Launch of Africa-wide free trade zone
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The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to be one of the world’s largest single markets, potentially boosting economic growth across a continent of 55 nations
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AfCFTA agreement (status as of June 5, 2019) 

Ratified or approved by parliament – 24 countries
Signed preliminary endorsement
Preliminary endorsement not signed

1.2bn Approximate population of Africa

$2.5 trillion Combined GDP of all 55 African countries

18% Share of trade by African nations said to be intra-continental (in 2016) – compared with 59% in Asia and 69% in Europe

Yet to sign
Benin, Eritrea and Nigeria

800km 500 miles
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AfCFTA goals and potential

Single continental market
For trade in goods and services

Removal of tariffs: On 90 percent of goods that members produce

Customs union: With free movement of capital and business travellers

52% Rise in intra-continental trade by 2020, according to UN Economic Commission for Africa

$3.6bn In welfare gains to continent through reduction in tariffs, according to UN Conference on Trade and Development
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Sources: African Union, Brookings Institution, UN, World Economic Forum © GRAPHIC NEWS