African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Resources
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) facilitates intra-African trade and regional value chains. It creates a liberalized, single market for goods and services and facilitates investment and the movement of people and capital throughout Africa.
Our Market Intelligence Reports explain the progress and latest developments on the AfCFTA:
Updates
- Update on Guided Trade Initiative and Phase II Protocols (November 2024)
- Update on the Digital Trade Protocol (November 2024)
- Troubleshooting Commercial Matters under the AfCFTA (November 2024)
Basics
- AfCFTA Basics (March 2022)
- AfCFTA Concrete Business Opportunities (March 2022)
Investment
- AfCFTA Investment Protocol (June 2024)
- AfCFTA Investment Landscape (July 2024)
National-Level Implementation
- Kenya National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy (September 2022)
- Ghana Implements AfCFTA Hub (January 2023
Non-Tariff Barriers
- AfCFTA Tackles Non-Tariff Barriers (April 2022)
Payments
- Pan African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) (May 2022)
- Pan Africa Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) Update (December 2023)
Services
- AfCFTA Market Openings in Services (May 2022)
Trade in Goods / Tools for Traders
- Launching of AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, eTariff Book and Rules of Origin Guide (August 2022)
- Africa Trade Observatory Data Portal for Exporters (August 2023)
- Update on the Guided Trade Initiative (status of trade with reduced tariffs) (April 2024)
Role of the AfCFTA Secretariat:
The AfCFTA Secretariat coordinates and facilitates the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement among African states. It also engages stakeholders to promote the AfCFTA and undertakes trade and investment promotion activities to enhance intra-African trade, among other duties.
The AfCFTA Secretariat’s location in Accra, Ghana is seen by many as an opportunity for Ghana to become the commercial hub of West Africa and beyond. Many international companies view Ghana as a vibrant market itself, but also as a springboard for entry and expansion in the wider African market.
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana at email: office.accra@trade.gov and telephone: +233(0)30-274-1870 can assist U.S. companies to do business in Ghana and understand developments related to the AfCFTA, including the commercial opportunities it creates.