AfCFTA in Focus: Building the Infrastructure for Continental Trade
US$3.1 Billion Customs Modernisation Agreement
The AfCFTA Secretariat signed a 20-year, US$3.1 billion concession agreement with Nigeria’s Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited. The project will modernise customs systems across approximately 50 African countries.
The initiative aims to transform the AfCFTA’s legal commitments into practical cross-border trade. It will introduce digital customs procedures, standardise border processes and enable secure information-sharing and real-time cargo tracking. It will also support one-stop border posts and modern transit systems.
The project is expected to strengthen revenue protection and reduce delays, revenue leakage and trade misinvoicing. For businesses, it should mean shorter border waiting times, fewer duplicate procedures and more predictable supply chains.
The initiative draws on Nigeria’s public-private partnership model for customs modernisation. Its success will depend on effective coordination among State Parties, national customs administrations and existing regional systems.
US$5.17 Billion AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor
On 31 August 2026, the AfCFTA Secretariat and Quest Ghana Limited signed a joint venture agreement to establish the AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor. The parties reported an estimated project value of US$5.17 billion.
The corridor is intended to create a single digital environment linking African businesses to continental markets. Its proposed components include a digital marketplace, commodities and minerals trading infrastructure, and interoperable cross-border payment systems.
The Republic of Seychelles will provide sovereign support and host the initiative’s headquarters in Victoria. The project could expand digital market access, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Clear governance, financing and implementation arrangements will be essential as the initiative develops.
Africa Quality Mark Supports Mutual Recognition
The Africa Quality Mark, also known as the ARSO Dual Mark, was unveiled during the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation in Mombasa, Kenya. The mark provides a common certification model for products that meet approved African standards. It is intended to reduce duplicate testing, certification and inspection requirements across borders.
A trusted continental quality mark could lower compliance costs and improve market access. Its impact will depend on recognition by national regulators and consistent implementation across State Parties.
Tariff Schedules and Ethiopia’s Early Trade Results
Progress on tariff schedules remains uneven. By late August, 50 countries had submitted tariff schedules to the AfCFTA Secretariat. However, only 16 had comprehensive schedules covering all product categories. Ethiopia nevertheless reported about 23 US million dolllars in AfCFTA trade. More recent Ministry figures recorded exports of over 14.4 US million dollars and imports of about US$8.65 million between October 2025 and May 2026. These results show that preferential trade is expanding. They also underline the need to publish tariff schedules, complete domestic procedures and provide traders with clear information.
Somalia Becomes the 50th State Party to the AfCFTA
On 4 September 2026, Somalia deposited its instrument of ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, becoming its 50th State Party. This milestone strengthens Africa’s drive towards deeper economic integration and creates new opportunities for Somali businesses to participate in intra-African trade and regional value chains.
Local Advocacy for Connectivity and Production
In a public call issued on 30 July and carried into the August policy discussion, the City of Cape Town urged stronger use of the AfCFTA to open African markets for local firms. It highlighted more competitive air access, improved connectivity and increased local manufacturing.The call reflects growing interest from cities and subnational authorities in AfCFTA implementation. Their role is important because firms experience trade barriers through local logistics, infrastructure, regulation and business-support systems.
Building the Next Generation of AfCFTA Leaders
Key events
Brownbag Series on the AfCFTA Protocols
Join us on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 for the next session of the AfCFTA Brownbag Series, an ongoing platform for knowledge-sharing and dialogue on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The next virtual session will focus on the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights. It will take place on 8 September 2026 from 12:30 to 14:00 SAST. Click here to join this important discussion.
The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance participated in the high-level panel during the APORDE programme in Pretoria on 3 September 2026. The high-level panel considered key issues informing the proposed Protocol on Industrial Policy and Development, including the role of manufacturing, opportunities arising from the low-carbon transition and the strategic use of Africa’s critical minerals.