This New Year arrived like no other. Across the world, the dawn of 2021 has been overshadowed by distress, fear, uncertainty, and the hardships caused by the novel coronavirus. Africa has not been spared either, registering close to 3 million Covid-19 cases and over 65, 400 deaths as of last Friday. And, the race is on for countries around the world to secure vaccines for their people as early as possible with slim hope of a return to normality later in the year. Yet, away from the pandemic and its problems, the beginning of the New Year marked a momentous milestone for the African continent, with the start of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. The agreement establishing one of the world’s largest free trade zones was signed at a historic event in Kigali on March 18, 2018, fuelling hope and optimism in the potential of an integrated, prosperous, and influential continent. So far, up to 54 countries have signed the framework, with 34 of them going on to deposit their instruments of ratification, while at least 41 countries/customs unions have submitted their tariff offers, which speaks to renewed momentum toward the promise of a truly vibrant African continent. Now, African leaders have signed countless agreements – often amid fanfare and hope – since the wave of independence first swept through the continent some 60 years ago but there is little to show for many, if not most, of them. Africa remained fragmented with small, largely unsustainable, uncompetitive, and undeveloped economies and markets, which only continued to be exploited by the industrialised world. However, in AfCFTA, Africans have a historic opportunity to break down barriers to intra-Africa trade and continental integration that were instituted by colonial and neo-colonial systems, and finally reclaim Africa’s future. But the impressive political will and inspiring leadership witnessed throughout the process that led up to the launch of the AfCFTA trading phase will all come to nothing if countries or their citizens dither during this most important stage of implementation. Now is time to follow through on all of the AfCFTA promises, commitments, and roadmaps. In particular, governments need to work closely with their respective businesses and citizens and ensure they fully understand and make the most of the advantages that AfCFTA presents them, and to do everything to ensure that the framework achieves its objectives.
