AfCFTA: status, achievements, opportunities and main obstacles to its implementation

By Danilo Desiderio

A recent publication from AfCFTA Dialogues, a platform dedicated to raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offers a comprehensive analysis of the agreement’s implementation progress. Framed within the African Union’s 2023 theme of accelerating AfCFTA execution, the document outlines the journey leading to its adoption, highlights its achievements and opportunities, and identifies key obstacles hindering its full realization.

It also provides actionable recommendations to address these challenges.

Key Challenges Hindering AfCFTA Implementation

Beyond the widely recognized barriers – such as inadequate infrastructure, restrictions on the free movement of African citizens, and the limited institutional capacity of African states to monitor and regulate border activities – the publication also explores lesser-discussed issues. One particularly significant challenge is the prevailing negative perception of African-made goods among African consumers.

The report notes that many Africans view locally produced goods as inferior to imports from outside the continent, a perception that contributes to the low levels of intra-African trade, which stood at just 14.9 percent according to the African Trade Report 2024 by Afreximbank. Additionally, the document highlights how many African states often prioritize national interests over regional and continental economic integration, further slowing AfCFTA’s progress.

To help overcome these challenges, the report concludes with 13 targeted recommendations for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to fully harness AfCFTA’s potential.

Recommendations for Accelerating AfCFTA Success

A key proposal is to intensify awareness campaigns that educate government officials, businesses, and local communities on the tangible benefits of AfCFTA. This includes hosting town hall meetings, workshops, and information sessions at the grassroots level.

Additionally, businesses should receive guidance on export regulations and market access, along with grants to enhance production facilities – allowing them to compete more effectively in regional and continental markets.

Ensuring inclusivity is another critical recommendation. The report underscores the need for marginalized groups – including women, youth, and rural communities – to have access to trade opportunities.

This can be achieved through targeted initiatives such as business incubators and microfinance programs designed to foster entrepreneurship and economic participation.

Lastly, the document emphasizes the importance of digital transformation in facilitating trade. The development of online platforms for customs clearance and digital payment systems would significantly streamline transactions and encourage intra-African commerce.

By implementing these and other recommendations, African nations can drive deeper economic integration, enhance the competitiveness of their businesses, and improve living standards across the continent – ensuring that no one is left behind in the process.

Danilo Desiderio serves as the CEO of Desiderio Consultants Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in African customs, trade, and transport policies. He is a customs and trade expert at the World Bank and a senior associate to the Horn Economic and Social Policy Institute (HESPI).