Tariffs, rules of origin new hurdles to Africa's trade area

Border

A border crossing in Rwanda. AfCFTA stands to unlock about $60 billion in cross-border trade. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The implementation phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which went live on January 1, is still bogged down by technicalities as key provisions of the agreement are yet to be concluded.

The technical provisions that are proving to be a hurdle to trade are the rules of origin, the tariff offer and Customs Union.