AfCFTA Trading Begins

The start of AfCFTA trading created the largest free trade area by number of member countries since the WTO, and it is slowly changing sourcing and distribution options within Africa. The agreement was signed in Kigali in March 2018, entered into force in May 2019, and opened for trading on January 1, 2021, with a secretariat in Accra, Ghana. Tariffs on most goods are to be phased out among countries that have ratified and submitted schedules. As with any free trade agreement, benefits depend on rules of origin, so shippers need correct origin documentation to claim reduced duties.

• Certificate of OriginDocument that proves where goods were made
• Country of OriginCountry where goods were made
• Harmonized System CodeHS CodeSix-digit international product code

• World Trade Organization (WTO) Established1995 · The WTO takes over from GATT as the trade rules forum
• EU Single Market1993 · Goods cross EU internal borders without customs checks
• Mercosur1991 · Four South American states form a common market

• African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)2000, extended through 2028 · US duty-free access for eligible sub-Saharan goods

1. African nations begin trading under AfCFTA pact (News Agency of Nigeria) nannews.ng
2. AfCFTA commences single Africa trading (Graphic Online) graphic.com.gh