Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 30 SEPTEMBER 2019

The African Continental Free Trade Area: Unfolding Changes

Deloitte Nigeria
Explore more from Deloitte Nigeria

The agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area ("AfCFTA" or "the Agreement") has entered into force, albeit trading with the Agreement will not commence until 1 July 2020.

NigeriaInternational Law
Chijioke Odo
Chijioke Odo
Author LinkedIn connections

The agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area ("the Agreement" or "AfCFTA") is arguably the most discussed economic subject out of Africa. Now the largest free trade agreement (FTA) since creation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), it is easy to understand the attention.

Considering how long Africa has unsuccessfully attempted to set-up a pan-African economic community, recent steps towards developing a working FTA have surprisingly advanced very quickly.

This progression has moved many businesses to quick thinking, as they look to align their business models with trade patterns that could evolve as a result of the Agreement. However, several businesses have indicated a significant challenge with putting together a robust response to the AfCFTA.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

See more popular content from

Article

2026 Fiscal Policy Measures: Tariff Review, Excise Adjustments, And Trade Policy Updates

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced sweeping changes to the country's import tariff structure and excise regime through the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, effective from April and July 2026. These reforms, implemented under Nigeria's commitments to the ECOWAS Common External Tariff and the African Continental Free Trade Area, include a revised schedule of 127 tariff lines affecting food products, industrial inputs, and capital equipment, alongside new excise duties and green tax surcharges design
NigeriaInternational Law
Stren and Blan Partners
Stren and Blan Partners
Article

One Africa, One Click: What The Afcfta Digital Trade Protocol Means For Africa

The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is evolving from framework to operational instrument, with eight new annexes adopted in February 2025 covering rules of origin, cross-border payments, and data transfers. As Africa's digital economy races toward a projected $712 billion by 2050, businesses and governments face critical decisions about compliance, market access, and regulatory alignment. What practical steps should stakeholders take now to prepare for implementation, and how will ratification timelines affec
NigeriaInternational Law
Pavestones
Pavestones