Who / What
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a free trade area that encompasses most of Africa. It was established in 2018, creating the largest free‑trade area by number of member states after the World Trade Organization.
Background & History
AfCFTA was founded by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which gathers 43 parties and an additional 11 signatories. These agreements make it the largest free‑trade area by population and geographic size, spanning 1.3 billion people across the continent. The agreement was brokered by the African Union and signed by 44 of its 55 member states in Kigali, Rwanda on March 21, 2018.
Why Notable
AfCFTA is the largest free-trade area in Africa, covering 1.3 billion people and surpassing the World Trade Organization in member-state count. Its extensive geographic scope covers the world’s second largest continent, promoting economic integration and trade liberalization among African nations. Through this framework, member countries aim to boost intra‑continental trade, reduce barriers, and enhance regional economic growth.
In the News
AfCFTA continues to shape economic policy across the African continent and remains a focal point for regional development plans. Discussions around its implementation and impact on trade dynamics highlight its ongoing significance to policymakers and businesses alike.
