African Continental Free Trade Area

• In what city was the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area launched?

  Niamey
• In what country is Niamey?

  Niger
• On what date was the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area launched?

  July 7, 2019
• What was the 12th Extraordinary summit of the African Union the occasion for?

  Launching AfCFTA's operational phase
• When was the AfCFTA agreement adopted and opened for signature?

  March 21, 2018
• In what city was the AfCFTA agreement adopted and opened for signature?

  Kigali
• When did the AfCFTA agreement enter into force?

  May 30, 2019
• How many countries had ratified the AfCFTA instruments as of July 7th, 2019?

  27
• How many countries had signed the AfCFTA but not yet ratified it as of July 7th, 2019?

  28
• Which member state was yet to sign the AfCFTA agreement as of July 7th, 2019?

  Eritrea
• Which country was selected to host the AfCFTA secretariat?

  Ghana
• How many key instruments were adopted during the launch of the AfCFTA's operational phase?

  Five
• What are the five key instruments adopted during the launch of the operational phase of the AfCFTA?

  • The Rules of Origin
  • The Tariff concessions
  • The online mechanism on monitoring, reporting and elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs)
  • The Pan-African payment and settlement system
  • The African Trade Observatory
• What is the purpose of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin?

  Govern duty-free trade conditions
• What percentage of tariff liberalization was agreed upon, with a deadline of July 1st, 2020?

  90%
• How many years is the transition period for liberalizing the additional 7% of "sensitive products" under the AfCFTA tariff concessions?

  5 years
• According to the document, what is the goal of the online mechanism for monitoring, reporting, and eliminating NTBs?

  To ensure their elimination
• How long is the total period for liberalizing the additional 7% of "sensitive products" under the AfCFTA tariff concessions?

  10 year
• What is the main purpose of the Pan-African payment and settlement system?

  Facilitate payments in local currency
• What is the primary goal of the African Trade Observatory?

  Address hindrances to trade information
• What kind of information will the African Trade Observatory provide?

  Opportunities, statistics, and exporter/importer data
• Why is the AfCFTA considered a significant development for Africa?

  It's the largest free trade area
• What is Africa's current population, according to the document?

  1.2 billion
• What is Africa's projected population by 2050, according to the document?

  2.5 billion
• What are some of the expected benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area?

  • Increasing trade among African countries
  • Stimulating production through regional value chains
  • Strengthening the capacities of African companies to access and supply world markets
  • Strengthening African’s economic and commercial diplomacy
• What is the current range of trade among African countries?

  15-18%
• What is the aim of stimulating production through the development of regional value chains?

  To supply the market
• What is the primary role of the AfCFTA secretariat?

  Facilitate the efficient conduct of business
• When was the commencement of trading within the AfCFTA originally slated for?

  July 1st, 2020
• What are some of the responsibilities of the AfCFTA Secretariat?

  Develop work program, budget, implement decisions
• Until the AfCFTA secretariat is fully operational in Ghana, which body will serve as the interim secretariat?

  The AU Commission
• What does AfCFTA stand for?

  African Continental Free Trade Area
• Who is H.E. Abdel Fattah al-Sissi?

  President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
• Who is Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah?

  Chairperson of Afreximbank
• What are Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)?

  Hindrances to intra-African trade
• What is the expected impact of AfCFTA on manufacturing and agro-processing in Africa?

  Stimulation and supply to market
• What is the goal of strengthening African's economic and commercial diplomacy through AfCFTA?

  To improve international trade relations