Accra, Ghana, 21 March 2025 – Today marks seven years since 44 African Union Member States signed the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Kigali, Rwanda. Since then, 54 countries have signed and 48 have ratified the Agreement, making the AfCFTA the most rapidly ratified instrument in the history of the African Union.

With the legal foundation firmly in place, the AfCFTA is now actively shaping Africa’s trade landscape by expanding market access, strengthening trade corridors and unlocking cross-border investment opportunities. Tools such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund and the E-Tariff Book are enhancing the ease and efficiency of trade across the continent.

The AfCFTA Agreement and its protocols on Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights, Digital Trade, and Women and Youth in Trade form a comprehensive, rules-based framework to drive economic transformation. The Dispute Settlement Mechanism reinforces transparency and fosters investor confidence across State Parties.

AfCFTA is more than a trade agreement. It is a bold step toward economic sovereignty, self-reliance and sustainable growth. As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to working with like-minded partners to accelerate implementation and create a truly integrated African market.

While progress has been significant, implementation remains our top priority. Africa’s trade future is no longer a distant vision. It is here.

Happy 7th anniversary to the AfCFTA.