The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is rapidly shifting from a policy ambition to a reality, with an increase in national-level activities underscoring Africa’s commitment to economic integration.
Recent developments in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Angola, actively supported by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlight the growing momentum to operationalise the world’s largest free trade area.
The updates from these three nations, in particular, demonstrate that the AfCFTA is activating diverse economies, strengthening implementation frameworks, and laying the groundwork for inclusive economic transformation.
Ethiopia: Historic Transformative Trade Leap
Perhaps the most resonant progress comes from Ethiopia, a country traditionally focused on domestic development and not previously part of any formal free trade area.
In a landmark achievement, Ethiopia executed its historic first shipment of goods to Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa under AfCFTA preferential terms in the last two weeks.
This is more than a single trade transaction; it is a transformative leap that repositions the country for economic diversification and deeper regional connectivity.
For Ethiopia, leveraging AfCFTA terms signals a fundamental shift in its approach to trade, opening its industries to a vast new continental market.
The ECA, which received a certificate of appreciation from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade for its collaborative support, has been instrumental in this progress, aiding the development and practical application of the national implementation strategy.
Sierra Leone: Translating Policy into Practice
In West Africa, Sierra Leone has focused on bridging the gap between national policy and commercial application. The country recently hosted a high-level regional conference titled “From Policy to Practice” to accelerate its national AfCFTA implementation strategy.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, the private sector, the AfCFTA Secretariat led by H.E. Wamkele Mene, and major development partners.
This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that implementation is holistic, addressing regulatory challenges while building private sector capacity to seize new export opportunities.
Sierra Leone’s proactive convening demonstrates a focused commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem where businesses can readily leverage the agreement’s terms.
Angola: Building the Foundational Roadmap
In Southern Africa, Angola is laying crucial foundational work. The nation recently kicked off the development of its national AfCFTA Implementation Strategy and Action Plan with a multi-stakeholder forum.
This consultative process is vital to tailor the AfCFTA’s pan-African goals to Angola’s specific economic context. By engaging diverse voices from the outset, the country is ensuring buy-in and establishing a robust, locally-owned roadmap.
The goal is to have a validated strategy and action plan by February 2026, setting a clear timeline for the operational launch of its AfCFTA participation.
The ECA as an Engine of Continental Support
The Economic Commission for Africa affirmed its pride in supporting these nations, stressing that these national stories are part of a larger, continent-wide movement.
The ECA’s support package is comprehensive and targeted, focusing on the practical steps needed to turn policy into profit through:
Developing national implementation strategies, building capacity for both public officials and the private sector, and creating practical guides specifically for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), ensuring that the benefits of the AfCFTA reach the grassroots level of the economy.
These national victories exemplify a continental movement to turn the promise of the AfCFTA, a market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion, into tangible progress. They solidify trade as the foundational mechanism for sustainable development, economic diversification, and shared prosperity across Africa.