Intra-African Trade Hits $220.3 Billion, but AfCFTA Rollout Lags

Africa is being urged to speed up implementation of the AfCFTA as trade within the continent hits a record high, with experts warning that weak infrastructure, remaining tariffs and poor policy coordination could undermine its benefits. Intra‑African trade surged to an estimated $220.3 billion in 2024, representing a roughly 12.4 per cent increase from the previous year, according to Afreximbank’s African Trade Report. Despite the growth, intra‑regional commerce still accounts for only 15 to 18 per cent of Africa’s total trade, well below Europe and Asia. By comparison, Africa’s total merchandise trade including dealings with the European Union, China and other external partners stood at about $1.5 trillion in 2024, highlighting the continent’s continued reliance on global markets even as regional commerce grows.