In support of AfCFTA initiatives, the U.S. Africa Business Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with AmCham Ghana, led a delegation to the AfCFTA Secretariat. The visit aimed to promote intra-African trade in agri-tech, automotive, and digital infrastructure, gain insight into AfCFTA’s progress, and address current challenges.
During the discussions, the Secretariat’s Director of Coordination and Programs Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD) noted that Africa accounts for only 2% of global trade, underscoring the urgent need for AfCFTA to expand intra-African trade and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). He highlighted the importance of increased investment to unlock the continent’s market potential.
The Director also emphasized the growing role of drone technology in healthcare logistics and technology transfer. He confirmed that 49 member states have signed on to implement the agreement, with the exceptions being Benin, Eritrea, Libya, South Sudan, and Somalia. Negotiations are 90% complete, and the focus has now shifted to implementation.
Key achievements include 48 provisional tariff schedules and a 94.43% completion rate in trade and growth talks, with textile and bottling sectors still under negotiation. Agreements have also been reached in investment policies, intellectual property, and digital trade.
Notably, there will be no customs duties on electronic transmissions, and cross-border data transfers will be permitted without restrictions, subject to safeguards currently under discussion with member states.
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