Policy, Progress and the People behind the AfCFTA

19 May 2026
ISSUE 10
19 May 2026

 Unlocking Trade Efficiency: The AfCFTA Trade in Goods Web Platform

The agreement to liberalise tariffs by 90% with a staggered five-year transition period for sensitive products is a significant milestone in this shift. To facilitate this, member states are actively using the AfCFTA Trade in Goods web platform to submit and manage tariff offers, reflecting a shift toward more transparent and coordinated trade administration.

Powering Intra-African Trade: Advancing the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) 

PAPSS

At the same time, efforts to modernise trade systems are gaining momentum. The growth of the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) is reducing dependency on third-party currencies, allowing for faster and more cost-effective cross-border transactions. However, progress in digital integration is unequal. As of early 2026, 22 nations had yet to join the Digital Trade Protocol, a fundamental tool for harmonizing laws on data transfers, e-commerce, and digital payments, all of which are essential components of a competitive continental market.

 Connecting Africa's Skies: Advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) 

SAATM

Strategic alignment at the highest levels is also gaining traction. African leaders advanced negotiations on the "Three Pillars, One Integration Agenda," which links AfCFTA implementation with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Free Movement Protocol. This integrated approach seeks to maximize synergies between trade, mobility, and connectivity.

Empowering Growth: Supporting Africa's Private Sector 

Empowering growth

Supporting the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), remains critical to the AfCFTA's success. On April 15, 2026, the African Development Fund granted 1.7 billion CFA francs to boost private sector competitiveness and allow more enterprises to participate meaningfully in continental trade.

Deepening Ties: The Evolving Landscape of Africa–China Relations

Externally, evolving global collaborations are influencing Africa's trade landscape. Notably, China's intention to provide 53 African countries 100% tariff-free access from May 1, 2026, is projected to have an impact on export dynamics, industrial policy, and trade facilitation tactics across the continent.

Financing Africa’s Future: Advancing the New African Financial Architecture (NAFAD)

Looking ahead, financing and risk management will remain essential enablers. Ongoing conversations around the New African Financial Architecture (NAFAD) are exploring strategies to strengthen local capital markets and use de-risking tools to encourage investment into key areas like green energy, digital innovation, and agriculture.

Key events

  • Webinar Series on the AfCFTA Protocols: The next session of the webinar series is on 9 June 2026. Join us for the upcoming AfCFTA Brownbag Webinar, where we will explore key developments in the implementation of the AfCFTA, with a focus on the Protocol on Settlement of Disputes. This session will bring together experts and practitioners to unpack practical insights on advancing intra-African trade and strengthening regional value chains.
  • AfCFTA Staff Training (12-15 May) is a dedicated programme aimed at strengthening capacity and deepening understanding of AfCFTA implementation among key stakeholders.
  • Launch of the Cotton, Textiles and Apparel Regional Value Chain (17 May 2026) Lome, Togo: the official launch of the Cotton, Textiles and Apparel (CTA) Regional Value Chain, marking a significant milestone in advancing regional industrialisation and intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.

Research spotlight

Ismail, F. WTO Reform and Trump 2.0: Will Plurilaterals Rebuild or Fragment the Global Trade Regime? The Road to Yaoundé and Beyond MC14.