AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area)
Largest free trade zone in the world by number of countries, aiming to liberalize 90% of trade between 54 African states.
AfCFTA — African Continental Free Trade Area
The AfCFTA (AfCFTA in English) is a pan-African trade agreement signed in 2018 and operational since January 1, 2021. It brings together 54 of the 55 member states of the African Union, creating a market of 1.4 billion people.
Objectives
Liberalize 90% of tariff lines between member countries, eliminate non-tariff barriers, harmonize rules of origin and create a single market for goods and services in Africa.
Rules of origin
Negotiations on rules of origin are advanced: around 90% have already been agreed. Criteria include change in tariff classification and a local value added threshold (generally 40%). Cumulation of origin between AfCFTA countries is planned.
Implementation status
Preferential trade under the AfCFTA began under the Guided Trade Initiative pilot program. Eight pilot countries have carried out the first preferential transactions.
Issues for French-speaking businesses
The AfCFTA offers companies from French-speaking countries (UEMOA, CEMAC, Maghreb) preferential access to the continental market. Knowledge of rules of origin and customs procedures is essential to take advantage of them.