African Countries Trading Under African Continental Free Trade Area Growing

By Richard Adorsu-

Photo Credit: African Union

NEW AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS (NABN) Accra Ghana- Countries have commenced guided trading under African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The eight countries are Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Egypt, Mauritius,
Cameroon and Tunisia.

The initiative seeks to test the operational, institutional, legal, and trade policy environment under the AfCFTA, and to send an important positive message to African economic managers.

The guided trade initiative aims to test the readiness of participating state parties under the AfCFTA, demonstrate that the AfCFTA trading documentations are operational and viable and confirm that the Customs and Revenue Authorities of the participating countries under the AfCFTA Agreement are ready to process imports and exports.

It is also expected to serve as a gateway to encourage continued trade under the AfCFTA, resulting in a multiplier effect and increased opportunities for SMEs, youth and women in trade and ultimately establishing sustainable and inclusive economic development.

These countries were selected to represent the five African Union regions, namely: Western, Central, Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa respectively.

The guided trade initiative facilitates trade under AfCFTA include horticultural products, pharmaceuticals, rubber, aluminum kitchenware, sugar, steel and wooden products. Duty-free and quota-free trading, these products originating from Africa will enjoy duty-free and quota-free trading among the partnering countries.

Tariff schedules, according to the AfCFTA Secretariat, participation in the guided trade initiative depends on whether countries have submitted their tariff schedules in accordance with the agreed modalities to trade preferentially amongst themselves.

Launching the guided trade initiative in Accra, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Wamkele Mene, said “this is the moment the founding mothers and fathers of the Organization of African Unity have longed for.

“We have finally honored and made reality the vision of those who liberated our continent.”

“We are connecting East Africa to West Africa, North Africa to Southern Africa. Trade will be the driver of inclusivity, creating opportunities for young Africans.

“So we have taken the first journey today, and I hope in 15 years, will have succeeded in lifting millions and millions of Africans out of poverty.”

Mr. Mene, said the launch was marked with a total of 96 products traded by eight countries and the number is expected to “double” or “triple” by next year.

Africa’s economic development at stake, He said it is more than just a legal test and more than just ratification because it is Africa’s development at stake. “I am extremely proud that we are able to demonstrate to ourselves as Africans that we have the capacity and inclination to achieve this,” he said.

More countries expressing interest. Mr. Mene announced that more and more state parties are expressing interest as they conclude the process of domesticating the AfCFTA in their law.

East African member states have dominated the list of countries that have domesticated AfCFTA adequately to facilitate commencement of trade under the trading bloc’s framework. Three out of the eight countries that have set the stage for trading under AfCFTA are from East Africa.

For New Africa Business News Richard Adorsu Reports,  Africa Correspondent