Africa’s trade landscape is undergoing a structural shift as the African Continental Free Trade Area continues to reshape how goods move across borders.
Since its implementation, AfCFTA has aimed to eliminate tariffs on up to 90% of goods, creating a single market of over 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion. Early indicators suggest steady progress, with intra-African trade volumes gradually increasing, particularly in manufactured goods and processed agricultural products.
Regional trade corridors in East and West Africa are seeing improved activity, supported by policy alignment and customs reforms. Digitalisation of trade processes is also reducing delays at border posts, a long-standing barrier to efficient trade.
However, challenges remain. Non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps, and limited industrial capacity in some countries continue to restrict the full realisation of AfCFTA’s potential.
Trade experts emphasise that boosting value addition and strengthening regional supply chains will be critical to sustaining growth under the agreement.
AfCFTA has the potential to significantly increase intra-African trade, but its success will depend on continued policy coordination and infrastructure development.