tea) has expanded. In 2024, over 96 products were traded under the initiative across more than 30 countries, providing real-world data to refine systems.
• PAPSS Gains Traction: As of Q1 2025, PAPSS has integrated over 100 commercial banks from more than 40 countries. Transaction volumes are growing monthly, with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) providing settlement guarantees to de-risk the system for banks.
• Negotiations on Key Protocols Advance:
  • Investment Protocol: Nearing finalization, this will provide a unified framework to protect and promote intra-African investment.
  • Digital Trade Protocol: Intensive negotiations are underway, grappling with issues like data localization, consumer protection, and e-commerce taxation.
  • Women and Youth in Trade Protocol: Drafting has begun, focusing on affirmative action measures, access to finance, and capacity building.
• SADC Tripartite Merger: A landmark 2024 decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to merge its free trade area with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) into a single tripartite arrangement is a major boost for AfCFTA harmonization.
• AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Operational: The $10 billion fund, comprising a Base Fund (grants), a General Fund (concessional loans), and a Credit Guarantee Fund, has begun disbursing to help countries and businesses adjust to new competition and upgrade infrastructure.

Success Stories (Early Wins & Strategic Movers)

• Kiira Motors (Uganda) & Automotive Value Chains: The Ugandan vehicle manufacturer is strategically positioning itself within the AfCFTA automotive value chain. Instead of trying to build a complete car alone, they are focusing on bus and truck assembly, sourcing components from across Africa (batteries from South Africa, steel from Kenya, textiles for interiors from Nigeria) under AfCFTA rules, demonstrating the “continental car” model.
• The “Cocoa-to-Chocolate” Revolution (Ghana & Côte d’Ivoire): Historically, these two nations produced over 60% of the world’s raw cocoa but exported almost all of it unprocessed. Under AfCFTA, they are actively promoting policies to process cocoa locally into butter, powder, and chocolate for export to other African markets. A Ghanaian chocolate brand can now target the growing middle class in Kenya or Angola tariff-free, capturing more value on the continent.
• SME Success: Maid2Clean (South Africa): This commercial cleaning services company used the AfCFTA’s services protocol to expand into Namibia and Botswana. By being able to move key management staff and replicate their business model with a recognized South African brand standard, they secured contracts with multinationals operating across the region, showcasing the services potential.
• PAPSS in Action: A Textile Trade: A Nigerian fabric importer buying from a Ghanaian designer. Instead of the Ghanaian exporter waiting 2-3 weeks for a USD wire transfer (with high fees), the Nigerian importer pays in Naira through their bank, PAPSS instantly converts it to Cedis for the Ghanaian exporter’s bank, settling the transaction in 2 minutes at a fraction of the cost. This real example is boosting trust in intra-African trade.

Real-Life Examples & Case Studies

Case Study 1: The Kenyan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer

• Before AfCFTA: Produced medicines primarily for the Kenyan market (50 million people). To export to Tanzania or Nigeria, they faced tariffs of 15-25% and had to navigate completely different drug registration and labeling standards, making exports uncompetitive.
• After AfCFTA Strategy: The company invested in upgrading its facility to meet the African Medicines Agency (AMA) harmonized standards. It now applies for a centralized AMA certification for its products. It sources active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from Egypt (under AfCFTA preferential rates) instead of India, increasing its African content. It then exports its finished drugs tariff-free to Rwanda and Ghana, targeting a market of over 250 million people. This “before/after” scenario shows the shift from a national to a continental strategy.

Case Study 2: The Logistics & Clearing Agent in Tema Port, Ghana

• Situation: A customs brokerage firm traditionally handled imports from Europe and Asia.
• Challenge/Opportunity: With AfCFTA, there is a surge in inquiries from Ghanaian companies wanting to import from South Africa and Kenyan companies wanting to export to Côte d’Ivoire. The documentation and RoO requirements are new.
• Action: The firm invested in training its staff on the AfCFTA Certificate of Origin and specific RoO for key product lines. It partnered with clearing agents in Durban (South Africa) and Mombasa (Kenya) to offer a seamless “AfCFTA corridor service.” They marketed themselves as “AfCFTA compliance specialists,” winning new business and becoming a vital link in the new trade routes.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The African Continental Free Trade Area is moving decisively from the drawing board to the factory floor, the farm gate, and the digital marketplace. It represents a collective bet by African nations on self-reliance, scale, and shared prosperity.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Time for Piloting is Now: The Guided Trade Initiative and operational tools like PAPSS mean the theoretical is now practical. Businesses should start with pilot export/import projects to learn the system.
2. Rules of Origin are Your Strategic Blueprint: Don’t view RoO as a compliance headache. Use them to map your supply chain. Ask: “Where in Africa can I source to meet the value addition threshold and reduce costs?” This redefines procurement strategy.
3. Think Services, Not Just Goods: The biggest opportunities may lie in exporting business services, education, fintech, and tourism packages across borders with fewer restrictions.
4. Leverage the Digital Infrastructure: Engage with PAPSS for payments and use the NTB reporting mechanism if you face barriers. These tools are designed to make your cross-border operations smoother.
5. Partnership is Key: Success will rarely be solo. Form alliances with distributors, logistics partners, and banks in your target markets. The spirit of AfCFTA is collaboration. For insights on building such partnerships, consider the principles in Sherakat Network’s guide to Business Alliances.

The AfCFTA is not a guarantee of success, but it is an unprecedented enabler. The businesses, investors, and professionals who take the time to understand its machinery today will be the architects of Africa’s economic tomorrow and the primary beneficiaries of its $3.4 trillion promise.

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FAQs (20–25 detailed Q&A)

1. What is the current status of the AfCFTA? Is it fully operational?
As of 2025, the AfCFTA is operational but in a phased implementation. The legal framework is in force, tariff liberalization schedules are active, and “guided trade” is happening. Key protocols (Digital, Investment) are still under negotiation. It’s a live, evolving system.

2. How do I find out the specific tariff rate or Rule of Origin for my product?
You must consult two key documents: 1) The Tariff Concession Schedules of your target country (available via national trade ministries or the AfCFTA Secretariat). 2) The Annex on Rules of Origin for the specific Harmonized System (HS) code of your product.

3. My country hasn’t ratified yet. Can I still use AfCFTA?
No. Only countries that have both signed and deposited their instruments of ratification with the African Union Chairperson are legally bound and can trade under AfCFTA rules. Check the AfCFTA Secretariat website for the updated list of state parties.

4. What is PAPSS and how does it benefit me?
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) allows you to pay a business in another African country in your local currency, and they receive funds in their local currency within minutes. It eliminates correspondent banking fees, reduces forex risk, and speeds up transactions dramatically.

5. Are there simplified procedures for small businesses or low-value shipments?
Yes. The AfCFTA agreement provides for simplified trade regimes for small-scale traders and consignments of low value. However, the specific thresholds and procedures are being finalized at the national level. Contact your national trade ministry for details.

6. How does AfCFTA handle product standards and regulations?
A major component is harmonization. Bodies like the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) are working to align standards. The African Medicines Agency (AMA) is doing the same for pharmaceuticals. The goal is “one standard, one test, accepted everywhere.”

7. What happens if I face a Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) at a border?
You should report it immediately via the AfCFTA NTB Online Reporting Mechanism (hosted on the AU Trade Observatory website). The system triggers a notification to the country causing the barrier, and a structured consultation process begins to resolve it.

8. Can I as a professional (lawyer, engineer, accountant) work in another AfCFTA country?
The Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons (separate but complementary) aims to eventually allow this. Currently, the focus is on facilitating business travel (visa-free or visa-on-arrival for businesspeople). Full right of establishment for professions is a longer-term goal under the Trade in Services protocol.

9. How does AfCFTA interact with existing bilateral or regional trade agreements?
The general principle is that the AfCFTA supersedes conflicting provisions in existing REC agreements. However, countries can maintain more liberal trade between themselves under existing RECs (e.g., ECOWAS) as long as it doesn’t raise barriers against other AfCFTA members.

10. Is there a dispute settlement mechanism?
Yes. The AfCFTA has its own Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) modeled on the WTO’s. States can bring cases against each other for alleged violations of the agreement. A mechanism for private sector disputes is under discussion.

11. What are the biggest practical challenges right now?

• Lack of Awareness: Many businesses, especially SMEs, don’t know the details.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Poor roads, rail, and port connectivity increase logistics costs.
• Inconsistent Implementation: Varying levels of readiness and political will across 54 countries.
• Access to Trade Finance: Banks are still cautious about financing new cross-border ventures under unfamiliar rules.

12. Where can I get financing for an AfCFTA-related business expansion?
Key institutions include: Afreximbank (which has a dedicated AfCFTA Adjustment Fund and several trade finance facilities), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Trade and Development Bank (TDB), and various national development banks.

13. How can I verify the authenticity of an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin?
A digital verification system is in development. Currently, you rely on the issuing authority (e.g., the Chamber of Commerce) in the exporting country. Cross-checking the certificate number and details with that authority is recommended for high-value shipments.

14. Does AfCFTA cover government procurement?
Not initially. However, a Protocol on Government Procurement is planned for Phase III negotiations. Currently, national procurement rules still apply.

15. What’s the “guided trade” initiative and how can my company participate?
It’s a pilot where countries and pre-selected companies test the trading system. Participation is usually coordinated through national ministries of trade and industry. Express your interest to them and ensure your documentation and products are compliant.

16. How does this affect my imports from outside Africa (China, Europe, etc.)?
AfCFTA only governs trade between African countries. Your imports from outside Africa are still subject to your country’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs with those external partners. However, AfCFTA may make sourcing from within Africa more competitive compared to those imports.

17. Are all services sectors liberalized?
No. Liberalization is based on specific commitments. Each country submits a schedule of which service subsectors it is opening, and to what extent. You must check the specific commitments of your target country for your service.

18. What about intellectual property (IP) protection across borders?
The Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights (under negotiation) aims to establish continental frameworks for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Until it is finalized, protection is governed by national laws and existing international treaties (like the ARIPO and OAPI systems).

19. How does this impact informal cross-border trade?
A significant goal is to formalize this trade, which constitutes a large portion of intra-African commerce. Simplified procedures and recognition of small-scale traders aim to bring them into the formal, protected system where they can access credit and grow.

20. Is there a risk of being undercut by cheaper products from more industrialised African countries?
Yes, this is the adjustment challenge. The AfCFTA Adjustment Fund is meant to help vulnerable industries and workers adapt through retraining, technological upgrading, and diversification.

21. How can I stay updated on AfCFTA developments?
Follow the AfCFTA Secretariat’s official website and social media. Subscribe to newsletters from the African Union, UNECA, and Afreximbank. Join relevant industry associations with a pan-African focus.

22. What are the tax implications (VAT, etc.) under AfCFTA?
AfCFTA deals with import duties (tariffs). Other domestic taxes like Value Added Tax (VAT) or excise duties are not eliminated by the agreement. However, there are discussions on harmonizing VAT regimes to prevent double taxation.

23. Can I use AfCFTA to export to an African country that is in a customs union with my country?
If you are both in the same customs union (e.g., EAC, ECOWAS), you likely already trade tariff-free under that union’s rules. AfCFTA provides a backup and extends similar benefits when trading with countries outside your union.

24. How does this relate to the African Passport?
The African Passport is an initiative under the AU’s Agenda 2063 to facilitate free movement. It is separate from but complementary to the AfCFTA. Its rollout is gradual, starting with diplomats and officials.

25. What is the single most important action a business should take today?
Conduct an AfCFTA Audit. Map your products/services, current markets, and supply chains against the AfCFTA rules. Identify your target markets, determine the applicable tariff and RoO, and assess your competitiveness. Then, start building relationships in that market. For more on strategic planning in new environments, explore resources at World Class Blogs.

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About Author

Sana Ullah Kakar is a Pan-African Trade and Investment Strategist with over a decade of experience advising governments, multinational corporations, and growing SMEs on market entry and operational strategy across the continent. Having lived and worked in East, West, and Southern Africa, they bring a ground-level, pragmatic perspective to continental frameworks like the AfCFTA. They are a regular commentator on African economic integration for World Class Blogs. Learn more about our mission on our About World Class Blogs page.

Free Resources

• Official AfCFTA Secretariat Portal: The primary source for legal texts, updates, and official announcements.
• AU Trade Observatory: Contains data, NTB reporting tool, and trade intelligence.
• PAPSS Official Website: Information for businesses and banks on how to join and use the system.
• Afreximbank AfCFTA Hub: Offers research, financing information, and deal facilitation.
• Tralac (Trade Law Centre): An independent organization providing excellent analysis, trackers, and training on AfCFTA and African trade.
• For understanding the broader context of managing complex international systems, The Daily Explainer’s guide to Global Supply Chain Management offers complementary insights.
• To build the resilient mental framework needed for such transformative business ventures, The Daily Explainer’s guide to Mental Wellbeing is a valuable resource.

Discussion

Let’s build the AfCFTA knowledge base together! Are you a business owner starting to trade across African borders? An investor spotting new opportunities? Or perhaps you’re facing a specific challenge with RoO or logistics? Share your story, ask your questions, and connect with other readers in the comments below. What sector do you believe holds the most untapped potential under the AfCFTA?

For more insights into global systems, innovation, and strategic growth, delve into our full collection of analysis in our Blogs category.