Intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has jumped by 50 percent in 2026, reaching $120 billion, according to AfCFTA Secretariat.
The free trade area, launched in 2021 and covering 54 countries with 1.4 billion people, is finally showing results after slow start. Tariffs on 90 percent of goods have been removed, and new payment system PAPSS allows instant payments in local currencies.
Nigeria exported $8 billion worth of manufactured goods to Ghana and Kenya, including Dangote cement and BUA foods. Kenya exported tea and flowers to West Africa, while South Africa sold cars to East Africa.
Small businesses benefit most. Traders at Onitsha Main Market in Nigeria and Kariakoo Market in Tanzania now ship goods across borders with single AfCFTA certificate, cutting customs time from 7 days to 2 days.
The African Development Bank says AfCFTA could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty by 2035. New rail line from Lagos to Abidjan and road corridor from Mombasa to Dakar support trade.
Challenges remain, including non-tariff barriers and poor infrastructure. But experts say AfCFTA is Africa's best chance to industrialize and stop depending on Europe and China for markets.
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