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AfCFTA


ITUC-Africa seeks inclusion of exclusive protocol on labour
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has submitted a petition demanding a people-centred African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with a stand-alone protocol on labour and social clauses.
AfCFTA | bank of Algeria joins PAPSS network as Algeria prepares to host Intra-African Trade Fair 2025
Algeria now becomes the 18th country of presence for PAPSS, marking a significant step in advancing Africa’s journey towards deeper financial integration. Algeria’s accession to PAPSS comes at a moment when the nation prepares to host the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) from September 4-10 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
Ethiopia issues AfCFTA tariff rules but excludes coffee and key services off tariff-free list
After years of hesitation, Ethiopia has finally taken a decisive step toward joining the AfCFTA. Nearly six years after ratifying the agreement, the country has published regulations in the Negarit Gazette outlining which goods and services will benefit from tariff concessions.
New white elephants in Africa?
The third summit on financing African infrastructure development is set to take place in Luanda from 28 to 31 October 2025. It aims to mobilise capital from Africa and elsewhere to strengthen the corridor strategy and boost investment in infrastructure to increase trade within the AfCFTA.
Ghana champions continental standards reform to anchor african free trade
Ghana is spearheading this transformation through a German-backed upgrade of its national measurement capabilities. Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare revealed the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is elevating its metrology services to National Metrology Institute (NMI) status with support from Germany’s Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).
‘It ain’t feasible’: Ethiopia rules out EAC bid, roots for continental free trade
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Investments noted that joining the EAC would demand harmonization of trade policies and revenue-sharing frameworks—changes that could strain Ethiopia’s economic structure if implemented prematurely.
Trade : AfCFTA launches digital customs platform to boost Intra-African Commerce
On July 17, 2025, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) launched its long-awaited digital customs platform, designed to cut border processing times by 65%. The system integrates with national tax authorities across 15 initial member states.
UK unveils new trade reforms to boost African exports, intra-continental trade
African exporters and entrepreneurs are set to benefit from a new package of trade reforms unveiled by the United Kingdom, aimed at simplifying access to the UK market and strengthening economic ties with developing countries.
Algeria eyes deeper intra-African trade via gas pipeline, infrastructure links
Algeria is working to expand its share of intra-African trade by leveraging opportunities created under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Foreign Trade and Export Promotion Minister Kamal Rezig said during the Algeria Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow.
AfCFTA adjustment fund credit fund commits US$ 10m in Telecel Global Services Ltd
The Credit Fund of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund has successfully closed its first investment, committing US$10 million to Telecel Global Services Ltd, through a senior secured amortising loan. The transaction marks a significant milestone in the operationalisation of the Fund.
Namibia enters AfCFTA market with salt export
For the first time since Namibia ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, a locally produced consignment of salt left the port of Walvis Bay on Monday.
South Africa ratifies AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade
South Africa has formally ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, marking a decisive policy shift towards inclusive economic reform across the continent.
AfCFTA annexes under wraps as talks continue behind closed doors
African governments are deep in consultations over new annexes to the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to sources aware of the negotiations. Though what exactly is on the table remains largely opaque.
EU commits €1.1 billion to boost AfCFTA as Job creation, MSMEs take centre stage
The European Union (EU) has committed about €1.1 billion to help the African Union (AU) implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a key agreement aimed at boosting trade across Africa.
EU launches €6m project to hasten ethiopian AfCFTA participation
The European Union has launched a six million Euro project geared towards kickstarting Ethiopia’s belated participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Ethiopia conducts last validation workshop on implementation of AfCFTA
The last validation workshop of Ethiopia’s African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation Strategy was conducted today with a view to finalizing the roadmap for the country’s engagement with the free trade area.
Trading away tax sovereignty? How trade rules shape taxation of the digital economy in Africa
The advent of digital and data-driven business models has heightened the risks of tax base erosion and evasion, adversely affecting revenue generation, economic recovery, and advancement of tax justice in African economies. We develop a framework examining how trade rules on services, electronic transmissions, and digital products shape the ability of African countries to tax their digital economies.
AfCFTA & digital governance
Africa’s AfCFTA quietly adopted a controversial digital trade protocol, mirroring outdated U.S. tech rules that risk undermining data sovereignty and regulatory power.
Kenya, Ethiopia agree to build cross-border infrastructure
Kenya and Ethiopia have agreed to work on cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing bilateral trade.