It is now official.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement entered into force on May 30.
This is after the required number of ratifications were deposited and this means the deal is now a binding international legal instrument.
Africa Union Commissioner for Trade and Industry tweeted, ‘Historic milestone! #AfCFTA Agreement has today come into force. We celebrate the triumph of bold, pragmatic & continent-wide commitment 2 economic integration. We launch market on 7 July, 2019 & begin the journey of transformation 2 secure inclusive prosperity.
Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry African Union Commission PHOTO COURTESY
AU commission chairman Moussa Faki congratulated Ambassador Muchanga and his team for ensuring the AfCTA got into force “in a record 18months,ushering in the world ‘s largest trading market of 1,2 billion people with a combined GDP of $2,5trillion.”
A”Today is a historical win for the Africa We Want,” he said.
Mark Ramsden, the New Zealand ambassador to Ethiopia and AU said, ” This is great news. Congratulations to @_AfricanUnion for its leadership on continental integration and to those states which have brought #AfCFTA to life. Now the hard work begins!!”.
