AfCFTA at a Glance
The largest free trade area in the world by number of participating countries
Building the world's largest free trade area by connecting 1.3 billion people across 55 African nations with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion through seamless trade and investment flows.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a landmark trade agreement that came into effect on January 1, 2021, creating a single continental market for goods and services with free movement of business persons and investments.
AfCFTA aims to progressively eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade, liberalize trade in services, and establish mechanisms for the settlement of disputes. It represents Africa's collective ambition to deepen regional integration, boost intra-African trade, and position the continent as a major player in the global economy.
The largest free trade area in the world by number of participating countries
The African Continental Free Trade Area is guided by strategic objectives that drive Africa's economic transformation and integration agenda. These objectives provide the framework for creating a unified economic space that benefits all African nations and their citizens.
Establish a unified market for goods, services, and free movement of business persons and investments across Africa, facilitating deeper economic integration and accelerating the establishment of the Continental Customs Union.
Address the challenges of multiple and overlapping memberships in Regional Economic Communities (RECs), harmonize trade regimes, and create coherent policies that facilitate seamless cross-border economic activities.
Expand trade among African countries by progressively eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers, with the goal of increasing intra-African trade from the current 15-18% to over 50% of Africa's total trade volume.
Enhance the continental market's attractiveness to both domestic and foreign investors by providing predictable regulatory frameworks, improved market access, and opportunities for productive integration across borders.
Improve the competitiveness of African enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, by exploiting opportunities for economies of scale through continental market access and value chain integration.
Promote industrial development, value addition, and economic diversification by enabling African countries to participate in regional and global value chains, fostering technology transfer and skills development.
Transforming Africa's economic landscape through integration, opportunity, and sustainable growth
As the Investment Promotion Agencies Association of West Africa, IPAWAS plays a crucial strategic role in facilitating investment flows and economic integration under the AfCFTA framework.
IPAWAS serves as a vital bridge between the aspirations of AfCFTA and the practical implementation of investment promotion strategies across West Africa. Through coordinated action and strategic partnerships, we ensure that the free trade area translates into tangible investment opportunities and sustainable economic development for our member states.
IPAWAS coordinates investment promotion activities across West African IPAs, facilitating cross-border investments and helping investors navigate the opportunities created by AfCFTA. We provide comprehensive information on investment climates, regulatory frameworks, and sectoral opportunities across the sub-region.
We identify and promote regional value chain opportunities that leverage AfCFTA provisions, connecting businesses across borders and facilitating the development of integrated production networks. This includes supporting clusters in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Active Value Chains
Connected Businesses
IPAWAS implements targeted capacity building initiatives for member IPAs, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to effectively leverage AfCFTA opportunities. We organize workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on AfCFTA implementation strategies and best practices.
We advocate for investment-friendly policies and regulatory harmonization that align with AfCFTA objectives, working closely with ECOWAS institutions and member governments to streamline investment procedures, reduce barriers, and create conducive business environments across West Africa.
Through the West Africa Investment Intelligence System (WAIIS), IPAWAS provides comprehensive data and analytics on AfCFTA-related investment opportunities, trends, and cross-border investment flows. This intelligence helps investors make informed decisions and enables member IPAs to develop targeted promotion strategies.
IPAWAS promotes West Africa as a unified investment destination within the larger AfCFTA market, organizing joint investment missions, trade fairs, and investor forums that showcase the sub-region's collective value proposition to continental and international investors.
We facilitate partnerships between public institutions and private sector actors to develop infrastructure, special economic zones, and industrial parks that support AfCFTA implementation. These partnerships help mobilize resources and expertise for transformative regional projects.
IPAWAS supports existing investors looking to expand their operations across West African borders under AfCFTA, providing aftercare services, facilitating market access, and helping businesses navigate regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.
Partner with IPAWAS to access West Africa's AfCFTA-enabled investment ecosystem.