KEPSA participated in the Private Sector Representatives Training of Trainers Workshop on the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), held from 16^th to 21^st September 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. This workshop focused on strengthening the capacity of the private sector by addressing the intricacies of the AfCFTA, which has been ratified by 48 nations.

The AfCFTA aims to establish a single market for goods and services, facilitated by the free movement of people and capital, paving the way for a future continental customs union. As a flagship project of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the agreement places a strong emphasis on regional integration and includes the following Protocols:

• Trade in Goods
• Trade in Services
• Rules & Procedures for the Settlement of Disputes
• Investment
• Competition Policy
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Digital Trade
• Women and Youth in Trade

It is crucial for the private sector to leverage existing AfCFTA initiatives to successfully implement the agreement. These initiatives include:

• The Online Tariff Negotiations Portal, which facilitates bilateral negotiations between state parties
• The AfCFTA Adjustment Facility, comprising the Base Fund, General Fund, and Credit Fund
• The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System
• The AfCFTA Non-Tariff Barriers Reporting, Monitoring, and Elimination Mechanism
• The AfCFTA E-Tariff Book
• The AfCFTA Digital Hub Platform which integrates e-government platforms
• The AfCFTA Private Sector Registration Portal
• The Africa Collaborative Transit Guarantee Scheme

For businesses to capitalize on AfCFTA’s trade instruments, they should consider the following when planning exports:

• Product of export interest
• Export destination requirements
• Import requirements of the destination country
• Export requirements of the home country
• Utilization of preferential trade terms under different regional economic communities, such as the EAC or COMESA

The following tools can guide businesses through these considerations:

• Africa Trade Observatory
• Trade Map
• UNCTADSTAT for comparative product analysis

The AfCFTA presents a transformative opportunity for businesses across Africa to expand their reach and enhance regional integration. By actively engaging with the outlined tools and initiatives, the private sector can effectively navigate the complexities of the agreement and harness its potential to unlock new markets, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth. Leveraging the AfCFTA's instruments will not only strengthen business competitiveness but also contribute to the broader vision of Africa’s economic development under Agenda 2063.